Construction Industry Leads ICS Cyber Attack Risk in Southeast Asia

(NLDO) - Construction businesses need to seriously invest in security systems, continuously update defense layers and increase resilience.

According to businesswire.com, the construction industry is playing a pivotal role in economic growth in Southeast Asia, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2024 to 2028.

Vietnam and Indonesia are the two markets with the highest growth rates, with Vietnam recording a growth rate of 7.8%-8.2%.

Along with the breakthrough, the application of digital technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in the construction industry also opens up many opportunities to optimize processes.

However, the downside is that the risk of cyber attacks is increasing significantly, especially in industrial control systems (ICS).

Chart comparing the percentage of ICS computers attacked by malware in Southeast Asia and globally in Q1/2025. The construction industry leads the way with a rate of 32.9% in Southeast Asia, much higher than the global average of 22.4%. (Source: Kaspersky)

According to the latest data from Kaspersky, in the first quarter of 2025, ICS computers in the construction industry in Southeast Asia are becoming the top target of malware, although the majority of attacks have been successfully prevented.

Southeast Asia currently ranks second globally in ICS malware blocking rates at 29.1%. In the construction industry alone, the rate of ICS computer attacks in Southeast Asia is 1.5 times higher than the global average. Other sectors such as manufacturing are 1.3 times higher; building automation, power, and ICS system integration engineering are 1.2 times higher.

Adrian Hia, Managing Director of Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, said that the comprehensive digitalization of the construction industry – from monitoring, logistics to supply chains – is driving rapid growth but also entails significant cybersecurity risks. Businesses need to seriously invest in security systems, constantly update defense layers and increase resilience.

Kaspersky recommends that businesses in the construction sector view cybersecurity not as a cost, but as a necessary investment to protect assets, data and brand reputation. In an increasingly digital future, ICS protection is vital to building a safe and sustainable industry.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nganh-xay-dung-dan-dau-nguy-co-tan-cong-mang-ics-tai-dong-nam-a-196250711155824815.htm