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Vietnam has firmly established itself as a global leader in cybersecurity, earning a place in the top tier of the fifth Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The country achieved a notable score of 99.74, securing a spot in Tier 1, which comprises 46 countries recognised for their comprehensive and advanced cybersecurity frameworks. This marks a significant achievement for Vietnam, highlighting its commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity infrastructure and governance.
The GCI is a comprehensive index measuring countries’ cybersecurity commitment across five pillars: legal, technical, organisational, capacity development, and cooperation. Vietnam’s Tier 1 ranking highlights its progress in adopting robust cybersecurity practices to meet the challenges of the digital age. Tier 1 nations, labelled as ‘models,’ have made significant strides in enhancing their cybersecurity efforts since the 2021 index release.
Vietnam shares this prestigious Tier 1 ranking with four other Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia, which achieved a perfect score of 100, alongside Singapore (99.86), Thailand (99.22), and Malaysia (98.82). This strong regional performance underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity across Southeast Asia, as governments increasingly prioritise digital resilience in response to evolving cyber threats.
The GCI 2024 report shows global progress in strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, but the ITU stresses more action is needed to address evolving cyber threats. The report notes that 123 countries now offer cybersecurity training, 153 have integrated it into national curricula, and 164 have enacted legal measures to protect children online, reflecting increased focus on cybersecurity education and child safety.
Vietnam’s journey to cybersecurity excellence has shown continued progress. In the 2020 GCI ranking, it placed 25th out of 182 nations, and its current top-tier status reflects a focus on strengthening national cybersecurity strategies.
By adopting advanced technologies like AI and data analytics, Vietnam is improving its ability to detect, prevent, and respond to cyber threats. These efforts are critical to securing the nation’s digital economy and maintaining its reputation as a trusted player in global cybersecurity.
One of the key areas emphasised in the GCI 2024 is the importance of high-quality data in maintaining cybersecurity. In Vietnam, developing a strong domestic cybersecurity industry is seen as essential to continuing its progress. This involves investing in data governance, quality control, and cybersecurity technologies to ensure that the nation remains ahead of emerging threats and can effectively respond to security incidents.
Cybersecurity awareness is another major focus of the report. Globally, 152 countries have launched initiatives aimed at educating the public about cyber risks, with some targeting specific demographics such as vulnerable populations.
These campaigns are designed to foster a culture of cybersecurity and increase resilience to potential threats. Vietnam has also implemented such initiatives, contributing to the development of a more cyber-aware society.
International cooperation is a cornerstone of global cybersecurity efforts. The GCI 2024 reports that 92% of countries are involved in international treaties or agreements for cybersecurity capacity development or information sharing. Vietnam’s active participation in these agreements enables it to benefit from global best practices while contributing to the collective effort to strengthen cybersecurity worldwide.
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said, “Building trust in the digital world is paramount. The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cyber threats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.”
As Vietnam invests in cybersecurity infrastructure and governance, it is well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the digital economy. By fostering a strong cybersecurity culture and prioritising technological innovation, Vietnam is set to remain a global cybersecurity leader, contributing to sustainable growth and digital resilience.
