Global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has reported a significant rise in brute-force attacks targeting businesses in Southeast Asia, with over 53 million incidents detected and blocked in 2024. Singapore, saw 4,250,099 attacks.
This method, which involves systematically guessing passwords or encryption keys, remains a popular tactic among cybercriminals aiming to gain unauthorised access to corporate networks.
The report highlights a worrying trend in Malaysia and Indonesia, where the number of attacks increased by 14% and 25% respectively compared to 2023. Malaysia saw attacks rise from 2,810,648 in 2023 to 3,198,767 in 2024, whilst Indonesia experienced 14,662,615 attacks, up from 11,703,925 the previous year.
Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, noted the scale of the threat, stating, “On a daily basis, we are looking at more than 145,000 attempts to break enterprises and SMBs’ passwords and encryptions in SEA. That’s a lot given the current shortage of cybersecurity staff in the region.”
The use of Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), a Microsoft tool for remote access, is a common target for these attacks. Kaspersky advises businesses to enhance their cybersecurity measures, including using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and employing reliable security solutions like Kaspersky Next EDR Optimum.
With advancements in Artificial Intelligence aiding cybercriminals, the urgency for businesses to reassess their IT security posture is paramount. As Hia emphasised, the potential repercussions of a successful attack could be severe, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity strategies.
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