Cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm for the Asia-Pacific region, predicting that 2025 will be a turbulent year defined by sophisticated new threats. Advanced deepfakes are already fueling fraud and disinformation, while the rise of quantum computing introduces the risk of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, putting sensitive, long-term data in jeopardy across APAC.
Deepfakes Fueling Fraud and Disinformation
The deceptive power of deepfakes is no longer theoretical. Recent incidents across the Asia-Pacific region have shown how easily manipulated media can be used to cause chaos and significant financial loss. Political landscapes have been disrupted by deepfake-driven misinformation campaigns in India and Indonesia, creating public confusion and escalating geopolitical tensions.
The financial sector is also a prime target. In a shocking case in Hong Kong, a finance worker was tricked into transferring $25 million after attending a video conference call with what he believed were his colleagues, but were actually deepfake creations.
Simon Green, President of Asia, Pacific, and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, warns that this is just the beginning. “The technology for credible voice cloning is now more accessible, making audio deepfakes particularly dangerous,” Green stated. He stressed that both businesses and political organizations must urgently upgrade their defenses to counter this evolving threat.
The Looming Threat of Quantum Data Breaches
While deepfakes present a clear and present danger, quantum computing poses a more insidious, long-term risk. APAC has become the world’s fastest-growing market for quantum technology, with major investments from companies like IBM and Microsoft, as well as government-led projects like India’s Quantum Technologies & Applications Mission.
This rapid advancement has given rise to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. In these scenarios, cybercriminals steal and store massive amounts of encrypted data today. Their goal is to hold onto this data until a quantum computer is powerful enough to break current encryption standards, unlocking the secrets within.
This strategy puts highly sensitive information, such as intellectual property, state secrets, and financial records, at extreme risk. Clement Lee of Check Point Software Technologies described this as a “game-changer for critical infrastructure,” forcing a fundamental rethink of data protection.
How APAC is Preparing its Cyber Defenses
In response to these dual threats, organizations across the APAC region are shifting their focus toward more proactive and intelligent security measures. The consensus is that traditional defenses are no longer sufficient. Experts highlight a crucial, three-pronged strategy for building resilience.
The core areas of focus include:
- AI-Driven Defenses: To fight AI with AI, companies are adopting advanced security tools that can detect the tiny flaws in deepfake media or identify unusual behavior in communication patterns.
- Robust Data Security: The integration of AI tools like Microsoft Copilot into business operations has increased the pressure on organizations to manage data access and compliance without creating new vulnerabilities.
- Unified Security Platforms: Experts are urging a move away from fragmented security tools toward consolidated platforms that provide a single, comprehensive view of an organization’s risk posture.
Richard Sorosina of Qualys noted that a unified approach “offers a centralized risk view and better response mechanisms,” which ultimately helps reduce complexity and improve overall efficiency.
What Lies Ahead for Security in the Region
The convergence of AI-powered attacks and the dawn of the quantum era means that organizations in APAC cannot afford to be complacent. The path forward requires a commitment to innovation and adaptation in the face of increasingly sophisticated adversaries.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a critical test of the region’s cyber resilience. Success will depend on the ability to anticipate threats, protect data for the long term, and leverage new technologies as a shield, not just a tool for productivity.
Here is a summary of the emerging threats and the industry’s recommended responses.
| Emerging Threat | Recommended Response |
|---|---|
| Deepfake Attacks | AI-Powered Media Detection Systems |
| Quantum Decryption | Quantum-Resistant Cryptography |
| Adaptive Malware | Unified, AI-Driven Security Platforms |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “harvest now, decrypt later” attack?
This is a cyberattack where adversaries steal encrypted data and store it for the future. They wait until quantum computers are available to break the encryption and access the sensitive information inside.
Why are deepfakes becoming a bigger threat in APAC?
The technology to create convincing audio and video deepfakes has become cheaper and more accessible. This has allowed criminals and other malicious actors to use it for large-scale fraud, political manipulation, and disinformation campaigns across the region.
How can businesses protect themselves from these new threats?
Businesses are advised to invest in AI-driven defense systems to detect deepfakes, adopt quantum-resistant encryption to protect long-term data, and consolidate their security tools into unified platforms for better visibility and response.
Which industries are most at risk from these attacks?
While all sectors are vulnerable, those at highest risk include finance, government, and critical infrastructure. These industries handle highly sensitive data that must remain secure for decades, making them prime targets for “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.
