Espionage Hackers Targeting ASEAN: AJCCA Study Warns of Critical Cyber Risk
Vientiane, Laos – February 19, 2025 – A new study by the ASEAN-Japan Cybersecurity Community Alliance (AJCCA) has revealed that the ASEAN region is facing a critical risk from espionage hackers linked to Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups. The findings, presented at the Cyber Threat Intelligence Workshop held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane, Laos, on February 18, 2025, underscore the growing threat of state-sponsored cyber espionage targeting ASEAN nations.
The study reinforces previous research conducted by Trend Micro’s Threat Intelligence Team, which highlighted the increasing activity of APT actors infiltrating government, defense, and critical infrastructure sectors in Southeast Asia.
AJCCA’s First Cyber Threat Intelligence Workshop
The Cyber Threat Intelligence Workshop was the first-ever event of its kind organized by AJCCA. The workshop was officially opened by AJCCA Chairman Rudi Lumanto, who stressed the urgent need for intelligence sharing to counteract sophisticated cyber threats.
“A culture of sharing threat intelligence is crucial for strengthening regional security. Without collaboration, we risk falling behind in our ability to detect and respond to espionage-driven cyber threats,” said Chairman Rudi Lumanto in his opening remarks.
The workshop brought together cybersecurity professionals from ASEAN and Japan, along with government representatives and national cybersecurity agencies from ASEAN countries. Experts from Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia delivered presentations, offering fresh insights into espionage threats and intelligence-sharing strategies.
Building a Stronger Regional Threat Intelligence Framework
A key highlight of the workshop was Chairman Rudi Lumanto’s explanation of the essential stages in developing an effective Threat Intelligence Program. He outlined the need for timely, accurate, and relevant intelligence to ensure that findings translate into actionable intelligence capable of mitigating real-world cyber threats.
The overwhelmingly positive response from participants demonstrated a strong demand for more collaborative efforts in ASEAN cybersecurity intelligence sharing. As espionage-driven cyber threats escalate, the AJCCA’s initiative marks a crucial step in enhancing regional cybersecurity defenses against APT actors.
With espionage hackers intensifying their focus on ASEAN, cooperation, intelligence sharing, and proactive defense strategies will be essential in safeguarding national security and critical infrastructure across the region.
