As ransom-ware attacks and cyber scams surge across Southeast Asia, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is stepping up to create a more secure regional cyberspace. With cyber criminals targeting the region’s critical infrastructure, including data centers, and young and old users at risk of falling victim to digital scams, ASEAN’s efforts are not only about digital security — they’re also aimed at protecting economic and social stability.
Given these increasing threats, the launch of the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team is a promising effort to enhance cooperation among Southeast Asian countries. The eight functions of the response team — which include information-sharing, training and exercises, as well as developing partnerships with academic institutions and industry — aim to strengthen regional coordination on cyber incident response.
