Once thought to be shielded from such attacks, operational technology (OT) systems—critical to manufacturing—are now prime targets. The shift from isolated environments to interconnected systems means greater efficiency, but it also means greater vulnerability.
Manufacturing has long been the heartbeat of Asean’s economy, fueling growth and innovation across diverse sectors. Contributing between 16% and 27% of GDP in key markets like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, this industry serves as a critical economic pillar across the region.
However, as this industry evolves, it is continuously encountering new and complex challenges. While the adoption of digital technologies has revolutionised operations, it has also exposed manufacturers to an array of cyber threats. Manufacturing companies in Asean’s business hub, Singapore, have experienced these threats firsthand, with the sector being the most impacted by ransomware attacks in 2023, according to the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.
