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The 6th Vietnam Security Summit, themed “Cybersecurity in the AI-Driven World,” took place on May 30, 2024, in Hanoi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC)’s Authority of Information Security (AIS) in collaboration with the IEC Group.
This year’s summit drew significant attention, with over 1,000 delegates from various sectors, including government, finance, banking, insurance, telecom, retail, transportation, logistics, energy, and production.
In his opening remarks, MIC Deputy Minister Pham Duc Long underscored the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on information security. He noted that while AI is revolutionising system defence mechanisms, it is also being exploited by cybercriminals to develop sophisticated malware and execute advanced phishing attacks. He highlighted that the National Cyberspace System, operated by the AIS, had received 17,400 reports of online fraud, resulting in estimated financial losses of 8-10 trillion VND (314-392 million USD).
Long stressed the urgency of harnessing AI’s benefits while mitigating its potential risks. He called for agencies, organisations, and units to prioritise implementing comprehensive information security monitoring solutions to detect threats early. This proactive approach is crucial to safeguarding against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Head of the National Population Data Centre under the Ministry of Public Security’s Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order, further emphasised the need for a robust legal framework to stay ahead of AI trends.
He proposed the creation of regulations governing AI ethics in development, production, and application, along with technical standards for application connection and sharing platforms. Tuan stressed that AI development must be integrated with strong cybersecurity measures to prevent severe consequences from potential attacks.
Throughout the summit, experts shared insights on new trends in cyberattacks driven by AI, including solutions to ensure safety during online transactions and methods to detect, prevent, and handle ransomware attacks. These discussions highlighted the importance of staying vigilant and adaptive in the face of rapidly evolving cyber threats.
In addition to the discussions, the summit featured a cybersecurity exhibition with over 50 leading security solution providers from the region and around the world. These providers showcased the latest advancements in cybersecurity technologies and solutions, offering participants a glimpse into cutting-edge tools and strategies for enhancing information security.
As Vietnam gears up for rapid economic growth and technological advancement, experts are urging the creation of a comprehensive AI policy framework to foster the AI industry while mitigating risks.
The national strategy for AI research, development, and application by 2030, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 127/QD-TTg, emphasises the need for a robust legal system tailored to AI’s challenges and opportunities.
OpenGov Asia reported that Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Hoang Giang, highlighted the necessity of responsible AI development aligned with Vietnamese culture and ethics.
The Ministry of Science and Technology is advocating for a dedicated digital technology law and developing legal frameworks for AI testing, including pilot projects for large language models and virtual assistants.
This strategic initiative aims to position Vietnam as a leading player in the global AI landscape, driving innovation and economic growth. Recent government actions, including a national data strategy, underscore Vietnam’s commitment to becoming a top AI innovator by 2030, ensuring AI contributes to economic and societal advancement.
The 6th Vietnam Security Summit underscored the critical intersection of AI and cybersecurity, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents in the digital age. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among various stakeholders, the summit aimed to advance Vietnam’s cybersecurity capabilities and resilience in an increasingly AI-driven world.