News

Asian Companies Are 80% More Likely To Be Targeted By Hackers

Asian Companies
Asian companies are 80% more likely to be targeted by hackers according to recent research by Mandiant.

The company, which helps organisations protect against and respond to cyber attacks, has revealed some concerning figures about Asian security in its recent M-Trends study.

Focusing on Asia Pacific, the study revealed that Asia is severely lacking when it comes to online security.

Mandiant explains: “We don’t hear much about cyber breaches in Asia Pacific (APAC), but that doesn’t mean they aren’t happening every day.

“In fact, evidence reveals that APAC organisations often have difficulty identifying and responding to breaches.”

According to the research, Asian companies are 80% more likely to be targeted by hackers and on average it takes 520 days for the hacks to be discovered, a figure that is three times the global average.

And in each attack, an average of 3.7GB of data is being stolen, which could mean huge repercussions for businesses and consumers alike.

The research also suggests that the majority of attacks are focused on areas with greater geopolitical tensions and are likely to be state sponsored.

Asian Companies
As part of the study, Mandiant gained permission from one company to hack into its network and Grady Summers, the chief technology officer of FireEye, Mandiant’s parent company, explained the results: “Within three days we had the keys to the kingdom.

“If an expert group of hackers can do the same in three days, imagine what can they do in 520 days.”

And 500m digital identities were taken last year according to Semantec, information that could be used by hackers for fraudulent activity.

This could therefore lead to consumers losing trust in many companies, especially as Asian law lacks regulations on breach disclosure.

Javvad Malik, a security advocate at AlienVault has said: “As more countries, businesses, critical infrastructure and citizens become more reliant on technologies, it is vitally important security is given serious consideration and companies are given more freedom and direction in how they should protect their assets.

“Much like turning the Titanic, it won’t be quick or easy, but essential to safeguard national interests going forward.”

Summers has also identified Asia is only just “starting to wake up to the reality of the threats” and is not equipped enough to deal with these kinds of hacks.

To read the full report please click here.

 

 

Emma Woodley

Emma is a reporter at Global Dating Insights. Originally from Surrey, she has studied Communication and Media at Bournemouth University and The University of Central Florida. She enjoys socialising with friends, exploring new places and can often be found with her nose in a book.

Global Dating Insights is part of the Industry Insights Group. Registered in the UK. Company No: 14395769