A recent report from Kaspersky highlights that, despite a year-on-year decline in web threats, over 1.1 million incidents were detected among Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) users in Singapore during the second quarter of 2024. This translates to one in four users facing web threats, placing Singapore 38th globally and second in Southeast Asia for online risks.
Kaspersky's KSN collects cybersecurity data from millions of users who voluntarily provide information through the company's software. The report underscores that while the overall number of threats has decreased, the complexity of these threats continues to rise. Phishing, malware, and browser vulnerabilities are among the prominent risks that users face.
According to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore's 2023 Cyber Landscape report, there was a notable reduction in phishing attempts, with around 4,100 incidents reported—a 52% drop from 2022's 8,500 cases. However, Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, cautions that “the nature of web threats will continue to grow in complexity as cybercriminals seek more sophisticated ways to advance their modus operandi.”
The report also points to the increasing use of artificial intelligence by cybercriminals to enhance their phishing campaigns. These AI-driven attacks often feature personalized messages designed to deceive users, potentially leading to higher success rates in compromising sensitive information.
With 2024 identified as a significant year for global elections, cybercriminals are leveraging this context to execute malicious activities, such as creating deepfakes of political figures and disseminating misinformation. In response, Singapore has proposed legislation aimed at combating the use of deepfakes during elections.
Kaspersky recommends several guidelines for individuals and organisations to enhance their online safety. Key measures include keeping software up-to-date to protect against vulnerabilities, regularly backing up data, and auditing supply chain access to networks. Monitoring network activity for unusual behaviour and implementing security operations centres are also advised.
As Yeo noted, “Singapore has made considerable strides to combat and defend against web threats, but users remain susceptible to heightened risks online.” Staying informed about evolving threats and improving cybersecurity practices is essential for all users.