New Technology Adoption In Indonesia Is Highest In The World, Online Threat Is Also Highest In Southeast Asia

The adoption of popular new technologies in Indonesia has increased rapidly since the beginning of 2022. (photo: doc. Kaspersky)

JAKARTA - Adoption of popular new technologies in Indonesia has increased rapidly since early 2022. In fact, according to a recent World Bank report, technology adoption in business in Indonesia is the highest in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.

However, the adoption of this latest technology still requires greater security vigilance and awareness from all stakeholders from the corporate sector, government, and users.

The reason behind this is that cybercriminals are aware of the opportunities that new technologies open for their malicious actions.

For example, nearly 12 million online threats targeted users in Indonesia during the first three months of 2022, according to Kaspersky's latest telemetry.

During the period from January to March 2022, Kaspersky products detected and blocked as many as 11,802,558 different cyber threats transmitted via the Internet on computers of KSN (Kaspersky Security Networks) users in Indonesia.

Overall, 27.6% of domestic users were targeted by web-based threats in this period.

This is an increase of 22% compared to 9,639,740 attempts in the same period last year and only a slight decrease (2%) from the last quarter (October to December) last year.

This places Indonesia at 60th worldwide and first in Southeast Asia in terms of the dangers posed by surfing the web.

Reduced local threats emanating from removable media or other offline methods

From January to March 2022, Kaspersky products detected as many as 14,047,376 local incidents on the computers of KSN participants in Indonesia.

Overall, 29.9% of domestic users were attacked by local threats during this period and represents a decrease of 40% over the same period last year and also a decrease of 15% compared to the last quarter of last year.

This reduction in local threats can be attributed to ongoing remote work which minimizes the use of removable devices in the office, significantly.

“Cyber attacks whether carried out through online or offline tactics are proven to target individuals and businesses of all shapes and sizes. The emergence of various digitalization trends in Indonesia recently is an encouraging development,” Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, said in a release to VOI.

“We are seeing more and more people embracing NFT, Crypto Transactions, Metaverse and even the fast growing investment lifestyle among the younger generation. This trend must also be greeted with vigilance from all parties involved, because cybercriminals are always waiting for the next trend to be exploited,” added Yeo Siang Tiong.

To avoid online threats, Kaspersky experts advise online users for several things.

Think hard before clicking suspicious links in emails or text messages. Do not open emails from unknown senders until you can verify their authenticity. Only download apps from official stores like Google Play. This will not provide full security guarantees, but the risk of encountering a Trojan will be much lower. Apps from third-party marketplaces are exactly where hackers plant their malware-laden apps. Remember to install system and application updates - they will patch vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. Enter your username and password only over secure connections. Avoid logging into online banks and similar services over public Wi-Fi networks. Always run the system with the latest and quality anti-malware program. Be careful with free antivirus trials as it could be malware in disguise and targeting your mobile device. Affordable Android security software is available from trusted vendors and effectively performs the task of blocking malicious apps.

For companies to continue to protect their businesses from the latest cyberthreats, Kaspersky recommends the following:

Educate all employees about cybersecurity through cyber awareness training. You and all employees must understand all the rules and possibilities regarding anything from passwords to customer privacy, from physical security technologies to data classification. Set tiered access levels, granting permission only to those who need it at each level. Install comprehensive security software for every server, PC, and other device Implement the use of legitimate software, downloaded from official sources. Back up critical data and update IT equipment and applications regularly to avoid unparalleled vulnerabilities that could lead to breaches. Incorporating global threat-related material into enterprise systems can provide in-depth visibility into cyberthreats targeting organizations.