Cybercrime has become a bigger threat than ever in the COVID-19 era, with more businesses suffering attacks and malicious cybercriminals taking advantage of the confusion, according to a new e-book by BSA | The Software Alliance.

The e-book, which was launched on Wednesday, details the cybersecurity challenges that have arisen in Southeast Asia since the COVID-19 crisis began and offers advice on how to deal with them.

Titled “COVID-19 and Cyber Threats in Southeast Asia,” it also describes how many businesses in the region are increasingly exposed to online threats due to disruptions caused by the virus, primarily an increase in employees working outside company networks.

Cybercriminals are employing methods such as email phishing, malware, disguised apps, and detection of insecure networks.

Nguyen Minh Chinh, director of the Department of Cybersecurity and High-tech Crime, said: “Businesses, organisations and individuals both in Viet Nam and throughout the ASEAN region are facing more sophisticated attacks every day, and the destabilisation caused by the COVID-19 crisis has made many of them even more vulnerable.

“It is vital that they become more aware of the risks and protect their data – not just for their own sake, but for the public as well as the safety and security of the country.”

The e-book offers descriptions of cybercrime tactics and advice for executives on protecting their employees through such means as using secure software for all business operations and training employees to identify potential phishing attempts. 

It has detailed statistics on the impacts of cybercrime and data breaches in general on businesses, and examples of severe recent cases in the region.

“We hope this document will act as a guide to point businesses and their staff working remotely in a secure and sustainable direction, for the sake of their customers and employees, their own longevity, and the economic recovery of their respective countries,” Tarun Sawney, senior director, BSA, said.

It is available for free download at https://cyberfraudprevention-bsa.com in English, Vietnamese and Bahasa, and includes messages from government figures in the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, and Viet Nam testifying to the severity of the threats. — VNS