Barracuda Opening APAC HQs in Hong Kong

Barracuda Networks, Inc. opened APAC HQs in Hong Kong.

The company protects organisations from cyber-attacks on email, data and networks both on their own networks and in the cloud, by providing an IT-security platform and customer support. Building on its large R&D center in Bangalore, and existing presence in several countries.

The APAC HQs iwill be a center for sales, marketing and team recruitment to serve the needs of customers in the region.

Research¹ suggests that the APAC region is at special risk to cyber-crime because of its high digital connectivity, low cybersecurity awareness, mounting cross-border transactions and data, and relatively weak regulations.

James Forbes-May, VP, sales, AsiaPac and Japan, Barracuda, said: “Technology has played a large part in the rapid economic growth of the region in recent decades. But as companies continue to leverage digital technology to accelerate their growth, they must be protected from the threats arising from cyber-crime.“

Threats are becoming more complex and challenging, with email becoming a key battleground in Hong Kong. In 3Q19 alone, 849 phishing events (defined as sending fraudulent emails purporting to be from someone else in order to gain valuable personal data) related to Hong Kong were reported.²

According to Barracuda, however, more challenging email scam techniques are taking over: so-called spear phishing takes place when a phishing scam is directed at a named individual.

Forbes-May said: “As cyber-criminals get smarter, the identities and authenticity of people sending phishing emails are getting more difficult to detect, so it’s even more important to make sure you have the right security technologies and processes in place. Our new APAC HQs will further expand our foothold in the region to serve the cyber security needs of companies. We will strive to raise their awareness of the potential threats and guard the safety of their communications, networks and data. To enable our mission, we have already built a 25 strong team in Hong Kong across key functions including sales, marketing and HR with additional functions such as customer services coming as we continue to grow.”

Associate director-general of investment promotion, InvestHK, Charles Ng, said: “We are very excited to see Barracuda choose Hong Kong to be its regional headquarters. It will not only help companies in the region to mitigate their cyber security risk, but also strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a leading hub for information and communications technology in the region.“

¹ Cyber Risk in Asia-Pacific The Case for Greater Transparency, Marsh & McLennan Companies
² 3Q19 Hong Kong Security Watch Report, Hong Kong Security, Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT)