Verizon Business has unveiled its 18th annual Data Breach Investigations Report, revealing that system intrusions now account for 80% of data breaches in the Asia Pacific region, a significant increase from 38% the previous year.
The report, which analysed over 22,000 security incidents across 139 countries, underscores the escalating cyber threats facing both private and public sectors in Singapore and beyond.
The report highlights that espionage-motivated breaches are also on the rise, posing a direct threat to Singapore’s strategic sectors, including finance, technology, and biotechnology. This comes as the nation braces for increased digital and political scrutiny. The findings are based on data from global security agencies, including the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, the US Secret Service, and Cyber Security Australia.
Verizon’s report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities organisations face, particularly with the growing reliance on third-party vendors. “The role that third-party relationships play in how and why breaches occur is noteworthy,” the report states, emphasising the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
As Singapore and the wider APAC region prepare for a period of heightened digital activity, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the cyber risks that organisations must navigate. With system intrusions and vulnerability exploitation on the rise, the report calls for increased vigilance and collaboration to bolster cybersecurity defences.
In conclusion, the 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report paints a concerning picture of the current cyber threat landscape, urging organisations to prioritise security measures to protect against the growing tide of system intrusions and espionage activities.
