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In the dynamic landscape of technological advancement, the Authority of Information Security (AIS) under Vietnam’s Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has emerged as a pivotal defender against cyber threats. Their recent reports shed light on the evolving challenges and the proactive measures taken to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure.
In the span of the first 11 months of the year, AIS unveiled a staggering revelation—they identified, cautioned, and provided directives to manage 11,428 cyberattacks that disrupted information systems in Vietnam. This marked an uptick of 1.9% compared to the preceding year.
Diving into the statistics, a notable 90% of these cyber assaults were categorised as phishing attempts. Simultaneously, malware and defacement attacks tallied 884 and 451 incidents, respectively.
Comparing this data to the previous year’s findings paints a picture of escalating threats. In the parallel timeframe, AIS had reported 11,213 cyber incidents, comprising 3,930 phishing, 1,524 defacement, and 5,759 malware attacks. The noticeable surge between the years highlights an intensifying risk landscape.
Experts perceive these statistics as a clarion call, underscoring the severity of information insecurity prevailing in Vietnam. Alarmingly, a substantial portion of internet users lack essential knowledge about security protocols, having missed out on fundamental information safety training.
Others echo this sentiment, emphasising that the predominance of phishing attacks targeting users is a direct consequence of inadequate awareness regarding information security. Exploiting user ignorance through phishing remains a “simple” yet alarmingly effective tactic for cyber attackers, yielding desired outcomes in terms of attack success rates and victim count.
The exponential surge in cyber assaults signals a pressing need for more robust and pervasive educational programmes tailored to enhance the information security literacy of internet users. This escalation can be attributed to the burgeoning internet usage, the evolution of attack methodologies, and the persistent lack of awareness among users.
Experts further delineate common forms of phishing attacks, citing website impersonation, link or file-based fraudulent activities, credit card phishing, and the exploitation of QR codes as prevalent tactics employed by cyber attackers.
Highlighting the corporate frontlines, an authority on the matter reveals that attacks on businesses have been a recurrent theme this year. Ranging from small to large-scale enterprises, most of these incidents revolved around phishing via business email systems. Additionally, the proliferation of phishing assaults through messaging applications remains a daily challenge, necessitating constant vigilance.
In light of these escalating threats, experts underscore precautionary measures. Users are advised against downloading files from dubious sources or accessing unfamiliar links to fortify their defences against potential cyber threats.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam has witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks, with over 13,000 reported incidents in 2023, marking a worrisome 9.5% increase from the previous year. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) revealed these alarming statistics in its recent report, underscoring the growing threat landscape faced by the nation.
Vietnam’s proactive stance toward fortifying cyber resilience across its populace, business sectors, and public institutions underscores a pivotal shift in its approach to safeguarding its digital landscape. With an eye on the future, the government has set its sights on comprehensive measures aimed at bolstering cybersecurity at multiple levels.
Recognising the escalating threats posed by cyberattacks, the Vietnamese government has embarked on a multifaceted strategy to enhance cyber resilience. This forward-looking initiative is not merely a response to past incidents but a proactive step in fortifying the nation’s digital infrastructure against potential future threats.
The landscape of cybersecurity in Vietnam is at a crossroads, demanding a concerted effort from stakeholders to fortify defences and educate users. As technology continues to evolve, the resolve to combat cyber threats must evolve in tandem, fostering a more secure digital ecosystem for Vietnam’s future.
