APAC companies embracing AI & IoT while cybersecurity lags behind

A recent study by Kaspersky has found that a large majority of companies in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region utilise Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) in their business processes. Specifically, 61% and 64% of companies have implemented AI and IoT in their infrastructures. An additional 28% are preparing to adopt AI, and 26% plan to integrate the IoT within the next two years.

These interconnected technologies serve as a network of devices, systems, and applications linked to the internet and each other. They grant enterprises the capacity to gather greater amounts of data and automate processes. However, these benefits also herald potential risks and challenges when securing business assets and customer information.

Kaspersky's study, 'Connecting the future of business,' seeks to assist enterprises in staying ahead of developments brought about by interconnected technologies. It also presents crucial questions concerning the necessary adaptations of cybersecurity in response to these technologies. The study surveyed 560 senior IT security leaders from different parts of the globe, with 100 respondents coming from the APAC region.

In addition to AI and IoT, interconnected technologies under consideration in the study included Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), digital twins, the next-generation wireless communication 6G, Web 3.0 which facilitates decentralized applications, blockchain smart contracts, and user-managed data, along with data spaces for seamless data sharing in collaborative settings.

The research found that 27% of businesses already utilise data spaces with over half (54%) intending to implement them soon. Other technologies like digital twins, AR, VR, Web 3.0, and 6G are used by 8-20% of businesses, but more than 70% have plans to integrate them into their business processes in the near future.

Because AI and IoT are so prevalent, they are susceptible to new channels of cyberattacks. The study highlighted that 13-14% of organisations in the region perceive AI and IoT to be very difficult or extremely challenging to safeguard; only 6% of AI users and 10% of IoT owners believe their companies are fully protected.

According to Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, there is a discernible skills and knowledge gap in relation to cyber security that requires immediate attention. Interconnected technologies create numerous business opportunities but also pose serious cyberthreats. With an increasing quantity of data being collected and transmitted, cybersecurity measures must be bolstered. Hia stressed the importance of companies having the necessary resources allocated to cybersecurity to combat these new challenges.

Ivan Vassunov, VP Corporate Products, Kaspersky, said companies integrating AI and IoT into their infrastructures need to protect them with Container Security and Extended Detection and Response solutions to detect cyber threats early and counter them effectively. He also noted the importance of building customer confidence in the increasing interconnected landscape, stating businesses must protect their critical assets.

Kaspersky's study also put forth several recommendations for ensuring organisations are equipped to protect interconnected technologies. These include adopting secure-by-design principles, upskilling your workforce, upgrading your cybersecurity solutions with more advanced features, securing the infrastructure with cybersecurity products, and meeting cybersecurity practice changing standards and legal requirements to avoid legal problems or reputational damage.