Cybersecurity in Vietnam: Opportunities and Challenges

In the latter half of 2023, Vietnam’s cybersecurity landscape presents a mixed bag of fortunes. On one hand, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have resurfaced as a major threat requiring vigilance. Besides, proactive measures by the Vietnamese government and businesses have led to continuous improvements in cybersecurity defenses. 

DDoS Attacks: A Significant Threat to Vietnam’s Cybersecurity

According to data from the National Cybersecurity Agency of Vietnam (NCS), the number of cyberattacks against Vietnam decreased in the first half of 2023. However, targeted attacks on critical infrastructure witnessed an upward trend. Nearly 400 government and educational institution websites were compromised, leading to data breaches and the insertion of malicious advertising code.

Trends in DDoS Attacks:

• The frequency of attacks is expected to rise.
• Attacks will increase in scale and complexity.
• Ransom attacks will become a primary objective of DDoS attacks.

Countermeasures against DDoS Attacks:

• Strengthening cybersecurity legislation and enforcement.
• Enhancing cybersecurity technology proficiency.
• Fostering international collaboration.
• Raising public awareness of cybersecurity.

Positive Changes in Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Situation:

• In February 2024, cyberattacks against Vietnam decreased by 48.9% compared to the previous year.
• The Vietnamese government has implemented various measures to bolster cybersecurity protection.
• The proportion of Vietnamese information systems receiving approval for information security assurance has been steadily increasing.

Future Outlook: While Vietnam’s cybersecurity situation remains complex, there are also opportunities. The Vietnamese government and businesses should continue to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure to enhance resilience against cyber threats, thereby safeguarding both economic development and national security.

Key Trends to Watch:

• The application of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) will introduce new cybersecurity challenges.
• The trend towards transnational and organized cyberattacks will become more pronounced.
• The shortage of cybersecurity talent will become more acute.

Recommended Measures for Vietnam’s Government and Businesses:

• Strengthen cybersecurity legislation and enforcement, imposing stricter penalties for cyberattacks.
• Increase investment in cybersecurity research and development to enhance technical capabilities.
• Enhance international cooperation to combat cyberattacks collectively.
• Enhance public awareness of cybersecurity through education and training initiatives.

By adopting these measures, Vietnam can effectively enhance its cybersecurity defenses, contributing to a more secure and reliable cyberspace conducive to economic growth and national security.

Specific Challenges Facing Vietnam’s Cybersecurity:

• Escalating sophistication of cyberattack methods: Attackers leverage the latest technologies and techniques, such as IoT devices and AI, to launch DDoS attacks, making defense more challenging.
• Transnational and organized nature of cyberattacks: Cyberattacks are no longer confined to a single country or region but exhibit transnational and organized characteristics, making defense more difficult.
• Shortage of cybersecurity professionals: Vietnam faces a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals, lacking the expertise needed to protect against and mitigate cyber threats.

Additional Measures to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Vietnam:

• Establishment of a national-level cybersecurity command center: Responsible for coordinating and directing cybersecurity efforts nationwide to respond promptly to cybersecurity incidents.
• Development of a national cybersecurity strategy: Clearly defining cybersecurity development goals and tasks to guide cybersecurity initiatives.
• Enhancement of cybersecurity education and training: Raising public awareness of cybersecurity and improving cybersecurity skills across the population.
• Conducting cybersecurity drills: Assessing cybersecurity defenses and enhancing emergency response capabilities through simulated cyberattack scenarios.