Southeast Asia Becomes Biggest Target Of Ransomware Attacks

Illustration (Image Credit: Markus Spikse / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that cyber attacks targeting Southeast Asia increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vulnerability of internet sites has become a place for cybercriminals to exploit data.

Kaspersky's Director for Global Research and Analysis (GReAT) Team Asia Pacific, Vitaly Kamluk, said that cybercriminals made "extortion" through ransomware. He also confirmed that there are many ransomware groups operating in the Southeast Asia region and have targeted several industrial sectors.

“2020 is not like any other year. This year is not only a time of change, but also of changing times themselves. This year has changed the way we travel, the way we shop, the way we interact with each other, "said Vitaly Kamluk in a virtual discussion, Wednesday, October 7.

Kamluk also said that the computer threat model has come a long way since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In addition, Kamluk explained how cybercriminals carry out ransomware attacks as their weapon to ask victims to pay a ransom.

One of the biggest ransomware groups doing its thing in the Southeast Asia region is Maze. This group often leaks data on victims who refuse to pay ransom.

"We are monitoring the increase in Maze detection globally, even among some companies in Southeast Asia, which means this trend is gaining momentum," said Kamluk.

Furthermore, Kamluk also confirmed the existence of another ransomware group targeting the Southeast Asian region. Some of them target ransomware attacks on state companies, aerospace and engineering, steel sheet manufacturing and trading, beverage companies, palm products, hotels and accommodation services, and IT services.

Kamluk strongly advises companies and organizations not to pay any ransom when experiencing a ransomware attack. He asked the victims to immediately coordinate with law enforcement agencies to minimize extortion.

Kamluk also reminded internet users to always back up their data, including always preparing adequate cybersecurity. "Remember that it is also better to back up the data that you have, placing cybersecurity defenses appropriately is a way to avoid becoming a victim of these cybercriminals," he concluded.