From Vulnerability to Resilience: Cybersecurity Challenges for MSMEs in the APAC Region

The Asia Foundation

Budget constraints and the absence of internal expertise are common, and these are compounded by the flight of Japanese cybersecurity professionals to higher-paying markets and a lack of local interest in entering the field due to the heavy workload and low pay. [...] Recent surveys indicate that 84% of MSMEs in Malaysia have experienced cyber threats, and in some cases repeated attacks, underscoring the urgency for more targeted support and stronger cybersecu- rity policies that specifically address the needs of this sector.332/333 Thus far, the strategic response of the government has included development of the National Cyber Security Policy (NCSP) and the e. [...] 86 The Context For MSMEs In Pakistan Some 4.5 million MSMEs operating in Pakistan constitute nearly 90% of all enterprises in the country, and account for at least 40% of GDP.420/421 There is a push by the government and various industry and international partners to ensure the digitalization of these smaller businesses, to drive economic growth.422 In particular, MSMEs are being encouraged to ado. [...] The strategic location of the country and its close ties with the United States heighten the cybersecurity risk faced by the Philippines from state actors such as China and North Korea, both of which are known for their sophisticated cyber warfare capabilities.462 In fact, data from sources like Kaspersky and the Department of Information and Communications Technology in the Philippines indicate t. [...] In 2022, there were 1,105,143 MSMEs in the country, comprising over 99% of all enterprises and accounting for 60% of employment.486//487 The vast majority of these businesses (90%) were micro enterprises, and nearly half (49%) were in the wholesale and retail sector, while 14% were in the hospitality and food and beverage sector, and 12% in the manufacturing sector.488 These enterprises have shown.