Kaspersky has revealed a dramatic 111% increase in spyware attacks on Singapore-based organisations in 2025, marking the highest surge in Southeast Asia. The cybersecurity firm detected 30,691 attacks in Singapore alone, contributing to a regional total of 818,939 incidents—an 18% rise from the previous year.
The alarming increase in spyware activity highlights a shift in cybercriminal tactics, with attackers now focusing on intelligence gathering rather than mere business disruption. Simon Tung, General Manager for ASEAN and Asia Emerging Countries at Kaspersky, noted, “We are seeing a rise in targeted intelligence gathering in SEA, turning corporate networks into rich hunting grounds for sensitive information.”
Spyware, which is secretly installed on computers to collect data, poses significant risks by enabling data breaches and compromising network performance. The Philippines and Malaysia also saw substantial increases in spyware attacks, with rises of 85% and 75%, respectively. In contrast, Thailand experienced a 53% decline.
A notable incident in March 2025, dubbed Operation ForumTroll, involved a cyberespionage campaign exploiting a Chrome vulnerability to infiltrate various sectors, including media and finance. Attackers used phishing emails to deploy spyware tools like LeetAgent and Dante, underscoring the sophisticated nature of modern cyber threats.
To combat these threats, Kaspersky advises organisations to keep software updated, secure remote desktop services, and utilise advanced security products. Regular data backups and staying informed about threat actor tactics are also recommended to mitigate risks.
