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Vietnam has witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks, with a staggering 13,900 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.
The report highlighted distressing trends, notably the infiltration of more than 550 websites belonging to State agencies with the domain name “.gov.vn” and educational institutions bearing the domain name “.edu.vn.” Hackers breached these sites, embedding advertising codes promoting gambling and betting activities within their frameworks.
Moreover, ransomware attacks, a particularly insidious form of cyber threat, targeted over 83,000 computers and servers – an 8.4% escalation from the prior year. These attacks have targeted crucial sectors, including governmental agencies, the banking system, financial institutions, industrial networks, and other vital systems across the country.
Of great concern is the timing of these attacks, with a noticeable surge observed towards the year-end. This surge coincides with a crucial period when governmental bodies, organisations, and businesses are engrossed in finalising numerous projects, rendering them particularly vulnerable to cyber exploitation.
The report detailed the predominant forms of attacks, with phishing constituting the majority at 32.6% of the total. Additionally, 27.4% of the attacks targeted vulnerabilities inherent in platforms and software installed on computers and servers. Notably, 25.3% of the attacks were aimed at compromising websites developed by various organisations.
In response to this escalating threat landscape, the report underscored the critical need for agencies and organisations to fortify their cybersecurity measures. Urgent recommendations included comprehensive reviews of existing cybersecurity protocols, meticulous evaluation of network device safety, and the implementation of round-the-clock security monitoring systems.
The escalating frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks in Vietnam highlight the imperative for proactive and robust cybersecurity measures. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, fortifying defences against such threats remains a pressing priority to safeguard sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and the overall stability of the nation’s digital ecosystem.
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) of Vietnam, entrusted with monitoring and analysing cyber trends within the country, has issued a cautionary advisory alerting the populace to the proliferation of sophisticated cyber frauds. Specifically, the NCSC, operating under the Ministry of Information and Communications’ Information Security Department, has drawn attention to several prevalent scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.
Of particular concern is the resurgence of fraudulent money-back service scams, wherein groups of scammers leverage social networks to advertise services claiming to aid individuals who have fallen victim to fraudsters. These scammers purportedly promise assistance in recovering money lost due to fraudulent transactions or misappropriation.
Another prevalent scam highlighted by the NCSC is the year-end travel deception, wherein cybercriminals utilise various social media platforms to promote heavily discounted tour packages and travel programs. In some instances, these fraudsters adopt the guise of travel company employees or airline ticket office representatives, coaxing unsuspecting individuals into transferring payments to their accounts.
Moreover, the NCSC has highlighted the emergence of new deceptive tactics employed by scammers, including the creation of websites impersonating reputable companies. These sites serve as traps to lure unsuspecting victims into falling for fraudulent services.
The Department of Information Security has underscored the complexity of online fraud cases in the digital sphere, particularly escalating towards the year-end period. The evolving nature of these scams presents significant challenges in combating cyber fraud and protecting individuals from financial losses and data breaches.
As a preventive measure, individuals are strongly advised to exercise caution and diligence before making any online monetary transactions. Verifying recipient information thoroughly before transferring money online is recommended as a crucial step in mitigating the risks associated with money transfer scams. Heightened awareness and scrutiny of online activities are pivotal in safeguarding oneself against evolving cyber threats, especially during this period characterised by increased digital transactions and online interactions.