Microsoft brings together policymakers in seven Asia-Pacific markets to facilitate the exchange of threat information and resources between their respective public sectors.

In the Asia-Pacific region, there was an increase in malware and ransomware attacks, which were 1.6 and 1.7 times higher than the global average, respectively.

Based on its 2019 report, Microsoft said that developing markets are most vulnerable to such threats.

Cybercrime not only leads to financial losses but also poses risks to national security and undermines confidence in emerging digital economies.

Last Monday, Microsoft launched the Asia-Pacific Public Sector Cyber Security Executive Council to bring together policymakers and government agencies.

The aim was to establish permanent communication between these organizations and facilitate the exchange of best practices, which would promote the exchange of threat information and technologies in a timely and open manner and better position the region to respond to cyberattacks.

15 policymakers from Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, and the Philippines joined the council, which is backed by Microsoft’s cybersecurity experts.

Councillors would be part of a forum that includes the cybersecurity industry consultants ecosystem, giving them access to Microsoft security certification training, workshops, and hands-on laboratory sessions.

This will help improve the digital and cybersecurity skills of participating nations.

Because most technological infrastructure is owned and operated by private companies, it has been critical for governments to form coalitions with technology companies to advance cyber defence strategies and protect the region from attackers.

For more information, read the original story in ZDNet.