AI fuels rise of cyber crime across Asia Pacific

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the cyber threat landscape in the Asia Pacific region, accelerating the scale and sophistication of attacks, according to a new report from cyber security firm CrowdStrike.

CrowdStrike’s analysis found that underground markets operating in China continue to play a central role in regional cyber crime, even amid strong regulatory crackdowns. Platforms such as Chang’an, FreeCity, and Huione Guarantee were highlighted for facilitating the sale of stolen credentials, phishing kits, malware, and money laundering services.

Huione Guarantee alone is estimated to have processed about US$27 billion before being taken down earlier this year.

Adam Meyers, head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike, said the integration of AI has transformed how cyber criminals operate.

“E-crime actors are industrialising cyber crime across APJ through thriving underground markets and complex ransomware operations. Simultaneously, AI-developed malware enables adversaries to launch high-velocity, high-volume attacks,” Meyers said.

The report tracked 763 victims in the Asia Pacific and Japan region between January 2024 and April 2025 who were listed on darknet leak sites. India, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, and Singapore were the most affected countries, with attacks largely targeting the manufacturing, technology, industrial and engineering, financial services, and professional services sectors.

CrowdStrike noted that the surge in AI-powered ransomware reflects a shift toward faster, more scalable attack models – an evolution that could challenge traditional cyber defence frameworks across the region.