Experts: Invest in growing cyber talent pool
KUCHING: The third Online Policy Forum recently presented by Kaspersky, with the theme ‘Greater Cyber-resilience through Cyber Capacity Building’, zeroed in on the Asia Pacific (APAC) region’s cyber resources and expertise gap amidst rapid digitalisation.
The virtual forum was joined by a high-level panel of speakers from the region including INTERPOL Cybercrime director Craig Jones, Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies vice president and Cyber Security Association of China secretary general Professor Li Yuxiao, Korea University’s School of Cybersecurity professor, Korea University’s Department of Cyber Defense head and Presidential Committee on the fourth Industrial Revolution member Professor Seungjoo Kim, and Kaspersky’s Asia Pacific managing director Chris Connell.
A nation’s cyber-resilience abilities are often limited by the know-how of its human resources and the quality of cross border collaboration between the region’s private and public organisations. Thus, the speakers have shed light on the cybersecurity gaps stakeholders in APAC should address urgently 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,” Connell said.
“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.”
Multiple studies released for the past few years have noted the global cybersecurity skills gap, particularly in APAC, primarily driven by the region’s accelerated digitalisation efforts, which does not come free of cybersecurity risks as highlighted by Jones.
“With the continued rise in cyber threats and cybercriminal activities impacting communities, a new paradigm has emerged for global law enforcement,” Jones added.
“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.”
Li echoed Jones’ points in terms of focusing on the long term and joint building a community with a shared future in cyberspace.
Li also specified that cyber capacity building in APAC 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.
Driven by the low production costs, extensive industrial base, and greater support from local governments in APAC, the region is ripe to be the center and biggest market for Industry 4.0 in the next five years.
Kim 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 fourth Revolution, cybersecurity is becoming more important than ever,” Kim noted.
“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.”
For Kaspersky’s part, the global cybersecurity company has since been a trusted partner of INTERPOL. In 2019, Kaspersky has extended its cooperation with the law enforcement agency’s fight against cybercriminals by providing human resources support, training, and threat intelligence data on the latest cybercriminal activities.