The report released by Populix, titled "Navigating Economic and Security Challenges in 2025," reveals that 67% of respondents express concern regarding cybersecurity issues, while 49% are worried about health security.
Timothy Astandu, Co-Founder and CEO of Populix, elaborated that as digital integration becomes more pronounced, the emergence of cyber threats is also increasing. The primary triggers for these threats are data breaches and hacking, exacerbated by insufficient resources and knowledge.
"The rise in cyber threats underscores the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures. Data breaches and hacking are the main catalysts, while inadequate resources and knowledge serve as significant barriers. There is a pressing need to focus on protecting sensitive data, although awareness of the evolving threats remains limited," Timothy stated during the Populix Industry Outlook discussion on navigating economic and security challenges in 2025, held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in Jakarta.
In addition to data breaches and hacking, Timothy noted that the public is beginning to recognize various other types of cyber threats. These include viruses (82%), phishing emails (75%), digital pornography (65%), cyberbullying (63%), spyware (60%), ransomware (55%), and trojans (54%).
"Although the public is still relatively uninformed, there is a growing motivation to safeguard their sensitive data. This presents an opportunity for both government and private sectors to assist by providing cybersecurity education and offering simple, user-friendly security solutions," Timothy remarked.
He further emphasized that cybersecurity issues significantly impact various aspects of consumers' lives, leading to emotional stress, compromising personal and financial security, limiting social interactions, and affecting job security in professional environments.
On the other hand, the challenges of cybersecurity are also linked to other issues such as workforce upskilling and access to healthcare services. While technological advancements and automation provide efficiency, they also exert pressure on the job market, particularly affecting traditional roles that are increasingly being displaced.
According to Timothy, a survey conducted by Populix revealed that 47% of respondents expressed deep concerns regarding their ability to maintain economic security amid rising living costs and increasing consumer burdens, largely driven by the convenience of online shopping.
"Respondents are worried that financial disruptions, such as job loss or decreased economic capacity, will significantly impact their financial well-being, making it difficult for them to meet daily needs. Government intervention is necessary to address public concerns, particularly by ensuring economic stability in the coming year," Timothy stated.
Consequently, Timothy emphasized the importance of skill enhancement initiatives for the workforce to remain relevant amidst these changes.
"Through this forum, we will explore how these evolving dynamics will affect various industry sectors and how businesses can respond to changing consumer needs. By focusing on solutions such as cybersecurity, workforce upskilling, and digital healthcare services, we can create a safer and more sustainable future," Timothy remarked. (ridwan@insightinnews.com)