Asia-Pacific Research: How companies are overcoming the security challenges in a remote world

Across Asia-Pacific, and indeed the world, organizations have been forced to rapidly adapt to a new reality characterized by mass remote workforce. With digital transformation now taking on a new role in supporting the distributed workforce and the rapid development of new business models, there are serious implications for cybersecurity.

To gain insights into the future of work trends resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the security challenges organizations face, Barracuda commissioned independent research firm Censuswide to survey 1,055 IT decision-makers in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. The results of that research were published in a new market report titled: Brave the new normal: How companies in Asia-Pacific are overcoming security challenges in a remote workplace.

Increasing security threats and IT resources constraints are top-of-mind to APAC organizations 

The study revealed the 46% of organizations in APAC do not have an up-to-date security strategy or solution covering all the vulnerabilities posed by remote working, while 43% reported the lack of IT resources or time to upgrade their IT infrastructure in the shift to a remote working model. More highlights from the report include:

• 82% plan to continue widespread remote working, even after the crisis is over


• 75% see the necessity to accelerate digital transformation in the next 6 months to ease the pains of the traditional business model with remote working


• 51% have had at least one data breach or cybersecurity incident since shifting to remote working


• 49% report that employees had experienced an increase in email phishing attacks


• 47% of APAC organizations cut their cybersecurity budgets to save costs as they responded to the pandemic


• 73% plan to provide improved online cybersecurity training and awareness for remote working staff


• 79% will need to upgrade their IT infrastructure to improve visibility and productivity

Cybercriminals have shown that they’re ready and able to turn the crisis to their advantage, so protecting remote employees and turning them into an effective first line of defense is critical in securing business continuity. Organizations must find ways to prioritize spending on critical controls, whether that involves consolidating vendors, investing in SaaS-based tools, or assessing how automation could help free budget and resources for security.

Get your free copy of Brave the new normal: How companies in Asia-Pacific are overcoming security challenges in a remote workplace today to see the full results and get expert advice on how to secure your business in remote working.

Related blog post: Asia Pacific Research: Remote working is here to stay, but security must be addressed