AC Ventures, a leading Southeast Asian venture capital firm, in partnership with PwC Indonesia, has launched a comprehensive cybersecurity playbook to help businesses navigate the rapidly evolving digital threat landscape. The Cybersecurity Playbook for Startups aims to equip entrepreneurs with essential tools and insights to tackle rising cyber risks, including cloud breaches, ransomware, and the impact of generative AI (GenAI) on security.
Rising cybersecurity costs and threats
The increasing complexity of cyber threats has amplified costs for businesses. PwC Indonesia reports that data breaches in 2024 cost companies an average of US$1 million to resolve. Moreover, 36% of surveyed organisations faced breach-related expenses exceeding US$1 million this year, up from 27% in 2023. This financial burden has prompted nearly half (49%) of directors to recognise cybersecurity as a significant oversight challenge.
The top cyber threats identified include cloud-related breaches, hack-and-leak operations, third-party vulnerabilities, attacks on connected products, and ransomware. Emerging technologies such as GenAI and quantum computing are further exposing companies to potential risks, leading 42% of executives to adapt strategies to mitigate these threats.
Subianto, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at PwC Indonesia, said, “As data breaches continue to rise and become more costly, organisations need to pay more attention to cyber resilience. In Indonesia, only 27% of businesses routinely anticipate future cyber risks, and just 15% allocate cyber budgets to address top organisational risks. This gap highlights the need for businesses to transition from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies.”
A practical resource for entrepreneurs
The playbook is designed to address knowledge gaps in cybersecurity, offering actionable strategies and insights drawn from AC Ventures’ portfolio of tech leaders. It provides startups and scaling ventures with step-by-step guidance on critical topics, such as:
- Identifying common cyber threats.
- Developing tailored cybersecurity strategies.
- Implementing effective incident response plans.
- Meeting regulatory compliance and data protection standards.
One of the playbook’s core principles is the “CIA model” — Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability — a framework to help management teams safeguard information assets effectively. It also offers a roadmap for rapid response during cyber incidents to minimise disruptions and build stakeholder trust.
The playbook delves into advanced tools like GenAI for enhancing cyber defences, detailing its application in threat detection, intelligence analysis, and adaptive controls. By leveraging GenAI, startups can strengthen their defences against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Pandu Sjahrir, Founding Partner of AC Ventures, highlighted the importance of the initiative: “With great advancements in digital technologies, particularly GenAI, come increased vulnerabilities that can threaten the very core of a growing enterprise. Through this resource, we aim to empower companies to not only defend against potential cyberattacks but also build a foundational security posture that scales with their growth.”
Staying ahead of emerging threats
AC Ventures and PwC Indonesia are committed to keeping the playbook updated with the latest insights and strategies to address emerging risks. By reflecting on new technological advancements, the guide remains a vital tool for businesses aiming to protect their digital assets and maintain continuity in an increasingly challenging cybersecurity environment.
For startups and scale-ups in Southeast Asia, this initiative offers a proactive approach to tackling the rising costs and complexities of cybersecurity, ensuring companies can navigate the digital age with resilience and confidence.