A recent study by Kaspersky in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region found that 61% and 64% of companies have already integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) into their infrastructures, with an additional 28% and 26% planning adoption within two years.
According to Kaspersky, interconnected technologies, including AI, IoT, and others, are reshaping enterprises by enhancing data collection and process automation. However, they also introduce new security risks that demand attention to safeguard business assets and customer data.
As interconnected technologies proliferate, businesses are advised to ensure robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect against emerging threats.
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“With an increasing amount of data being collected and transmitted, cybersecurity measures must be strengthened,” said Adrian Hia, managing director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky. “Enterprises must protect critical assets, build customer confidence amid the expanding interconnected landscape, and ensure there are adequate resources allocated to cybersecurity so they can use the new solutions to combat the incoming challenges of interconnected tech.”
Vulnerability to cyberattacks
Kaspersky’s study, “Connecting the Future of Business,” surveyed 560 senior IT security leaders worldwide, including 100 respondents from APAC, to explore the implications of interconnected technologies on cybersecurity. The research delved into various technologies such as AI, IoT, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), digital twins, 6G, web 3.0, and data spaces.
Findings reveal that while AI and IoT adoption is prevalent, data spaces are currently used by 27% of businesses, with over half planning future adoption. Other technologies like AR/VR, 6G, and web 3.0 are being considered for integration by more than 70% of surveyed companies.
Despite the benefits of interconnected technologies, their widespread adoption exposes vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. About 13%-14% of organizations perceive AI and IoT as challenging to protect, with only a minority feeling fully secure. Less adopted technologies such as AR/VR and 6G pose the greatest cybersecurity challenges, with 40%-51% of Asian companies finding them difficult to secure.
“This underscores the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures as businesses embrace interconnected technologies,” Kaspersky said.
To navigate the transformative impact of interconnected technologies, organizations must prioritize robust strategies for implementation and protection. Drawing from research insights, Kaspersky recommends four key approaches to fortify organizations against cyber threats:
- Embrace secure-by-design principles: Integrating cybersecurity throughout the software development lifecycle ensures resilience against cyberattacks. Solutions like Cyber Immune, built on KasperskyOS, minimize threat surfaces, enhancing defense against breaches.
- Invest in workforce training: Cultivating a cyber-aware culture hinges on empowering employees with knowledge and skills. Kaspersky Expert training equips InfoSec professionals to adeptly defend against evolving threats.
- Upgrade cybersecurity solutions: As interconnected technologies proliferate, advanced platforms like Kaspersky Extended Detection and Response (XDR) are essential for correlating telemetry and delivering rapid threat detection and response. For AI solutions reliant on containers, products like Kaspersky Container Security ensure end-to-end security across the application lifecycle.
- Ensure compliance: Adhering to regulations safeguards against legal and reputational risks. Continuously aligning cybersecurity practices with evolving standards and legal requirements mitigates potential pitfalls.