THE degree of control an organisation has over its whole digital environment, including its data and digital assets, is referred to as digital sovereignty.
In today's internet age, it should be a fundamental principle that organisations must have sovereignty over their own digital data.
According to the findings of a recent International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia/Pacific Security Sourcing Survey 2022, cybersecurity is a critical investment area for Southeast Asian organisations looking to procure from third-party providers.
"Cybersecurity remains a high priority in Southeast Asia as organisations embrace the digital-first era and the rise of digital sovereignty concerns in the region," says IDC.
During a webinar hosted by the international market intelligence agency, it is revealed that the majority of companies in Southeast Asia continue to place a high importance on continuing to invest in cybersecurity as they adopt the digital-first mindset.
IDC Asia/Pacific's senior programme manager, James Sivalingam mentioned that during his presentation, businesses will seek guidance on digital tools and apps from reliable security partners.
"Adoption of digital tools and modernisation of business applications and distributed infrastructure have been the hallmarks of the digital-first era, which also significantly increases the attack surfaces for cyber threats.
"Thus, Southeast Asian businesses will be turning to trusted security partners for advice, implementation, and management of security operations to improve their security posture," said James.
Additionally, he also claimed that as people become more aware of data sovereignty, they will start using local vendors.
As reported by IDC, organisations in Southeast Asia spent US$3.2 billion (RM47.1 billion) on cybersecurity, which include services, software, and appliances in 2021. By 2026, this amount is projected to have increased at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.6 per cent, totaling US$6.1 billion.