Over 150 information technology (IT) experts from ministries, central agencies, and local governments gathered in a symposium and cyberattack response exercise held on an e-meeting platform on 22 December. The event was co-organised by the Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), the Cyberspace Operations Command under the Ministry of National Defence, and cybersecurity corporation BKAV. The event aimed at building the capacity of national cybersecurity emergency response forces.
The Director of the Authority of Information Security, Nguyen Thanh Phuc, noted that to prepare for potential cyberattacks, the MIC added members to the national cybersecurity emergency response force this year. According to a news report, these events provide a chance for the force to explore how to closely coordinate with each other in dealing with emergencies. Vietnam recorded 2,915 cyberattacks in the first six months of 2021, an increase of 898 compared with the same period last year.
Mastering cyberspace has been considered one of the most urgent and important tasks for Vietnam to protect national sovereignty. Many experts and scientists believe that to deal with cybersecurity problems, it is necessary to complete the information infrastructure system and improve information equipment, ensuring cybersecurity and safety for central and local agencies, key infrastructure systems, and important economic groups.
A report by the International Criminal Police Organisation showed that crimes using high-technology ranked second among the most dangerous types of crimes, after terrorism, and 90% of traditional criminals have moved to the cyber environment or have used high-tech devices. Therefore, the issue of developing and mastering cyberspace has become one of the urgent tasks that many countries are heavily investing in.
Adequate and continuous protection initiatives should be deployed in all important national information systems including design, construction, development, operation, and use. An official from the Department of Public Security History, Science, and Strategy (DHSS), under the Ministry of Public Security, stated that the Ministry should strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Science and Technology to build specific plans and solutions to deal with cybersecurity issues. At the same time, the Ministry should focus more on developing human resources to play to ensure security in the digital economy by combining training with updating science-technology knowledge, especially digital technology.
Vietnam has been facing several new challenges as cyber-attacks targeted its critical information infrastructure. Websites and portals of state agencies, police forces, organisations, and businesses had personal data stolen for property appropriation. The country has also seen cybercrimes relating to e-commerce, investment, and insurance or the trade of gold and cryptocurrency. Meanwhile, Vietnam has not yet fully mastered technologies as many companies that provide useful services or operate technology for the country have been managed by foreigners. To further ensure national sovereignty in cyberspace, the country’s police force should continue synchronously deploying solutions to ensure the security of national information systems.
