Addressing the Rising Threats on Vietnamese National TV

As I sat down in the vibrant studio of Vietnamese national television, I couldn’t help but reflect on the increasing urgency surrounding cybersecurity in Asia, particularly in Vietnam. The rapid digital transformation seen across the ASEAN region has opened up countless opportunities for growth, innovation, and connectivity—but it has also brought along an array of cyber threats. The discussion was timely, and I was honored to contribute to such an important conversation.

1/27/20254 min read

As I sat down in the vibrant studio of Vietnamese national television, I couldn’t help but reflect on the increasing urgency surrounding cybersecurity in Asia, particularly in Vietnam. The rapid digital transformation seen across the ASEAN region has opened up countless opportunities for growth, innovation, and connectivity—but it has also brought along an array of cyber threats. The discussion was timely, and I was honored to contribute to such an important conversation.

Vietnam has emerged as a fast-developing digital economy, but with this progress comes increased vulnerability. Cybercriminals have not spared Vietnam, targeting individuals, businesses, and critical industries. Speaking on this platform was an opportunity to raise awareness, share insights, and highlight the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures.

The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks in Vietnam and Asia

During the interview, I discussed the findings from the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report, which highlights cybersecurity failure as one of the most critical risks facing the world today. Across the ASEAN region, countries like Vietnam face a host of cyber threats, including:

  • Business Email Compromise (BEC): Fraudulent emails trick employees into transferring funds or divulging sensitive information.

  • Ransomware: A threat that locks organizations out of their critical systems and demands a ransom to regain access.

  • Phishing: One of the most prevalent attacks, targeting users with deceptive emails to steal credentials.

  • E-commerce Data Interception: Threat actors exploit the growth of online commerce to steal payment information.

In Vietnam, these threats are exacerbated by the rapid digitization spurred on by the pandemic. With businesses and government services migrating online, cybercriminals have seized the opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities in newly established digital infrastructures. The rise in online scams has been particularly alarming, with individuals and organizations frequently falling victim to schemes that leverage social engineering tactics.

The Human Factor in Cybersecurity

What makes cybersecurity particularly challenging is the human element. Most cyberattacks, including phishing and BEC, rely on human error to succeed. Social engineering attacks are designed to manipulate individuals into taking actions they wouldn’t normally consider, such as clicking on malicious links, sharing confidential information, or approving fraudulent transactions.

During the discussion, I emphasized the importance of addressing this human factor. Cybersecurity is not just a technological issue—it’s a human one. As such, empowering users through education and awareness is key. Organizations in Vietnam and beyond must invest in training their employees to recognize and resist social engineering tactics. This includes:

  • Understanding Social Engineering: Learning how attackers gather information from social media and other online sources to craft convincing scams.

  • Recognizing Red Flags: Being alert to unusual requests, such as urgent payment instructions or password reset links.

  • Encouraging a Culture of Vigilance: Ensuring employees feel comfortable questioning suspicious communications or verifying requests through official channels.

Vietnam’s Opportunity to Strengthen Cybersecurity

Vietnam’s rapid digital transformation places it at a crossroads. On one hand, the country has the potential to emerge as a leader in the digital economy. On the other, this progress must be supported by robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect businesses and citizens.

The Vietnamese government has already taken steps in this direction, launching initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness and improve resilience across industries. However, there is still much work to be done. Cybersecurity must be treated as a shared responsibility, involving government agencies, private organizations, and individual users.

One of the key points I raised in the interview was the importance of collaboration. Cybercriminals operate without borders, using technology to target victims across the globe. To counter this, Vietnam must strengthen its partnerships with other countries in ASEAN and beyond, sharing intelligence, resources, and best practices.

Practical Steps for Organizations and Individuals

While governments and large organizations play a crucial role in cybersecurity, individuals and small businesses are equally important in building a resilient ecosystem. I shared some practical advice during the interview:

  1. Invest in Employee Training: Teach employees to identify phishing emails, avoid suspicious links, and report potential threats.

  2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding an extra layer of security can prevent unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.

  3. Keep Software Updated: Regularly patching software and systems can close vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.

  4. Backup Data Regularly: Ensure data is backed up securely and can be restored in case of ransomware attacks.

  5. Verify Requests: Always verify payment or information requests through official channels, especially if they come through email.

For individual users, the key takeaway was to always question what you see online. The internet doesn’t have borders, and cybercriminals often use fake identities or profiles to deceive their victims. Before sharing information or engaging in financial transactions, take the time to verify who you’re dealing with.

Cybersecurity: A Global Challenge with Local Impact

One of the most important messages I hoped to convey during the interview is that cybersecurity is a global challenge that requires local action. Vietnam’s efforts to digitize its economy are commendable, but this progress must be matched with a commitment to cybersecurity.

As someone deeply passionate about this field, I firmly believe that awareness and education are our strongest tools in combating cybercrime. By empowering individuals and organizations to take proactive measures, we can create a safer digital landscape for everyone.

Looking Ahead

Appearing on Vietnamese national television was a humbling experience, allowing me to connect with a new audience and contribute to an important dialogue. Cybersecurity is more than a profession for me—it’s a mission. I want to see a world where digital innovation thrives without fear of exploitation, and I believe Vietnam has a unique opportunity to lead the way in this vision.

To all those working in the field or simply trying to protect themselves online, remember: cybersecurity is not just a responsibility; it’s an opportunity to create a better, safer future. Let’s rise to the challenge, together.

Dr. Magda Lilia Chelly is a cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and advocate for digital resilience. She is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to build a safer online world.