Greater cyber resilience crucial for a safer cyberspace

Cyber-capacity building in the Asia-Pacific region should involve growing talent pool, regional cooperation and public-private partnerships, experts said at the 3rd online policy forum presented by cybersecurity company Kaspersky.

The virtual forum themed “Greater Cyber-resilience through Cyber Capacity Building” was attended by a panel of speakers from the region including Craig Jones, Interpol cybercrime director, Professor Li Yuxiao, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies; Professor Seungjoo Kim, professor of the School of Cybersecurity of Korea University and Chris Connell, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

The speakers have shed light on the cybersecurity gaps among countries in Asia Pacific and the urgent need to address them to build a safer cyberspace.

“In the cyber age, as we experience an accelerated digital transformation, we’re facing security challenges that put a strain on cybersecurity resources. Investing in cyber talent and promoting security awareness and digital education for users are the keys to success in building cyber-resilient digital societies and economies,” Connell said.

Jones of Interpol highlighted the global cybersecurity risks arising from cybersecurity skills gap, particularly in Asia Pacific, primarily driven by the region’s accelerated digitalization efforts.

“With the continued rise in cyber threats and cybercriminal activities impacting communities, a new paradigm has emerged for global law enforcement. One of the key challenges that Interpol identified are the gaps in law enforcement cyber capabilities and capacity, nationally, regionally and globally. Whilst these remain, criminal networks are able to expand their infrastructure and activities.

“To overcome this challenge, law enforcement must be a trusted partner beyond national borders and sectors. Being collaborative, inclusive and open will help us reduce the gaps, bridging the divides in capabilities and capacity,” Jones said.

“Cyber capacity building in Asia Pacific should focus on network infrastructure, be alert to the challenges brought by cyber security, and strengthen the development of personnel training system as the region continues to harness the power of Industry 4.0,” Li said.

Professor Kim pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region driven by its low production costs, extensive industrial base and greater support from local governments, is ripe to be the center and biggest market for Industry 4.0 in the next five years.

He cited success stories where countries are starting to beef up their cybersecurity policies and regulations alongside their intense drive towards a more connected society.

“As we enter the era of the 4th Revolution, cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever. For example, in the European Union, the regulations on automotive cybersecurity will be mandatory for all new vehicles produced from July 2024.

“As the importance of cybersecurity spreads across all areas, security experts are forced to have more in-depth domain knowledge than ever before. Now, it’s time for us to think about a more effective workforce development program to train security experts specialized in each industrial sector,” Kim said.