Trends in Vietnam’s network safety, security in 2019
The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications, has forecast five major trends in network safety and security to watch in 2019.
The biggest threat to Vietnamese Internet users comes mainly from malicious codes to extort, delete data, or mine virtual currency (Photo: ictnews.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Authority ofInformation Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications, hasforecast five major trends in network safety and security to watch in 2019.
These five trends include network attacks,especially malicious code attacks using artificial intelligence (AI); attackinge-commerce and financial-banking systems with the aim of stealing personalinformation and data from users; attacks on infrastructure, internet of things(IoT) equipment, smart urban areas, and taking advantage of these devices tocarry out network attacks; intentional network attacks on state agencies andorganisations in order to steal information and data; and the tendency tosmear, defame and spread malicious information against agencies, organisationsand individuals.
Commenting on Vietnam’s information securitythis year, Khong Huy Hung, CEO of the Vietnam Cyberspace Security TechnologyJSC (VNCS), emphasised the risks and challenges in ensuring informationsecurity and data security with the rapid increase of IoT devices.
According to Hung, with the explosion innumbers as well as variety, IoT devices have gradually changed the networkattack market when bringing a large amount of resources, leading to a conflictover the control of IoT networks worldwide with hacking organisations. Theexplosion of malicious code exploiting a wide-ranging IoT device will takeplace.
"In addition, malicious codes that use AIto carry out cyber-attack campaigns are also expected to increase," hesaid.
Earlier, at the end of December 2018, in thenetwork security report and 2019 trend forecast, Bkav experts predictedmalicious code using AI could appear in 2019, initially in the form of proof ofconcept (PoC) prototype.
However, Bkav experts also said that thebiggest threat to Vietnamese internet users came mainly from malicious code forextortion, to deleting data, mining virtual currency and advanced persistentthreat (APT).
These types of malware can combine manydifferent infection paths to maximise their spread, the most common being inexploiting software, operating systems and fake email vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the status of spam fraud onFacebook is also expected to worsen in 2019, therefore, social network usersneed to be more vigilant, Bkav experts recommended.-VNA
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has issued a decree asking businesses to enhance customer information privacy after an alleged breach of mobile retail chain The Gioi Di Dong (Mobile World) revealed personal information of more than five million customers.
The Vietnam Information Security Day 2018 kicked off in Hanoi on November 30 with 500 participants, including leaders of ministries, departments, and major firms, as well as experts in information technology (IT).
The 2018 Information Security Index of Vietnam was 45.6 percent, a figure at average level, reported by Vietnam Information Security Association (VNISA) in Hanoi on November 30.
One hundred teams from across Vietnam are taking part in a biggest ever cyber-attack drill, which runs in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City from December 18 to 21.
Vietnamese businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), must embrace digital and AI transformations to remain competitive and achieve sustainable growth, experts said.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
The biggest threat to Vietnamese Internet users comes mainly from malicious codes to extort, delete data, or mine virtual currency (Photo: ictnews.vn) 
