Vietnam hit by 620 cyber attacks in first quarter of 2019
Vietnam suffered 620 cyber attacks in the first three months of this year, down by about 50 percent compared with last year’s figure, according to the Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam suffered 620 cyber attacks in the first threemonths of this year, down by about 50 percent compared with last year’s figure,according to the Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the Ministry ofInformation and Communications.
The number of IP addresses categorised in ghost computernetworks (botnets) was 1,845,133, a decrease of 56 percent compared with thesame period last year.
As many as 54 enterprises have been granted business licencesto trade and provide network security services in the first quarter of theyear.
“These figures show that the cyber security in Vietnam hasseen positive changes. In particular, campaigns to handle malicious code inHanoi and HCM City by the Ministry of Information and Communications haveachieved certain results,” the AIS said in a statement.
Experts from the AIS recommended that there were manywebsites that look similar to those of organisations, businesses and serviceproviders so users should be wary of fake websites to avoid hackers stealingtheir accounts. To limit the risk of losing information, people should bevigilant in providing their personal and payment information for onlineservices.
Statistics from the National Cyber Security Centre showedthat about 10,220 cyber attacks on information system were recorded by thecentre last year, a decrease of 1,023 attacks compared with the previous year.
An assessment on cyber security conducted by Bkav Corporationin December last year revealed that the damage caused by computer viruses toVietnamese users reached a record of 14.9 trillion VND (642 million USD) in2018, 21 percent higher than 2017’sfigure.
Earlier this year, the AIS has forecast five majortrends 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.-VNA
Vietnamese websites were hit by more than 6,500 cyber security attacks – all either deface malware or phishing attacks – in the first eight months of 2018.
Up to 71.38 percent of computers and mobile devices in Vietnam are getting infected with malicious viruses, but only 11 percent of the users are aware they have been victims of cyber-attacks, according to the Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications.
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).
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.
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.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
Illustrative photo (Source: nguoitieudung.vn) 
