A recent study by Kaspersky has highlighted that supply chain attacks are the most prevalent cyberthreat globally, impacting 31% of businesses over the past year. In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, these attacks are notably common, with China, Vietnam, and India among the most affected. Singapore, however, stands out for being the most targeted by trusted relationship attacks, with one in three organisations experiencing such incidents in the last 12 months.
The study, commissioned by Kaspersky’s internal market research centre, underscores the vulnerabilities in today’s interconnected digital landscape. Large enterprises, which manage an average of 100 suppliers, are particularly susceptible, with 36% reporting supply chain attacks. Trusted relationship attacks, where attackers exploit legitimate connections between organisations, have also been significant, affecting 25% of companies globally.
Despite the frequency of these threats, many organisations underestimate their severity. Only 9% of businesses globally consider supply chain attacks their top concern, whilst just 8% prioritise trusted relationship attacks. This underestimation could hinder adequate cybersecurity investments, leaving firms vulnerable.
Kaspersky’s Head of Security Operations Centre, Sergey Soldatov, emphasised the need for an ecosystem-wide security approach. Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, noted the urgent need for robust defences across APAC’s interconnected supply chains.
To mitigate these risks, Kaspersky recommends evaluating suppliers’ cybersecurity policies, implementing security audits, adopting preventive measures like zero trust, and developing incident response plans. These steps are crucial for maintaining business resilience in the face of growing cyberthreats.
