The latest data from global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, notes that they have thwarted more than 7 million online threats targeting users in Indonesia during the second quarter of 2023.

This figure shows a decrease in the number of attempted cyber attacks against Indonesian internet users by 30 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

Based on Kaspersky's report, Tuesday (1/8), 7,729,320 online threat detections were successfully blocked during the period April to June 2023. However, this figure increased slightly (1 percent) compared to the previous quarter (January to March 2023). with 7,651,841 detections.

During the second quarter of 2023, 21.7 percent of internet users in Indonesia were targeted by online threats. This figure places Indonesia at 96th in the world in terms of dangers associated with web browsing.

Kaspersky statistical data also reveals that the use of local infection statistics on users' computers is an important indicator in measuring cyber attacks.

Worms and file viruses are the trigger for most incidents of malware attacks via USB drives, CDs, DVDs, and other “offline” methods.

In the period April to June 2023, as many as 28.3 percent of users in Indonesia were targeted by local threats. Kaspersky products detected 13,015,667 local incidents on KSN participant computers in Indonesia, which places Indonesia in 66th position globally.

Despite the decline in domestic online and local threats, Kaspersky warns that the number of detections is still relatively high. Given Indonesia's large population and high internet penetration, sensitive data and information are attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Therefore, companies and individuals are advised to increase cybersecurity defenses and adhere to preventive measures such as checking each link carefully before visiting a site, not trusting emails from unknown senders, and using secure networks when visiting sensitive websites.

“We urge all users – both companies and individuals – to take action to build cybersecurity defenses as more and more of their personal data and assets are involved in all digital activities,” said General Manager Southeast Asia at Kaspersky Yeo Siang Tiong.

Kaspersky also recommends that users run their systems with an up-to-date, quality anti-malware program, such as Kaspersky Premium, which can help resolve most problems automatically and provide alerts if threats are present.