A sharp rise in cybercrime across Asia and the South Pacific is creating growing challenges for governments and law enforcement agencies, with phishing, ransomware and online scams emerging as the most widespread threats.
According to a new report by INTERPOL, cybercrime now accounts for nearly 30% of all crimes recorded nationally in more than half of the countries surveyed across the region. The assessment was based on inputs from 18 member countries and highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.
Phishing was identified as the most common and financially damaging cybercrime. Authorities also recorded more than 135,000 ransomware attacks during 2024, impacting industries including manufacturing, financial services and real estate.
The report noted that cybercriminal groups are becoming more organised and are using advanced tools and technologies to expand operations. Online scams, ransomware attacks and financial fraud are evolving into large-scale cross-border challenges that affect multiple countries simultaneously.
INTERPOL warned that rapid digitalisation and increased online connectivity are creating new opportunities for criminal networks. The organisation stressed that cyber threats are no longer isolated incidents but persistent risks that can affect economic stability, public trust and national security.
Law enforcement agencies are responding by increasing collaboration and strengthening cyber capabilities. INTERPOL has been supporting member countries through joint operations, intelligence sharing and cybercrime prevention initiatives aimed at disrupting criminal networks.
The report also highlighted the need for stronger public-private cooperation and greater awareness among citizens and businesses. Experts believe that improving cybersecurity frameworks and international coordination will be critical in addressing the growing scale of cybercrime across the region.
As digital adoption accelerates, authorities are expected to focus on strengthening cyber resilience and building more effective mechanisms to tackle emerging threats.
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