#SoutheastAsia

Researchers Uncover Espionage Tactics of China-Based APT Groups in Southeast Asia

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December 11, 2024 at 07:30AM A China-based threat actor has been linked to cyber attacks in Southeast Asia targeting key sectors, including government and telecoms, since October 2023. Characterized by sophisticated tools and techniques, attacks involved prolonged network access and data exfiltration. Recent activities indicate persistent cyber espionage amidst ongoing regional geopolitical tensions. ### Meeting … Read more

SoftwareOne Launches Cloud Competency Centre in Malaysia

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October 22, 2024 at 05:16PM SoftwareOne Holding AG has launched a Cloud Competency Centre in Kuala Lumpur, in partnership with AWS, to support businesses in Southeast Asia with AWS cloud services, including generative AI tools. This centre aims to enhance local expertise and accelerate digital transformation, expanding SoftwareOne’s global network and service offerings. **Meeting Takeaways: … Read more

Southeast Asian Cybercrime Profits Fuel Shadow Economy

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October 14, 2024 at 09:05PM Southeast Asia faces a growing shadow economy driven by cyber-enabled fraud and organized crime, generating $27-$37 billion annually. Criminal syndicates exploit lax laws and geopolitical tensions, advancing money laundering and human trafficking. Despite law enforcement efforts, innovation in cybercrime outpaces government response, posing significant economic and human rights challenges. ### … Read more

AI-Powered Cybercrime Cartels on the Rise in Asia

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October 9, 2024 at 09:07PM AI-powered cyberattacks, especially involving deepfakes, are surging in the Asia-Pacific, with a 600% increase in deepfake mentions reported by UNODC. Cybercriminals leverage generative AI for phishing, misinformation, and sophisticated scams. Socioeconomic issues exacerbate the vulnerability in the region, necessitating international collaboration to combat these threats effectively. ### Meeting Takeaways 1. … Read more

Cambodian Tycoon Sanctioned for Forced Cyber Labor, Trafficking

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September 17, 2024 at 06:11AM Cambodian tycoon Ly Yong Phat, his conglomerate, and O-Smach Resort have been sanctioned by the US Treasury for using forced labor to perpetuate cryptocurrency scams. Workers from various countries were lured under false pretenses, subjected to 15-hour work days, and faced abuse. Sanctions aim to combat cyber scams and address … Read more

China APT Stole Geopolitical Secrets From Middle East, Africa & Asia

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May 23, 2024 at 06:12AM A Chinese state-aligned threat group, known as Diplomatic Specter, has been conducting a brazen espionage campaign across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia since late 2022. They target high-level government and military entities to obtain sensitive information. The group exploits vulnerabilities, uses various malicious tools, and exfiltrates emails and … Read more

Two Chinese APT Groups Ramp Up Cyber Espionage Against ASEAN Countries

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March 27, 2024 at 01:15AM China-linked APT groups have targeted ASEAN member countries in a cyber espionage campaign. Mustang Panda used phishing emails and malware to attack entities during the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit. Trend Micro also uncovered a new threat actor called Earth Krahang targeting 116 entities across 35 countries. Leaked documents from I-Soon revealed … Read more

Filipino police free hundreds of slaves toiling in romance scam operation

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March 18, 2024 at 01:49AM Filipino police uncovered a forced labor camp posing as an online gaming company, rescuing 875 workers, including 504 foreigners. The victims were lured with job offers, but instead had their passports confiscated and were forced to run romance scams. Perpetrators have been charged with anti-trafficking violations following the raid at … Read more

China Crackdown on Cyber Scams in Southeast Asia Nets Thousands but Leaves Networks Intact

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October 23, 2023 at 07:00PM Chinese authorities, in coordination with regional counterparts, have been cracking down on cyber scam networks run by powerful Chinese criminal syndicates in Southeast Asia. Tens of thousands of people, primarily Chinese individuals, have been lured into these schemes, leading to embarrassment for Beijing and discouraging Chinese travelers from visiting Southeast … Read more