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At a ceremony in Hanoi marking the 10th anniversary of the Authority of Information Safety (AIS), Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung underscored the critical need for a strong and capable information security force to protect Vietnam’s national digital sovereignty.
As digital infrastructure becomes increasingly integral to national security, safeguarding cyberspace is now as important as ensuring physical safety, though the scale and complexity of the digital realm present even greater challenges.
Hung said ensuring information security in cyberspace is akin to protecting citizens in the real world but on a much larger and more intricate scale. The minister called for the national information security force, particularly the AIS, to strengthen its capabilities to address growing cyber threats.
Digital technology should serve as the primary weapon in this effort, and Hung urged the AIS to attract top talent from both national and international technology sectors to bolster Vietnam’s cybersecurity defences.
The role of the AIS and the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC), according to Hung, extends beyond technical security. They are responsible for safeguarding Vietnam’s digital sovereignty and protecting the ideological foundations of the Communist Party, the regime, and the image of Vietnam and its people in cyberspace. These responsibilities underscore the broader political and cultural implications of cybersecurity in the modern era.
AIS Director Le Van Tuan, also present at the ceremony, spoke about the progress made in building a comprehensive institutional framework for information security in Vietnam. This framework, which includes laws, decrees, and guiding circulars, has helped raise awareness about the importance of information security across government agencies, businesses, and the general public. It has also led to the integration of information security measures into information technology projects across various sectors.
According to Tuan, Vietnam’s information security industry has made significant strides in recent years. Over 100 Vietnamese companies are now responsible for developing and mastering a wide range of information security products, controlling more than half of the domestic market for cybersecurity solutions. Some of these companies have even expanded their operations internationally, competing in global markets and showcasing Vietnam’s growing expertise in this critical area.
Vietnam’s efforts in building its cybersecurity capabilities have been recognised internationally. The country has risen significantly in the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) global cybersecurity rankings, moving from 100th place to 25th in just a decade. This improvement reflects the country’s commitment to strengthening its digital defences and ensuring its national digital sovereignty.
Hung’s remarks come at a time when nations around the world are grappling with the complexities of cyber threats, which can undermine everything from government institutions to national economies.
In response to these global trends, Vietnam has been working to build a more resilient cybersecurity infrastructure. The country’s focus on digital sovereignty reflects the growing recognition that control over national cyberspace is vital to maintaining independence and security in the digital age.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is significantly advancing its cyber resilience amid a sharp increase in cyber threats, including a 50% rise in personal information theft in early 2024. Viettel’s report highlights a surge in phishing, ransomware, and data leaks. In response, Vietnam is enhancing data protection, updating cybersecurity measures, and improving threat intelligence.
The country is also focusing on secure backup systems and fostering collaboration to address vulnerabilities and attacks, such as ransomware and DDoS. These efforts reflect Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening its digital security and supporting its digital economy.
The celebration of AIS’s 10th anniversary provided a moment to reflect on the progress made in Vietnam’s cybersecurity efforts while also underscoring the continued need for vigilance and advancement in this ever-evolving field.
