Cooperation in the areas of cybercrimes, security of digital systems and subsea cables may be the most vital areas for the three countries.
From rampant job scams to sophisticated e-commerce attacks, cyber threats in Southeast Asia are skyrocketing.
Singapore reportedly had more than 46,000 cybercrime cases in 2023, including job scams and e-commerce scams, the highest since 2016. Things were almost as bad in Malaysia. Cases involving social media scams reportedly increased by 37 per cent from January to November 2023 compared to the year before. In Australia, phishing scams reportedly skyrocketed by more than 48 per cent in the first half of 2023 compared to 2022.
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Australia, Malaysia and Singapore could strive to deepen partnerships in digital security as these countries face common challenges in digitalising their economies.
Cybercrime syndicates operate across borders with impunity. Cyberspace enables them to evade national jurisdictions and constantly refresh their tactics. Australian, Malaysian and Singaporean police forces could work more closely on information exchange and joint operations to uncover them. These countries’ authorities could also exchange policy views on how telcos, social media platforms and banks should be more responsible for prevention to make digital services safer from cybercrimes.
Cyberattacks continue to be a regional challenge
A report by cyber-intelligence company Cyfirma states that Asean nations’ significant cybersecurity challenges include ransomware, state-sponsored threats, disruptions to Internet of Things (IoT) devices and tech supply chain vulnerabilities.
For their part, Australian authorities are revamping their cybersecurity measures after several major breaches affecting critical infrastructure and businesses such as ports, healthcare and telcos. Australia’s International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy, launched in 2021, positions cyberspace at the centre of its foreign policy and emphasises regional cooperation with Asean. Its Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Programme supports cyber capacity building in Asean.
Cooperative platforms that Australia could explore partnering with through Asean are the Asean Cyber Defence Network, led by Malaysia, and the ADMM Cybersecurity and Information Centre of Excellence, led by Singapore.
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The development of infrastructure enhances security
The resilience of subsea cables is crucial as these underpin the digital economy and modern life. Yet, there are gaps in international norms and rules on their protection, and coordination among regional governments and industry stakeholders is still limited. This is an area that Australia could explore with Malaysia and Singapore.
It is an opportune time for these three nations to discuss strengthening their digital security, part of Australia’s 2040 Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. Among the strategic issues include changing how infrastructure is developed and operated.
For example, Malaysia is increasing the automation of its ports, growing its electric vehicle ecosystem and courting more data centres to become another regional tech hub. These require investments in reliable 5G wireless connectivity, secure telecommunications assets and well-maintained and secure subsea cables to function well. Australia sees opportunities to leverage its digital strengths to partner with Asean countries in these sectors.