Akamai Technologies has revealed a significant surge in cyberattacks targeting APIs and applications in the Asia Pacific region. According to their latest State of the Internet (SOTI) report, "Digital Fortresses Under Siege," attacks in the region skyrocketed by 65% in the past year.
The report highlights a staggering 26 billion web attacks globally against APIs and apps in June 2024 alone. The Asia Pacific region, particularly the financial and commerce sectors, has been a prime target for these attacks.
Key Findings
- Rapid Growth of Attacks: The surge in attacks is attributed to the increasing reliance on APIs and apps for business growth and customer experience. This rapid adoption has created vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are exploiting.
- Layer 7 DDoS Attacks on the Rise: A five-fold increase in Layer 7 DDoS attacks has been observed in the region. These attacks, often used by hacktivists, target social media platforms and can disrupt political elections by manipulating voter sentiment.
- India and Australia Hard Hit: India and Australia were the most affected countries in the region, with billions of API and web application attacks recorded.
- Commerce Sector Under Siege: The commerce industry faced the highest number of API and web application attacks, followed by the high technology sector.
Impact and Countermeasures
The report emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats. Organizations must prioritize API and application security, implement strong DDoS mitigation technologies, and educate their workforce about potential cyber threats.
Akamai recommends
- Regular security assessments
- Secure coding practices
- Employee training on cybersecurity best practices
- Adoption of advanced security solutions
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, safeguarding against cyberattacks becomes increasingly crucial. Businesses and governments in the Asia Pacific region must remain vigilant and adapt their security strategies accordingly.