In 2020, ransomware attack is estimated to increase
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN) forecast an increase in cyberattacks in 2020, including ransomware, a malware requiring victims to pay ransom to access their system or personal files that become encrypted and inaccessible.

"In 2020, ransomware attack is estimated to increase," BSSN's Director of Protection of National Critical Information Infrastructure (IIKN) Agung Nugraha stated during a year-end discussion on telematics here on Monday.

Nugraha noted that ransomware had become the most recurrent form of cyberattack in 2019.

"There are many loop holes in Indonesian websites. Digital economy fraud will continue to be a trend. Ransomware attack is on the rise," he pointed out.

Nugraha has also cautioned of a likely attack on technology used in strategic infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT), and the banking sector.

The development of cloud data service, as a result of digital transformation implemented by several companies, will also become a target of cyberattack.

"Crimes already using Artificial intelligence (AI) are being committed, and of course, we will fight AI with AI. This will become a challenge," he emphasized.

The development of 5G technology has also created a loop hole in cybersecurity, as the technology will enable faster stealing of data.

"If earlier, it took two to three hours to steal data, they will accomplish the same task within just seconds (with the technology). Precautionary measures need to be taken. We need to put in place a regulation, and the government will have to cooperate with all stakeholders," he stated.

Sport events, both at the national and international scale, are also forecast to become the target of cyberattacks.

Tokyo will host the Olympic Games 2020, while Indonesia will hold the National Sports Week (PON) in Papua from October 20 to November 2, 2020.

"It (PON) will be held in Papua. In terms of digital infrastructure, Papua differs from Jakarta. Coordination is yet lacking on the concept of PON in 2020," he added. (INE)

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Translator: Arindra Meodia, Sri Haryati
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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