Ensuring information security against the threat of cyberattacks.

On the afternoon of August 6th, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications, in collaboration with the Vietnam Information Security Association – Southern Chapter (VNISA Southern Chapter), held a press conference to introduce the “Southern Region Information Security Conference and Exhibition 2024”.

The Southern Region Information Security Conference and Exhibition 2024, held on August 23rd at the GEM Center Convention Center (8 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), was jointly organized by the Information Security Department – ​​Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Information and Communications, and the Vietnam Information Security Association – Southern Chapter (VNISA Southern Chapter).

The event aims to provide information in the field of information technology and information security to agencies and businesses in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces that are implementing digital transformation applications.

2024 witnessed remarkable advancements in information technology, with the explosion of artificial intelligence applications, the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. However, these new opportunities came with unprecedented challenges in information security. Specifically, cyberattacks became more sophisticated and complex, targeting critical infrastructure systems, personal data, and enterprise databases.

Mr. Ngo Vi Dong, Chairman of the Southern Chapter of VNISA, spoke at the press conference.

In the first half of 2024, a series of ransomware attacks targeted large businesses in Vietnam, paralyzing systems, disrupting operations and business activities, and causing significant financial losses. Many businesses were forced to pay large ransoms to recover data and restore systems, eroding customer and partner trust. The damage extends beyond economic losses and has long-term impacts on the reputation and competitiveness of Vietnamese businesses in the international market.

According to the organizers, this year's event will focus on pressing issues such as: security in cashless transactions, protecting information technology systems to support Ho Chi Minh City's digital transformation, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) supporting traditional information security solutions, and authentication in the context of hackers using more sophisticated methods. In addition, the event will include a series of information security activities such as: a conference specifically for leaders of state management agencies and businesses, a scientific seminar on information security, a practical information security exercise in Ho Chi Minh City, and the ASEAN 2024 Student Information Security Competition…

Mr. Ngo Vi Dong, Chairman of the Southern branch of VNISA, stated that when transitioning to digital platforms and applications, cybersecurity threats are extremely dangerous and ever-present. Currently, shared systems used by agencies and businesses in Vietnam are vulnerable to attacks at any time. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City experienced numerous ransomware attacks in 2024, causing enormous economic damage. Therefore, this event will share information on cybersecurity, the latest domestic and international solutions and experiences to combat cybercrime.

According to a survey by the Southern Chapter of VNISA, in 2024 many organizations and businesses outsourced information security monitoring services to optimize costs (increasing from 20% to over 50%) compared to 2023. Data backup to combat ransomware is an effective method; however, up to 59% of organizations and businesses have not implemented or prioritized backing up important data. The survey results also show that 61% of organizations are currently using cybersecurity measures to minimize damage from attacks, while 13% are interested but lack sufficient information and resources to implement them.

BUI TUAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dam-bao-an-toan-thong-tin-truc-nguy-co-tan-cong-cua-toi-pham-mang-post752851.html