The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region faces a widening cyber protection gap, exposing households to digital fraud despite widespread confidence in online safety practices. A recent study by bolttech, titled APAC Cyber Safety Landscape 2026, highlights a stark disconnect between perceived online safety and actual security behaviour among consumers.
Perception vs Reality
The study surveyed 3,850 consumers across 11 APAC markets and found that while 85% of respondents rated their online safety habits as “good” or “very good,” only 44% consistently practised strong cybersecurity measures. This leaves a 41% gap between perceived and actual protection.
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Respondents confident in online safety | 85% |
| Respondents consistently practising strong cybersecurity | 44% |
| Cyber safety gap | 41% |
Meanwhile, 39% of respondents reported having already fallen victim to cybercrime, signalling a tangible threat to households across the region.
Rising Threats and Household Risk
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of participants expect someone in their household to experience cybercrime within the next year. The growing use of artificial intelligence in scams exacerbates the risk, with 92% of respondents believing AI will make fraud more difficult to detect.
Exposure to cybercrime varies across APAC:
| Market Type | Countries | Cybercrime Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Markets | Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia | Higher exposure; ~50% victims; 71% suffered financial loss |
| Developed Markets | South Korea, Japan | Lower exposure; ~25% victims lost >$500 per incident; lower trust in institutions |
Financial impacts are significant. In emerging markets, 71% of cybercrime victims reported financial losses, whereas in developed markets, incidents were less frequent but often more costly.
Demand for Cyber Protection
The survey highlights rising demand for cyber protection products, including insurance-linked solutions:
| Consumer Segment | Preferred Coverage |
|---|---|
| Higher-income consumers | Comprehensive coverage: monitoring, alerts, family protection, 24/7 support, financial loss coverage |
| Price-sensitive consumers | Basic tools: scam blocking, monitoring services |
Overall, 71% of respondents indicated willingness to pay for cyber protection, underscoring a growing market for security services.
Shared Responsibility
Cybersecurity is increasingly seen as a collective responsibility. Nearly 50% of respondents believe governments, banks, telecoms, tech platforms, and individuals should all contribute to online safety, while only 14% consider it solely an individual’s responsibility.
The study assessed cyber readiness using five indices—experience, habits, response, trends, and trust—providing a comprehensive overview of APAC households’ vulnerability to digital threats.