Signal: Cybersecurity’s New Urgency

After a period of prolonged, widespread, and urgent digital transformation, the Asia Pacific business sector may be unprepared for the security risks that come with a predominantly digital infrastructure

One of the surprising vulnerabilities of regional vaccine distribution has come from the increasing likelihood of cyberattacks. Earlier this year, one of the world’s leading technology brands reported that 44 different companies in the Asia Pacific vaccine supply chain had been targeted by cyberattackers in 2021.

To help their communities navigate the pandemic, a truly vast number of companies, services, and even government departments urgently shifted to new digital infrastructures in 2020. However, with the cybersecurity sector falling short of the necessary worldwide number of workers by three million, security simply couldn’t be upgraded at the same rate.

In 2021, businesses and governments are committed to remedying that oversight. In Asia, a global technology firm has launched the Asia Pacific Cyber Security Council; the first of its kind in the world. Globally, spending on cybersecurity is expected to top US$150 billion by year’s end; a 12% year-on-year increase from 2020.

Key Takeaways: For brands and communicators, security is likely to become an increasingly crucial value to convey to customers and investors. As cyberattacks grow more frequent and cybersecurity spending rises, communicators will play an essential role in ensuring brands and businesses are seen as safe and secure in a world of risk. Expertise in crisis communications, scenario planning, regular training, and response simulations will be especially essential.

Further Reading: 

Logistics in Asia Pacific
New Consumer Priorities
Phygital Reality

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