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In a bid to tackle the growing menace of digital crime and leverage technological advancements to bolster law enforcement efforts, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has unveiled plans to establish a new department dedicated to cyber technology. The announcement was made by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain during the 217th Police Day Commemoration Celebration 2024 held in Kuala Lumpur.

Image credits: Bernama

In his address, Tan Sri Razarudin highlighted the need for PDRM to adapt to the changing landscape of crime, which has become increasingly complex due to rapid advancements in digital technology. He emphasized that the proliferation of digital crime poses significant challenges to law enforcement agencies worldwide and requires proactive measures to mitigate its impact on society.

The proposed cyber technology-based department aims to address these challenges by focusing on the investigation and prevention of digital crime, as well as the development of strategies to combat emerging threats in the cyber domain. By harnessing the power of technology, PDRM seeks to enhance its capabilities in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercriminals while safeguarding the digital infrastructure of the nation.

Tan Sri Razarudin underscored the importance of government support for this initiative, emphasising that the establishment of the new department would enable PDRM to operate at its maximum potential in combating digital crime. He expressed hope that the government would consider the proposal favourably, recognising the critical role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety and security of the country’s digital ecosystem.

The decision to create a specialised department reflects PDRM’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the fight against cybercrime. With the rise of digital technology revolutionising various aspects of daily life, including communication, commerce, and entertainment, criminals have also capitalised on these advancements to perpetrate a wide range of illicit activities online.

From cyber fraud and identity theft to hacking and online harassment, the spectrum of digital crimes continues to evolve, presenting new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. In response, PDRM aims to equip its officers with the necessary skills and tools to effectively combat these threats and protect the interests of the public in the digital age.

The establishment of the cyber technology-based department underscores PDRM’s proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by digital crime. By investing in specialised training and resources, the police force aims to build a team of experts capable of navigating the complexities of the cyber domain and staying abreast of emerging trends and tactics employed by cybercriminals.

Moreover, the initiative reflects PDRM’s recognition of the interconnected nature of modern crime, where traditional and digital forms of criminal activity often intersect. By integrating cyber technology into its law enforcement strategies, PDRM seeks to foster a holistic approach to crime prevention and detection, ensuring that no avenue for criminal exploitation goes unchecked.

The establishment of a new department focused on cyber technology represents a significant step forward for PDRM in its efforts to combat digital crime. With the support of the government and a dedicated team of professionals, PDRM is poised to harness the power of technology to safeguard the digital well-being of the nation and uphold the rule of law in the digital age.

Malaysia is taking proactive steps to ensure cyber resilience amidst the evolving digital landscape, with a focus on combating rising threats like fraud and ransomware. The government has enacted legislation to promote cybersecurity, including laws governing data protection and electronic transactions.

The Legal Affairs Division, led by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, is drafting the Digital Safety Bill 2023, aligning with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision and highlighting the importance of proactive legislation to address cyber threats effectively.

In her opening address at a cyber-specific event, Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information, acknowledged that security concerns loom large, not just within the physical realm but increasingly in the digital sphere. With Interpol issuing a sobering warning that cybercrime poses the most significant security threat to the upcoming Olympics, governments worldwide are ramping up efforts to fortify their cybersecurity defences.

Image credits: Josephine Teo, Facebook page

Among them is Singapore, a global hub of innovation and technology, which has long recognised the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding national interests and ensuring the resilience of its digital infrastructure.

The alarm raised by Interpol follows a disturbing trend observed during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where 450 million cyberattacks were reported, surpassing the tally recorded during the 2012 London Olympics by more than twofold. These attacks, ranging from ransomware incidents to phishing attempts, underscore the vulnerability of large-scale international events to malicious cyber activity. They highlight the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect not only sporting events but also critical infrastructure, public services, and sensitive data.

In response to the escalating cyber threats, Singapore has reaffirmed its commitment to cybersecurity as a cornerstone of its national security strategy. With digital developments advancing rapidly, the government has prioritised the development of strong cybersecurity capabilities to mitigate risks and bolster resilience. This strategic focus aligns with Singapore’s broader vision of becoming a Smart Nation, where technology is harnessed to enhance the quality of life, drive economic growth, and foster innovation.

At the heart of Singapore’s cybersecurity efforts lies a whole-of-government approach, where collaboration between various agencies, industry partners, and academia is key. The government has established robust legislative frameworks to provide the legal foundation for cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring that critical digital infrastructure and essential services are protected from cyber threats. Plans to expand the Cybersecurity Act to cover foundational digital assets like cloud services and data centres demonstrate Singapore’s proactive stance in addressing emerging challenges.

Singapore has embarked on a comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and education campaign to empower individuals and organisations with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital landscape securely. The Singapore International Cyber Week and participation in multilateral platforms such as the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group serve as avenues for knowledge exchange and collaboration on cybersecurity best practices.

In addition to legislative and educational efforts, Singapore is investing in talent development to cultivate a robust cybersecurity workforce capable of addressing evolving threats. The CyberSG Talent, Innovation, and Growth Plan aim to nurture cybersecurity professionals at all levels, from students to senior leaders, through training programmes, internships, and industry collaborations. The establishment of the NUS CyberSG TIG Centre serves as a focal point for industry-academia partnerships, facilitating research, innovation, and talent development in cybersecurity.

Singapore is driving industry growth and innovation through initiatives like the Cybersecurity Call for Innovation (CyberCall), which encourages the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. By supporting local companies in expanding their business abroad and fostering international collaborations, Singapore aims to position itself as a global leader in cybersecurity.

As Singapore continues to strengthen its cybersecurity ecosystem, the government emphasises the importance of collaboration and collective action in addressing cybersecurity challenges. Recognising that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, Singapore actively engages with industry stakeholders, international partners, and the wider community to promote cybersecurity awareness, resilience, and innovation.

Singapore’s strategic approach to cybersecurity reflects its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its digital future. By investing in legislative frameworks, talent development, and industry innovation, it ai to build a resilient and secure digital ecosystem that can withstand the evolving threat landscape. Ultimately, Singapore stands ready to play its part in ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for all.

Cybersecurity in New Zealand is a significant concern for the government, businesses, and individuals. The New Zealand Government has introduced a new cybersecurity strategy to ensure the country is secure, resilient, and prosperous online. The strategy has four main goals: Cyber Resilience, Cyber Capability, Addressing Cybercrime, and International Cooperation.

New Zealand has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing its national security across various industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and education. This commitment is evident in the proactive measures taken by regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), to address vulnerabilities and strengthen resilience in key sectors.

For instance, as reported by OpenGov, the financial industry is particularly vulnerable, prompting the FMA to publish a consultation document outlining its proposal for a new standard condition for specific holders of financial market licenses. This proposed license condition ensures that licensed entities maintain robust business continuity and technology systems.

The FMA’s initiative underscores the importance of cyber resilience and effective risk management in the financial sector. By focusing on business continuity and technology systems, the FMA aims to mitigate potential risks and vulnerabilities, thereby protecting investors’ interests and maintaining the stability of the market.

This approach aligns with New Zealand’s broader strategy to enhance national security and resilience across critical sectors. By addressing vulnerabilities and implementing robust measures, New Zealand aims to safeguard its economic interests and maintain a secure and stable environment for businesses and individuals. Besides strengthening the country’s security from malicious national actors, New Zealand also fortifies the security from international attackers.

In recognition of the importance of cybersecurity, New Zealand has again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity posture this year. This commitment was underscored by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), which took a significant step forward in international cooperation. The NCSC collaborated with partners worldwide to publish a Cyber Security Advisory focusing on the activities of the cyber actor known as ‘Volt Typhoon’.

This advisory not only highlighted the observed activities of this actor but also provided valuable insights into how network defenders can effectively mitigate these efforts.

Expanding upon the successful collaboration established earlier, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and its coalition of 10 international partners are taking another significant step forward in cybersecurity. They are releasing an additional fact sheet strategically designed to provide targeted guidance to the owners and operators of critical national infrastructure. This fact sheet aims to assist these key stakeholders in enhancing the security of their assets.

The fact sheet provides an executive-level overview of the urgent risk posed by the ‘Volt Typhoon’. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cyber security for organisations in the United States and allied countries. The fact sheet also emphasises the need for organisations to recognise cyber risk as a core business risk, essential for good governance and national security.

These advisories have highlighted the actor’s efforts to pre-position themselves on U.S. critical infrastructure organisations’ networks. The release of this fact sheet underscores the commitment of the NCSC and its partners to providing leaders of critical infrastructure entities with the guidance they need to prioritise the protection of critical infrastructure and functions. By recognising cyber risk as a core business risk, leaders can take the necessary steps to ensure the resilience of their organisations in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The collaboration between the NCSC and its international partners represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance cybersecurity and protect critical infrastructure. By working together and sharing information, New Zealand can strengthen its defences against cyber threats and ensure the security and resilience of the country’s critical infrastructure.

In the dynamic landscape of digital transformation, the critical foundation for progress rests upon robust digital security measures and instilling confidence in the digital realm. This imperative was underscored at the Vietnam Information Security Day, where leaders in the information and communications sector emphasised the pivotal role of safeguarding information safety and cybersecurity in preserving Vietnam’s prosperity in the virtual domain.

Image credits: Ministry of Information and Communications

Aligned with the national digital transformation program and the strategic national cybersecurity agenda, the trajectory of information and communications planning for the new era accentuates the essential role of cybersecurity as an intrinsic prerequisite intertwined with digital transformation initiatives. It is recognised that for Vietnam to thrive in the digital age, it must cultivate technical systems, innovative solutions, and resilient platforms that fortify cybersecurity.

These efforts are aimed at underpinning the pillars of the digital government, digital economy, and digital society, thereby fortifying national security and fostering sustainable development.

The overarching aim of this strategic approach is twofold: firstly, to ensure the safety and security of citizens navigating the digital landscape, and secondly, to safeguard critical data and electronic transactions vital for economic and societal progress. Central to achieving these goals is the widespread dissemination of fundamental information security tools and services across various sectors, including government agencies, private organisations, businesses, and individuals.

By embedding information security as a foundational component within the broader information and communication infrastructure, Vietnam aims to forge a safe and dependable environment conducive to the evolution of the digital ecosystem, fostering innovation, and driving socio-economic growth.

To foster digital trust and promote the emergence of a ‘clean’ cyberspace, the strategic planning blueprint has delineated specific objectives for the periods until 2025 and 2030. Vu Ngoc Son, CEO of NCS, underscores the importance of considering cybersecurity as an integral aspect of the information and communications infrastructure. While ensuring information security may not directly generate new value, it acts as a guardian, protecting the value generated from other components of the infrastructure, thereby making a significant contribution to the advancement of the ICT industry and the nation as a whole.

With the ambitious target of achieving 100% information safety and cybersecurity, experts believe that given the current landscape, meeting these objectives is well within reach. Vietnamese information security firms have demonstrated adeptness in mastering technology, offering a wide array of products and solutions to prevent cyber-attacks and safeguard information systems across all scales.

Should Vietnam succeed in attaining the outlined targets, it stands poised not only to establish a secure and reliable environment for digital transformation and societal development but also to elevate its stature as a formidable entity in the realm of information security and cybersecurity. As per the National Institute of Information and Communications Strategy, this strategic planning envisages Vietnam’s ascension as a cybersecurity powerhouse, securing national cyberspace sovereignty while ensuring information security, social order, and safety, thus contributing to the nation’s overall resilience and prosperity in the digital era.

In response to the burgeoning landscape of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), organisations are actively seeking reliable technology partners to navigate the inherent complexities and security challenges. This need for secure strategies took centre stage during the OpenGov Asia Breakfast Insight held on March 19, 2024, at Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Vietnam.

Experts and industry leaders convened to discuss cybersecurity trends and challenges, particularly within Vietnam’s GenAI adoption journey, emphasising the criticality of robust security measures like behavioural defences, multi-factor authentication, and proactive measures against emerging threats like personalised phishing and AI-generated malware.

The discussions underscored resilient security amid AI’s impact. Prioritizing protocols and trusted partnerships helps organisations navigate GenAI adoption and protect digital ecosystems from evolving threats.

Cyberattacks have become a growing threat in the United States, affecting government entities and industries, particularly healthcare. The healthcare industry, in particular, has witnessed a significant surge in cyberattacks, posing severe challenges to organisations and protecting sensitive patient data. In 2022 alone, healthcare organisations experienced a staggering average of 1,426 weekly cyberattacks, representing a 60% increase compared to the previous year.

The recent cyberattack on one of the healthcare technology companies in the U.S. has raised significant concerns about the impact on patients and healthcare providers, highlighting the vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure. Along with the broader trend of increasing cyber threats in the healthcare sector, this attack has raised significant concerns about patient safety and the ability of healthcare providers to deliver critical services.

To address these challenges, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Secretary Xavier Becerra, Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm, and White House officials convened a meeting with payers to discuss concrete actions to mitigate harm and support affected providers. This meeting followed up on a previous meeting and aimed to assess the progress made since then and identify further steps to support the healthcare system.

One of the key developments since the last meeting was the survey conducted by HHS among payers to gather data and information on their actions to assist providers affected by the cyberattack. Over the weekend, HHS teams worked diligently to review the responses and understand the efforts being made by payers to help providers resolve issues arising from the cyberattack.

During the meeting, Secretary Becerra and the Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council, Neera Tanden, acknowledged the improvements made in claims processing. They stressed the need for more support, particularly for providers serving vulnerable populations, rural hospitals, and smaller institutions. While acknowledging these improvements as a positive step forward, both officials emphasised the critical need for further support, especially for healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations, rural hospitals, and smaller institutions.

Deputy Secretary Palm highlighted the progress in reestablishing claims processing and urged insurers to provide advanced payments to small, rural, and safety-net healthcare providers still experiencing cash flow issues. This targeted support is essential to ensure these providers can continue operating and serving their communities effectively.

Anne Neuberger, who served as the Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology in the Biden administration, also emphasised the interconnected nature of the domestic healthcare ecosystem and the importance of strengthening cybersecurity resilience across the sector. She urged insurers to adopt HHS’ voluntary HPH Cyber Performance Goals (CPGs) and stressed needing third-party certification of Change Healthcare’s system before reconnecting. This certification process is crucial to ensure the security of the healthcare system and protect against future cyberattacks.

Secretary Becerra and Deputy Secretary Palm called on a healthcare group company to help connect providers with the support they needed. Director Tanden urged insurers to use their data to identify providers needing additional support and engage with them directly to address their concerns.

Representatives from participating insurance providers provided updates on their efforts and outlined specific actions they would take to resolve the issues. HHS and White House officials emphasised the importance of targeted solutions, including increased advanced payments to providers and communities most affected by the cyberattack.

The meeting highlighted the progress in addressing the challenges posed by the cyberattack on Change Healthcare. However, it also underscored the need for continued collaboration and support to ensure that providers can continue to deliver care effectively.

Despite these efforts, the threat of cyberattacks in the healthcare sector remains a significant concern. Healthcare organisations must remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity efforts to protect themselves and the patients they serve from the impacts of cyberattacks.

The government and the private sector must work together to strengthen the cybersecurity resilience of the healthcare sector and protect patients and providers from future attacks.

With the rapid advancement of digital technology and the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in various facets of society, the legal landscape surrounding these innovations remains uncertain. The legal framework for AI systems is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach, combining binding and non-binding legal instruments that complement each other.

In light of this, Dr Olivia J Erdélyi, a Senior Lecturer at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in the Faculty of Law, emphasises the role of mathematical modelling in identifying gaps in legislation and shaping policies to safeguard society.

“The legal framework for AI systems should cover various aspects, including categorising the risk level of each use case for AI, such as prohibited use, high risk, and minimal or low risk,” she explained. “High-risk AI systems are required to undergo continuous testing, monitoring, and auditing in areas like privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, antitrust, algorithmic bias, accuracy, and consumer product/health/safety.”

Dr Erdélyi highlights the challenges posed by legal uncertainty in the context of AI, noting that without specific provisions addressing AI-related issues, predicting court decisions becomes exceedingly difficult.

Drawing attention to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where a political consulting firm utilised personal data from social media platforms to influence the 2016 United States presidential election, Dr Erdélyi’s research demonstrates how mathematical modelling can illuminate vulnerabilities in privacy and data protection regulations.

In her study, Dr Erdélyi illustrates how anonymised data, which initially conceals personal identities, can be manipulated through AI processing to uncover identifiable connections, thus breaching privacy regulations. This revelation underscores the inadequacy of current rules, which focus solely on personally identifiable information, failing to address the potential risks posed by anonymised data manipulation.

The interdisciplinary approach adopted by Dr Erdélyi’s team integrates mathematics, computer science, and law to formulate effective policy responses to AI-related challenges. By combining diverse expertise, they aim to bridge the gap between technological advancements and legal frameworks, ensuring robust regulatory measures.

UC’s Mathematics and Statistics Associate Professor, Gábor Erdélyi, collaborates with Dr Erdélyi, emphasising the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing AI complexities. Despite the benefits of such collaboration, he acknowledges the communication barriers that impede practical cooperation between scientific fields and policymakers. Overcoming these barriers necessitates mutual understanding and effective communication channels between stakeholders.

While awaiting comprehensive AI legislation, Dr Erdélyi advocates for leveraging existing laws as a foundation for addressing AI-related challenges. However, she underscores the imperative of designing new laws tailored to the unique demands of AI technologies to prevent potential loopholes and mitigate adverse consequences.

Despite the absence of a dedicated AI strategy in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Dr Erdélyi emphasises the importance of developing indigenous policies that align with international standards while catering to local needs. Striking a balance between international consensus and national sovereignty, she calls for the enactment of binding laws that safeguard individuals’ rights and provide avenues for legal recourse.

The integration of mathematical modelling and interdisciplinary collaboration emerges as crucial strategies in navigating the complex legal terrain surrounding AI. By identifying legislative gaps and formulating targeted policies, stakeholders can harness the potential of AI technologies while safeguarding societal values and individual rights.

The evolving legal landscape demands proactive measures to adapt regulatory frameworks to the challenges posed by digital innovation, ensuring equitable and transparent governance in the AI era.

As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly influences society, regulatory frameworks will be essential in determining the trajectory of this impactful technology. Dr Erdélyi concluded that cooperation among governments, industry players, and the general public is vital for creating regulations that encourage the responsible development and application of AI, especially for New Zealand and beyond.

A nation, Vietnam, well-known for its vibrant economy and youthful population, is poised to seize the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). The country’s vigorous uptake of cutting-edge technology creates an ideal environment for GenAI’s development and implementation.

The Nation Survey 2023 highlighted Vietnam as a frontrunner in embracing GenAI, with an impressive 91% of surveyed individuals expressing interest in the technology, the highest among all markets surveyed. This enthusiasm positions Vietnam at the forefront of GenAI adoption, promising significant opportunities for growth and innovation.

According to recent data, the Vietnamese generative AI market is projected to reach US$153.80 million by 2024, with an anticipated annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2030) of 23.20%. This growth trajectory is expected to result in a market volume of US$537.70 million by 2030.

Despite the significant growth of generative AI, industry leaders are proceeding with caution in its adoption. Multiple constraints, including cybersecurity concerns, privacy considerations and the complexities of governance and compliance, contribute to this guarded approach.

According to a study by IBM IBV, 84% of executives see cybersecurity risks as the main hurdle to adopting generative AI. The concerns surrounding generative AI-generated threats are particularly pronounced in Vietnam, given the country’s ongoing cybersecurity challenges.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a significant surge in cyberattacks in 2023, recording a notable 13,900 incidents. This alarming statistic indicates a worrisome increase of 9.5% from the previous year, positioning Vietnam as the third highest in Southeast Asia for the number of cyberattacks.

Additionally, the use of generative AI applications can heighten data and privacy risks due to their reliance on large language models and the generation of new data. This introduces vulnerabilities such as bias, poor data quality, and risks of unauthorised access.

Given the security risks inherent in generative AI technology, organisations must bolster their cyber defences to safeguard valuable assets. Proactively addressing these concerns is pivotal for ensuring a safe and successful deployment. Careful consideration and robust measures are needed to ensure data and privacy protection throughout the AI lifecycle.

In Vietnam’s current landscape, organisations must enhance their protection against generative AI-related threats. Developing strategies and effective measures to address and mitigate these challenges is paramount.

To ensure the security of generative AI usage and readiness for AI integration, organisations should implement robust encryption and access controls. Additionally, clear incident response protocols and continuous monitoring are crucial for swiftly addressing potential security threats to AI training data. These measures enhance defence against unauthorised access, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of AI training data.

Deploying advanced anomaly detection algorithms is crucial for securing AI model usage by identifying potential data or prompt leakage. Real-time alerting mechanisms for evasion, poisoning, extraction, or inference attacks also bolster overall defence against malicious activities, ensuring robust protection of AI systems.

To strengthen defences against emerging threats, organisations can utilise behavioural defences and multi-factor authentication to guard against new AI-generated attacks such as personalised phishing, AI-generated malware, and fake identities. Incorporating these proactive security measures enhances resilience and effectively mitigates the evolving landscape of AI-driven threats, ensuring a strong and adaptive security posture.

In the uncertain and evolving GenAI landscape, organisations are actively seeking trustworthy technology partners to collaboratively develop and implement secure strategies. The OpenGov Asia Breakfast Insight on 19 March 2024 at Sofitel Saigon Plaza Vietnam, delved into the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity, particularly in the context of Vietnam’s adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

Experts and industry leaders discussed the importance of implementing robust security measures, such as behavioural defences and multi-factor authentication, to mitigate emerging threats like personalised phishing, AI-generated malware, and fake identities. These discussions were vital to maintaining a resilient and adaptable security posture in the era of AI.

Opening Remarks

Mohit Sagar∶ robust security measures not only protect sensitive information and prevent manipulation but also ensure the responsible development and long-term viability of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in today’s landscape, with 84% of organisations citing cybersecurity risks as the primary obstacle to its adoption. Mohit Sagar, CEO and Editor-In-Chief of OpenGov Asia emphasised the importance of navigating the evolving regulatory landscape and AI governance frameworks to mitigate these risks.

However, even though there has been a significant expansion of generative AI, organisations are moving carefully. This tentative approach is due to many issues, including cybersecurity, privacy and the complexity, and sometimes ambiguity, of governance and compliance.

“In Vietnam, the apprehension surrounding AI-generated threats is particularly elevated due to the country’s ongoing cybersecurity challenges,” Mohit asserts. “Securing Artificial Intelligence is of paramount importance as it safeguards against potential threats that can compromise data integrity, ethical considerations, and the overall trustworthiness of AI systems.”

In 2023, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a significant surge in cyberattacks, reaching 13,900 incidents. This alarming statistic signifies a worrisome 9.5% increase from the previous year, positioning Vietnam as the third highest in Southeast Asia for the number of cyberattacks.

Cyber solutions are poised to lead the market, with a projected volume of US$204.60 million in 2024. Looking ahead, the cybersecurity market in Vietnam is expected to witness a robust CAGR of 15.21% from 2024 to 2032. The growth will be fueled by factors including increased internet usage, ongoing digital transformation, rising cyber threats, regulatory compliance, heightened public awareness, adoption of advanced technologies, infrastructure modernisation, and international collaborations.

Addressing current and future challenges comprehensively will position Vietnam to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.

Mohit explains that robust security measures not only protect sensitive information and prevent manipulation but also ensure the responsible development and long-term viability of AI, fostering confidence in its adoption across diverse applications and industries.

The country can benefit from AI adoption in several ways:

  1. Preserving Data Integrity and Confidentiality: AI can help protect sensitive information and ensure that data remains secure and private.
  2. Mitigating Manipulation and Exploitation Risks: By implementing robust security measures, AI systems can be protected against manipulation and exploitation by malicious actors.
  3. Maintaining AI Resilience: Ensuring that AI systems are resilient to cyber threats and can continue to function effectively even in the face of attacks.
  4. Building Trust in AI Technology: Building trust among users and stakeholders by demonstrating the security and reliability of AI systems.
  5. Ensuring Long-Term Viability: Implementing measures to ensure that AI systems remain viable and effective over the long term.

Through collaboration between entities, including government agencies, private sector organisations, and academia, Vietnam can leverage collective expertise and resources to bolster its cybersecurity defences. By enhancing digital infrastructure, such as upgrading network systems and deploying advanced cybersecurity technologies, the nation can create a more secure environment for AI adoption.

Additionally, promoting ethical AI practices ensures transparency and accountability, building trust among citizens and stakeholders and ultimately strengthening resilience against cyber threats.

Vietnam should focus on promoting responsible AI use by implementing ethical standards, ensuring transparency in algorithms, educating stakeholders on ethical implications, and establishing regulatory frameworks to build societal trust and acceptance.

“In navigating the intricate landscape of AI, securing its integrity and ensuring transparency isn’t just a matter of protection,” Mohit concludes. “It’s about safeguarding trust, ethics and the very fabric of our digital future.”

Welcome Address

Khang Nguyen Tuan∶ AI plus automation enables cybersecurity teams to use deploy human expertise where it is needed most

Khang Nguyen Tuan, Security FLM Leader, ASEAN at IBM, delved into the complexities surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), providing a nuanced definition of Ethical AI as the development and deployment of AI systems that prioritise fairness, transparency, accountability, and respect for human values.

AI ethics revolves around comprehending the ramifications of AI on individuals, groups, and society as a whole, aiming to ensure safe and responsible AI utilisation, mitigate potential risks associated with AI, and prevent harm.

He underscores the critical importance of raising awareness about Ethical AI, particularly in light of AI’s pervasive integration across all sectors. This emphasis comes as the global AI market is projected to experience substantial growth, with an annual increase of 19.6%, reaching a staggering US$500 billion by 2023.

While AI and automation offer significant benefits such as increased efficiencies, greater innovation, personalised services, and reduced burden on human workers, they also present new risks and impacts that need to be addressed. This underscores the importance of prioritising Ethical AI principles in AI development and deployment.

The impact of AI in the insurance sector for instance, demonstrates how it can result in minority individuals receiving higher automotive insurance quotes and can ensure white patients are prioritised over sicker black patients for healthcare interventions. In law enforcement, algorithms used to predict recidivism can be biased against black defendants, assigning them higher risk scores than white counterparts even when controlling for factors like prior crimes, age, and gender.

To ensure Ethical AI, expertise in computer science, AI policy, and governance is essential, ensuring adherence to best practices and codes of conduct throughout system development and deployment. This multifaceted approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations, enabling the implementation of robust safeguards and mechanisms to uphold ethical principles in AI development and deployment.

“Taking proactive steps is crucial to managing unethical AI and staying ahead of upcoming regulations. Regardless of the stage of system development, measures can always be implemented to enhance the ethical standards of AI,” Khang says. “This is critical for companies to safeguard their reputation, assure compliance with evolving legislation, and deploy AI with increased confidence.”

Khang shares IBM’s proactive stance in promoting AI ethics and combating cyberattacks through AI technologies. IBM has developed a comprehensive framework for AI ethics, guiding data scientists and researchers to build AI systems that align with ethical principles and benefit society at large.

IBM’s Principles for Trust and Transparency serve as the cornerstone of their approach to AI ethics, influencing every aspect of AI development and deployment. These principles guarantee that IBM’s AI technologies are designed to enhance human intelligence, empowering individuals to achieve more while maintaining the highest standards of trustworthiness and transparency.

Moreover, IBM prioritises the active defence of AI-powered systems against adversarial attacks, aiming to minimise security risks and instil confidence in system outcomes. Khang emphasised IBM’s belief that AI should improve productivity and be accessible to all – not just a select few – underscoring the company’s commitment to democratising the benefits in the AI era.

“As we navigate the complexities of AI, expertise in computer science, AI policy, and governance becomes imperative to ensure adherence to best practices and codes of conduct throughout system development and deployment,” concludes Khang. “This approach not only safeguards against potential risks but also ensures the inclusive and fair deployment of technology.”

Technology Insight

Shaibal Saha∶ AI-enabled security and automation can contain breaches faster and more effectively

Shaibal Saha, IBM’s Asia Pacific Digital Trust Leader, underscores the significance of AI in the Asia Pacific region, emphasising its increasing presence and potential impact across various industries and sectors.

“Similar to transformative technologies like steam engines, computers, and the Internet in history, digital technology has profoundly reshaped human society at an unprecedented pace and scale in the past two decades,” Shaibal says.” It has significantly bolstered socio-economic creativity and growth.”

Amidst these transformative opportunities, the Asia-Pacific region has stepped into the golden age of the digital economy, experiencing GDP growth rates surpassing 5% in numerous Asian countries in 2022. Notably, APAC has emerged as the fastest-growing AI market worldwide.

Excluding Japan, APAC’s investments in new technologies such as AI account for close to 40% of its total information communication technology (ICT) investments by the end of 2023. This growth trajectory is anticipated to continue for at least the next decade, far outpacing the rest of the world, which maintains a rough growth rate of 22%.

Despite the benefits of AI, significant concerns persist regarding the legal and ethical implications surrounding its implementation. Recent global data breaches have instilled widespread apprehension and reluctance towards data storage, deterring many potential users from venturing into unfamiliar technological landscapes. The challenges encountered in AI deployment and usage in APAC mirror those experienced worldwide.

“AI is useless without troves of data, but enterprises holding AI-processable data ought to ask a number of questions,” cautions Shaibal. “Given that most data used by AI is stored in the cloud, businesses must carefully consider their cloud storage provider’s security, support, and maintenance capabilities.”

Additionally, they should assess whether they are housing personal information, whether data has been de-identified or anonymised, and have robust data breach response plans in place. Alongside those considerations, businesses must address the ownership of such data and the data outputs containing proprietary rights.

Algorithms play a crucial role as the foundation of all systems, with many companies increasingly depending on them to make significant decisions. However, the potential for AI and algorithms to enhance business and social welfare also brings about material ethical risks.

Bias has been observed in the operations of some algorithms, prompting growing calls for a deeper understanding of their ethical implications. This includes advocating for transparency and providing more information regarding how these machines are trained and operate

However, current privacy laws often fail to satisfy companies seeking increased transparency or constraints on decision-making without human involvement. Nonetheless, some advocate for a “right to explanation”, allowing individuals to question automated decisions that impact them by understanding how algorithms operate.

Indeed, the aforementioned issues are just a few of the primary concerns identified by experts that require consideration by businesses and technology procurement teams. Given the rapid evolution of these legal areas, businesses may require assistance to stay abreast of local regulatory changes.

IBM is actively working to tackle these challenges by offering dependable and transparent AI solutions while advocating for compliance with relevant regulations. One crucial step in this process involves ensuring that companies’ AI systems can furnish sufficient explanations regarding decision-making processes, thereby empowering humans to comprehend and scrutinise automated decisions.

Additionally, IBM can assist in monitoring local regulatory changes related to technology, ensuring that companies remain compliant with applicable laws and can adapt their strategies accordingly.

“By providing ongoing updates and guidance on evolving regulatory landscapes, IBM helps organisations navigate complex legal frameworks while maintaining ethical and transparent AI practices, “ Shaibal concluded.

Closing Remarks

Khang expressed his appreciation for the enthusiasm and contributions of the participants at the OpenGov Asia Breakfast Insight. He believes that such opportunities provide a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and concepts concerning the security challenges in adopting artificial intelligence (AI).

Khang reiterated the importance of forming a clear vision for deploying AI to ensure that organisations safeguard their AI ecosystems while harnessing the transformative potential of this technology to the fullest extent.

The Vietnam Cybersecurity Market is forecasted to experience substantial growth with a CAGR of 16.8% by 2027. This growth is propelled by the increasing demand for digitalisation and scalable IT infrastructure. Notably, Vietnam achieved a commendable rank of 25th out of 194 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) in 2020, indicating a positive trajectory in cybersecurity efforts.

Vietnam, as a pivotal member of ASEAN, holds a significant position in advancing AI technology within the region. Despite rising cybersecurity concerns, the country has witnessed a decline in cyberattacks in recent years. However, challenges persist within the cybersecurity landscape.

Alongside the advancement of AI technology, there are many risks and challenges, including cyberattacks, such as phishing, data breaches, and others.

Conducting regular cyber risk assessments, ensuring system access is protected by strong passwords and multifactor authentication, and developing a cybersecurity strategy are all effective ways to keep criminals at bay.

“Every year, cybercriminals make millions of dollars by finding security vulnerabilities in computer systems to exploit or trick companies into giving them system access,” acknowledges Khang. “Firms can minimise cyberattack impact by regularly backing up their critical information and having a clear response plan in case of a security breach.”

Mohit concurs that companies must have a well-prepared response strategy in place. Such a strategy should entail identifying the individuals responsible for managing the situation, determining the sequence of informing relevant parties about the incident and specifying the appropriate response protocols. Immediate actions, such as changing passwords or isolating compromised equipment, may be imperative in certain cases.

Further, firms could opt to conduct business continuity exercises to ensure that their processes and procedures are not only in place but also strictly followed and well understood by all relevant parties. These exercises could involve practising switching to an alternative system and restoring data using online and offline backups.

“Establishing a clear response plan empowers firms to minimise the impact of cyberattacks and reduce company downtime,” Mohit concludes. “A proactive approach enables organisations to effectively mitigate potential damage and maintain operational continuity.

The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) is dedicated to securing Singapore’s cyberspace to support national security, power the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. To reinforce national security, CSA continually monitors cyber threats, defends critical information infrastructure (CII), and implements mitigation measures to safeguard essential services.

The Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) responds to cybersecurity incidents for its Singapore constituents. It was set up to facilitate the detection, resolution and prevention of cybersecurity-related incidents on the Internet.

Singapore, represented by the CSA has been working closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) to promote and facilitate information-sharing related to cyber incident response, and to complement the operational efforts by individual national CERTs in each AMS.

Singapore had made the recommendation for a single AMS to host the ASEAN Regional CERT and proposed to host and fund its physical activities in Singapore at the 14th ASEAN Network Security Action Council in August 2023.

Image credits: Association of Southeast Asian

The ASEAN Regional CERT will enable stronger regional cybersecurity incident response coordination and critical information infrastructure (CII) protection cooperation, including for cross-border CII such as banking and finance, communications, aviation and maritime.

The 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN) convened in Singapore in February, to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the digital realm, particularly amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting recognised advancements in implementing the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 (ADM 2025) despite the pandemic and stressed the need for a robust and inclusive digital ecosystem. The ADM 2025 Mid-Term Review (MTR) assessed progress in key areas including trusted digital services, consumer protection, and broadband infrastructure

The meeting highlighted the need to set governance standards for emerging technologies like AI, based on recommendations from the ADM 2025 MTR. It also emphasised the importance of collaborating on digital infrastructure and fostering trust among users for secure data sharing.

The endorsement of the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics marked a significant milestone, reflecting the region’s commitment to harnessing AI technologies responsibly. The guide, which includes practical use cases for trustworthy AI deployment, is poised to serve as a valuable tool for promoting the responsible and ethical utilisation of AI solutions across ASEAN.

Additionally, the meeting welcomed initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cybersecurity capabilities, such as the establishment of the ASEAN Regional CERT. This initiative is expected to bolster incident response capabilities and facilitate timely information sharing and best practice exchange among ASEAN member states.

Moreover, the meeting acknowledged the importance of data governance and privacy protection in fostering digital trust. Efforts to promote the adoption of the ASEAN Model Contractual Clauses and facilitate seamless data transfers between ASEAN and the European Union were commended as significant steps towards enhancing regional data governance frameworks.

The meeting also highlighted the significance of digital infrastructure development, including the advancement of 5G networks and the establishment of frameworks to facilitate cross-border data flows, particularly in areas such as disaster management and logistics for rural areas.

In the realm of international cooperation, the meeting affirmed ASEAN’s commitment to deepening collaboration with dialogue and development partners, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the United States, the European Union, ITU, and APT. These partnerships are crucial for advancing digital transformation, cybersecurity, and capacity-building efforts across the region.

Overall, the 4th ADGMIN underscored the collective resolve of ASEAN member states to navigate the evolving digital landscape, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and resilience to realise the full potential of the digital economy for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Following the endorsement of the financial model, Singapore will continue to work closely with AMS to operationalise the ASEAN Regional CERT to enhance collective cybersecurity within the region.

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