While Cybersecurity Awareness Month (opens a new window) may be behind us, its message remains strong and relevant. As cyberattacks continue to surge across Asia, organizations should proactively reinforce their cybersecurity strategies and bolster cyber resilience.
Cyberattacks in Asia on the Rise
According to the IBM X-Force 2025 Threat Intelligence Index, the Asia-Pacific region experienced the highest number of cyberattacks in 2024, accounting for nearly one-third of all reported incidents globally.
The manufacturing sector emerged as the most targeted industry in APAC, accounting for 40% of reported incidents, followed by finance and insurance (16%) and transportation (11%). Alarmingly, nearly one in four incidents resulted in stolen data or compromised credentials.
Another IBM report revealed that the average cost of a data breach in ASEAN was USD 3.67 million, with Japan and South Korea reporting costs of USD 3.65 million and USD 2.84 million, respectively.
Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures
Employees are the first line of defense against cyber threats. Organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture by implementing the following initiatives:
Phishing simulations: Test employee responses with mock phishing emails to build awareness and improve threat recognition.
Cybersecurity training: Educate employees on key topics such as social engineering, data classification, and data privacy best practices.
Clear acceptable use policy and cybersecurity policy: Ensure employees understand the secure usage protocols for devices and organizational data.
Incident reporting procedure: Provide clear steps for identifying, responding to, and reporting cyber incidents.
Risk assessment: Regularly evaluate potential cyber threats and vulnerabilities within the organization.
Why Cyber Liability Insurance
Beyond fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, cyber liability insurance is critical for long-term risk management.
A robust cyber liability insurance policy typically includes:
First-party coverage: Cover costs related to incident investigation, data recovery, and business interruption.
Third-party coverage: Protects against legal liabilities arising from data breaches or regulatory violations.
To stay resilient in the face of rising cyber threats, organizations must combine strong internal defenses with forward-looking risk management. Cyber and technology insurance helps businesses prepare for the unexpected—covering costs from data breaches to legal liabilities—while supporting continuity and confidence in a digital-first world.
For more information, please visit the Cyber and Technology page (opens a new window) or reach out to a member of our team.
