Over 77,000 computers in Vietnam suffer data encryption in 7 months: Bkav
More than 77,000 computers in Vietnam have suffered data encryption since December 2022, according to Bkav – a leading Vietnamese technology corporation that specialises in cyber security and software.
Hanoi (VNA) – More than 77,000 computers in Vietnam have suffered data encryption since December 2022, according to Bkav – a leading Vietnamese technology corporation that specialises in cyber security and software.
The corporation’s Technical Support Centre has also received hundreds of calls, asking for assistance in handling data encryption malware.
Recently, its virus monitoring system detected a data-encrypting malicious code called “STOP/DJVU” or “FARGO3” that targets businesses and units using accounting data management software to steal data. According to statistics, more than 260 servers have been compromised from more than 6,000 different Internet Protocols (IPs).
Notably, out of hundreds of cases contacting Bkav for help, more than 50% do not use anti-virus software, or install computer protection applications or software that are not strong enough. In particular, many units have a large volume of important data but use free anti-virus software, so the protection effect is not guaranteed.
To avoid data encryption attacks, experts recommend that users and computer system administration teams regularly back up (backup) important data, proactively install and update copyrighted anti-virus and malicious code detection software for better protection./.
About 10,000 computer users in Vietnam are using unsafe operating systems, and nearly 3,000 internet protocol (IP) addresses have been linked with data leaks, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said on September 26.
A conference on guiding the launch and evaluation of the implementation of the national cyber security and safety strategy was held in Ha Long city of the northern province of Quang Ninh on April 26 by the Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the Departments of Information and Communications of provinces and cities.
The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has urged all users to take measures to ensure cyber security, especially systems containing personal data and platforms in service of national digital transformation, during the National Reunification Day and May Day holidays from April 29 to May 3.
Under the European Union (EU)’s global initiative on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence (CoE), Vietnam has implemented numerous projects aimed at strengthening national capacity in detecting, preventing, and preparing for CBRN-related threats.
The course aims to promote knowledge exchange between scientific and educational schools from different countries, while deepening participants’ expertise in modern technology and technical education. It comprises two main specialisations of electronics-automation and nuclear technology.
ANTARA and VNA can design global-scale cooperation programmes or joint media campaigns, demonstrating the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, as well as the cooperation between the two national news agencies.
As Vietnam’s digital transformation accelerates, both the frequency and severity of cyberattacks are growing. The National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) reported that in 2024 alone, there were some 659,000 separate cybersecurity incidents, impacting around 46.15% of government agencies and businesses.
A key highlight will be the technology cluster pavilion, showcasing top enterprises selected for their innovation, market potential, and practical applications. These firms will display flagship products and solutions, supported by government policies to strengthen the tech sector.
Since 2022, more than 500 Vietnamese startups have engaged in Google’s Startup Academy, Google for Startups Accelerator, and Google Startup Masterclass. Nearly 100 of these firms received support to develop and improve their products, benefiting more than 300,000 customers and creating over 300 new jobs through successful fundraising and team expansion amidst Vietnam’s competitive economy.
Over the past three decades, Binh Duong has cemented its status as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic industrial hubs, building a robust foundation in manufacturing, exports, and investment. The province now has 30 operational industrial parks spanning over 13,000 hectares, with an occupancy rate exceeding 90%.
The diplomat emphasised that Vietnam places the highest priority on the development of science, technology, and innovation, viewing them as critical drivers for the country’s advancement in the new development era.
The PM revealed Vietnam’s plan to develop nuclear power in the near future, and called on the Swedish side to assist Vietnam in developing and refining legal and policy frameworks for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes; training and developing human resources; ensuring nuclear safety; and conducting training and drills to improve incident management capabilities.
More than an art showcase, the second “Technology with heart” contest seeks to inspire innovation and spotlight the humanistic values that technology can bring into daily life, expected to contribute to a sustainable digital future.
The average speed of the national mobile broadband network remained stable, with download speeds reaching 76.86 Mbps and upload speeds reaching 26.98 Mbps.
Under the MoU, AMD will support several key initiatives spearheaded by HCM City’s authorities, including piloting policies, co-hosting innovation events, and evaluating the investment environment within the Saigon Hi-Tech Park.
The centre is a joint initiative between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, with PTIT and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) serving as co-leads, and global telecommunications giant Nokia as founding industry partner.
The new centre, staffed by a team of scientists, researchers, and AI specialists working in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, forms part of Qualcomm’s global AI research group.
As a flagship initiative of the community project “Digital Literacy for All”, the programme forms part of a national scheme to equip 20 million young people with digital business skills.
The organisers hope the competition will help shape a generation of exceptional engineers who will make significant contributions to Vietnam’s scientific and technological progress in this era of transformation.
In the digital age and amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution, IP plays an increasingly critical role, not only in safeguarding inventions but also in reducing copyright infringement and curbing piracy.
Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu laid stress on the significance of the Hanoi Convention, particularly to the Asia – Pacific, to handling legal gaps in international cooperation against rapidly increasing global cybercrime.
Illustrative image (Photo: Reuters) 
