Cybersecurity company Kaspersky detected 839 unique files disguised as software that is widely used by Indonesian MSMEs, including MS Office, MS Teams, and Skype.
Heaptalk, Jakarta — Kaspersky revealed widespread cyber threat attempts targeting Indonesian MSMEs in the first half of 2023. In its latest report, the company found that as many as 730 MSME employees in Indonesia had encountered malware or unwanted software disguised as business applications in January-June 2023. This number decreased slightly compared to the first half (H1) of 2022 which amounted to 923 employees.
The global cybersecurity company also detected 839 unique files disguised as software that is widely used by MSMEs, including MS Office, MS Teams, and Skype. Surprisingly, this number soared by 123.73% compared to the same period in 2022 which only had 375 unique files.
In addition, Kaspersky has blocked 11,969 malicious files targeting the domestic MSME sector during the first half of this year, an increase of 83.18% compared to 6,534 attack attempts in the same period in 2022.
In more detail, malware is a general term for malicious software designed by and for professional cybercriminals to cause damage to users’ devices or networks, which includes various cyber threats such as Trojans and viruses. Apart from that, ransomware is also a form of malware.
According to the company, malware attacks are devastating for small businesses since they can cripple devices requiring expensive repairs or replacements. Additionally, malware also provides an opportunity for attackers to access and steal data through backdoors, thereby endangering customers and employees.
Mapping challenges related to cyber security
Kaspersky highlights the efforts of cybercriminals targeting the MSME sector globally, including Indonesia, with a variety of sophisticated tactics. The report is based on research by Kaspersky experts on the software most used by MSMEs around the world, including MS Office, MS Teams, and Skype. Researchers then determined how malware and unwanted software were distributed under the guise of the mentioned apps by cross-referencing the software with KSN telemetry.
General Manager of Southeast Asia at Kaspersky Yeo Siang Tiong emphasized that the MSME sector must now build stronger cyber defenses than before considering the enormous potential for economic growth in Indonesia. Tiong advised business owners to map the challenges or disruptions they face regarding cyber security as an initial step.
“Another important step is to establish employee and operational control policies and gain a deep understanding of what can be done, both independently and collaboratively. Taking these steps can build a sense of shared responsibility in protecting your business, regardless of its size and scale,” Tiong concluded.
