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In ASEAN, tackling the dissemination of disinformation emerges as a significant concern, particularly heightened during pivotal periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic or political cycles. The impact of misinformation on societal perceptions and decision-making processes underscores the need for concerted efforts to address it, with practitioners in government public relations navigating the complexities of managing information amidst this evolving landscape on a daily basis.

Previously, Indonesia developed guidelines for combating fake news and disinformation as a guide for ASEAN countries in combating hoaxes, aiming to provide adaptive information management mechanisms for emerging issues. The Indonesian government has also issued three comprehensive initiatives to handle hoaxes:

  1. Upstream, by enhancing Human Resources (HR) capacity through digital literacy to increase public understanding of the importance of critically filtering received information.
  2. The government collaborates with social media managers to strengthen monitoring and enforcement against perpetrators of false information on these platforms, thereby enhancing effectiveness in combating hoaxes.
  3. The government collaborates with agencies and institutions such as law enforcement and other relevant ministries/agencies to handle hoax-related cases directly technically, thus quickly addressing the negative impacts caused by false information.
Image credits: kominfo.go.id

To demonstrate its commitment to this issue, the Director-General of Public Information and Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo), Usman Kansong, stated that they are preparing strategic communication and crisis communication strategies related to the spread of disinformation in collaboration with the Government Communications Service International (GCSI) of the British government.

“I think this collaboration is very important because, in the digital age, we face what is called information disorder. So, with this workshop, we can formulate strategies, for example, to convey government programmes or how to tackle disinformation,” he explained.

The Government Communications Service International (GCSI) is a crucial part of the British Government Communications Service (GCS), with broad responsibilities for managing public communication and communication strategies for the UK government. GCSI not only works with local government agencies but also with international government agencies and private institutions to develop cooperation and manage effective public communication activities.

Director-General Usman Kansong explained that the three-day workshop was attended by 20 participants from government and institutional public relations. According to him, in the workshop, representatives from Indonesia and the UK discussed experiences and frameworks in dealing with information disorder or information chaos.

“To formulate strategies to create a disinformation handling programme in the digital era. This can be used as material for Indonesia and possibly the UK to formulate communication strategies more effectively,” he said.

The Director-General of Public Information and Communication of the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo) stated that the workshop was the first step towards long-term cooperation in public and digital communication.

“We can go to the UK (for a study visit). Because the UK has what is called National Security Communication, we can learn from the UK how to mobilise government communication in a security context,” he explained.

Director-General Usman Kansong explained that the Ministry of Communication and Information will take concrete steps to follow up on the results of the workshop. One of the steps to be taken is to expand the reach of participants from other ministries and institutions, considering that this workshop was attended by only a few participants, mainly from the Ministry of Communication and Information. Although there were participants from other ministries, the Ministry of Communication and Information plans to involve more stakeholders in efforts to follow up on the results of the workshop.

Additionally, the Ministry of Communication and Information will conduct further study visits and workshops to improve understanding and capacity in managing crisis communication. Furthermore, the Ministry of Communication and Information will form a crisis communication team to deal with situations that require a quick and appropriate response from the government.

“Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Nezar Patria has instructed us to gather workshop participants, especially those from Kominfo, to implement what they have learned. Because what is most important is the execution,” said Director-General Usman Kansong,

emphasising the importance of implementing the results of the workshop. With these steps, the Ministry of Communication and Information hopes to be more prepared and responsive in managing crisis communication in the future.

The Legal Affairs Division has taken a significant step forward in addressing cybercrime with the preparation of a working draft for the Digital Safety Bill 2023, as announced by Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform). This draft, serving as an initial framework, aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and aims to keep pace with evolving technological landscapes.

Image credits: Bernama

Azalina revealed these developments during the Working Committee Meeting on the Drafting of New Laws Related to Cybercrime No. 2/2024, co-chaired by her and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil at the Parliament building.

Stressing the necessity of specific procedural legislation to tackle existing and potential challenges posed by technological advancements, Azalina highlighted the imperative to prepare for the continuous evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to maintain a proactive stance against cyber threats.

The meeting, attended by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching and Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M. Kulasegaran, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures and ensuring the safety and integrity of digital spaces in the nation.

On June 15 last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the National Cyber Security Committee agreed to expedite the formulation of the Cyber Security Bill to ensure all relevant aspects of the legislation are finalised.

Later in November, the Cabinet tentatively approved the drafting of the Cybersecurity Bill, prioritising regulatory authority and law enforcement, with Prime Minister Anwar highlighting plans to reinforce the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) as the primary national cybersecurity entity and implementer of the proposed legislation.

Prime Minister Anwar emphasised the bill’s aim to establish a comprehensive cybersecurity law to complement existing regulations, a sentiment conveyed by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during a session on the Cybersecurity Bill.

The significant number of cyber incidents reported by the National Cyber Coordination and Control Center (NC4) and NACSA underscores the urgent requirement for strengthened cybersecurity protocols. In light of cyberspace’s escalating importance in national security and geopolitical realms, Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the escalating threat of cyber warfare, citing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities such as information leakage, cybercrime, and the exploitation of technological weaknesses by actors with geopolitical agendas.

The Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2020-2024, comprising five core pillars, 12 strategies, and 35 action plans, outlines the nation’s cybersecurity agenda, including legislative initiatives like the Cybersecurity Bill, capacity building for cybersecurity professionals, fostering public-private collaboration, and enhancing international relations.

Minister Azalina Said, in collaboration with Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, spearheaded a crucial Working Committee Meeting on Cybercrime Legislation Drafting in Kuala Lumpur in February this year. Attended by representatives from multiple ministries and agencies, this gathering underscored the government’s concerted effort to address cyber threats comprehensively.

During the meeting, Minister Azalina emphasised the imperative need for new legislation to combat cybercrime effectively, aligning with the Madani government’s commitment to bolstering cybersecurity measures nationwide. With the pervasive influence of online services in modern life, she highlighted the escalating threat posed by cybercrime and advocated for proactive strategies to mitigate its impact.

Against the backdrop of Malaysia’s existing legal framework governing cybersecurity, including laws such as the Computer Crimes Act 1997 and the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, Minister Azalina stressed the necessity of the Cyber Security Bill. This proposed legislation seeks to establish a robust legal framework to safeguard digital infrastructure and protect citizens’ online activities in the face of evolving cyber threats.

The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have teamed up to release a comprehensive guide aimed at bolstering cloud security measures for organisations. Titled “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies,” this initiative aims to equip cloud customers with essential practices to enhance the security of their data as they migrate to cloud environments.

In an era where digital transformation is accelerating, the migration of data and operations to cloud platforms has become commonplace. However, this transition brings with it a myriad of security concerns, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of cyberattacks targeting cloud infrastructure. Recognising the critical need to address these challenges, the NSA and CISA have collaborated to compile a set of ten cybersecurity information sheets (CSIs), each focusing on a different aspect of cloud security.

One of the primary themes emphasised in the report is the importance of upholding the cloud-shared responsibility model. This model delineates the responsibilities between cloud service providers and their customers regarding security measures. By understanding and adhering to this model, organisations can ensure that they are taking appropriate steps to safeguard their data within the cloud environment.

Another key area highlighted in the report is the implementation of secure identity and access management practices. Proper management of user identities and access controls is essential for preventing unauthorised access to sensitive data stored in the cloud. Through robust authentication mechanisms and access policies, organisations can fortify their defences against potential security breaches.

In addition, the report emphasises the critical importance of implementing secure key management practices, robust encryption mechanisms, and effective network segmentation strategies within cloud environments. These measures play a pivotal role in protecting data both when it is stored and when it is being transferred, thereby reducing the likelihood of data breaches and unauthorised interception.

Furthermore, the report highlights the significance of securing data throughout its entire lifecycle in the cloud. This includes implementing stringent security measures for data storage, processing, transmission, and disposal. By doing so, organisations can effectively protect their data against a wide range of evolving threats.

Another critical aspect covered in the report is the defence of continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) environments. As organisations increasingly adopt DevOps practices and automate their software development processes, securing CI/CD pipelines becomes paramount to prevent the introduction of vulnerabilities and malicious code into production environments.

Moreover, the report emphasises the enforcement of secure automated deployment practices through infrastructure as code (IaC). By treating infrastructure as code and automating deployment processes, organisations can ensure consistency, repeatability, and security in their cloud environments.

The complexities introduced by hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments are also addressed in the report. As organisations adopt hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to meet their diverse needs, they must navigate the unique security challenges posed by these environments effectively.

Additionally, the report highlights the risks associated with managed service providers (MSPs) in cloud environments. While MSPs offer valuable services and expertise, organisations must be vigilant in vetting and managing their relationships with MSPs to mitigate potential security risks.

The report stresses the importance of managing cloud logs for effective threat hunting. By aggregating and analysing logs generated by cloud services, organisations can proactively identify and respond to security incidents before they escalate.

The “Top Ten Cloud Security Mitigation Strategies” initiative by the NSA and CISA provides invaluable guidance to organisations seeking to enhance the security of their data in cloud environments. The NSA and CISA envision these strategies as foundational advice that every cloud customer should follow to mitigate the risks associated with cloud services. By implementing these strategies effectively, organisations anywhere can mitigate risks and bolster their defences against cyber threats in an increasingly digital landscape nowadays.

The Singapore Police Force (SPF) urges the public to safeguard their SingPass credentials. Scammers have been posting fraudulent job offers online, requesting SingPass details under the guise of job screening. Since January 1, 2024, at least 47 individuals have fallen victim to such schemes, often encountering these offers on platforms like Telegram or WhatsApp.

Victims are instructed to change their SingPass email and phone number, provide their password, and share NRIC screenshots. Scammers then exploit this information to register multiple bank accounts or obtain profile data for illicit purposes.

Image credits: Adapted from Annual Scams and Cybercrime Brief 2023

Despite a nearly 50% rise in scam cases to 50,376 in 2023 from 33,669 in 2022, proactive cybersecurity measures by the Singapore Police Force against scams and cybercrime are yielding positive results and there is good news financially. Despite more cases, the total amount lost decreased slightly by 1.3% to $651.8 million in 2023 from $660.7 million in 2022, marking the first decline in five years and indicating progress in scam prevention efforts.

Additionally, the average amount lost per scam case dropped significantly, from $20,824 in 2022 to $13,999 in 2023, a decrease of about 32.8%. Notably, 55.6% of scam cases reported losses less than or equal to $2,000, suggesting improved resilience against scams among the populace.

This positive trajectory can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various agencies and stakeholders, including the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), Smart Nation Group (SNG), Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and private sector partners. Their coordinated actions aimed at preventing scams and raising public awareness have contributed significantly to mitigating losses and empowering individuals to protect themselves.

While challenges persist, particularly in scams involving social engineering and deception via social media platforms, individual vigilance remains crucial. By staying informed, exercising caution, and leveraging the resources provided by government agencies and stakeholders, individuals can fortify their defences against evolving cyber threats.

The breakdown of scam types reveals a concerning trend, with job scams, e-commerce scams, fake friend call scams, phishing scams, and investment scams dominating the landscape. However, heightened awareness and concerted efforts are driving progress in scam prevention, offering hope for a safer digital environment for all.

Singapore Police Force has significantly escalated its efforts to counter the rising threat of scams and cybercrime, employing a multifaceted approach encompassing enforcement, engagement, and education. SPF’s strategy relies on strong public-private partnerships, particularly through the Anti-Scam Command (ASCom), collaborating with over 100 institutions like banks, fintech companies, and e-commerce platforms. This facilitates swift freezing of accounts and fund recovery, reducing victim losses. Additionally, SPF conducts targeted enforcement operations against scam tactics, resulting in the termination of thousands of phone lines and the apprehension of fraudsters.

SPF collaborates with foreign law enforcement agencies to dismantle transnational scam syndicates, leading to successful joint operations and arrests of perpetrators. Participation in internationally coordinated operations like INTERPOL’s Operation First Light and Operation HAECHI showcases SPF’s global commitment to combating scams.

Alongside enforcement, SPF proactively prevents scams through initiatives like Project A.S.T.R.O., which sends SMS alerts to potential victims, helping them recognise and avoid scams. Outreach programs target various groups, like migrant workers and the elderly, raising awareness and empowering communities to report scams.

Education is vital in SPF’s anti-scam efforts. The Scam Public Education Office (SPEO) leads public awareness campaigns and shares anti-scam resources. Platforms like the ScamShield app and the Add, Check, Tell framework empower individuals to protect themselves against scams. Additionally, collaborative efforts with content creators and organisations enhance anti-scam messaging, fostering a collective response against scams.

SPF’s holistic strategy underscores its commitment to protecting the community from scams and cybercrime. Through collaborative cybersecurity initiatives, there’s been a decrease in financial losses despite an increase in scams, demonstrating improved resilience and public safety through multifaceted approaches in compliance, caution and awareness.

Indonesia’s digital economy is on a path of acceleration, with projections indicating a substantial economic contribution of up to US$366 billion by 2030. This growth is intricately intertwined with the widespread adoption and effective utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology across various industries. However, this rapid expansion also underscores the urgent need for more robust regulatory frameworks governing AI’s ethical and responsible use to mitigate potential societal harm.

Image credits: ugm.ac.id

This imperative was underscored in a Public Discussion titled “The Need to Develop Regulations for Artificial Intelligence Governance. The Faculty of Philosophy UGM organised them in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) and the policy research and advocacy.

Key speakers such as Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technology Nezar Patria, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy UGM, Dr Siti Murtiningsih, Director of Government Relations Microsoft Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam Ajar Edi, Executive Director of the Policy Research and Advocacy, Wahyudi Djafar, and Head of the Artificial Intelligence Master’s Programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM, Afiahayati, PhD offered insights.

Deputy Minister, Nezar Patria, highlighted that the current contribution of the digital economy to the GDP still needs to be 10%. He emphasised the significant influence of AI technology adoption on the growth of the digital economy.

Consequently, Kominfo issued guidelines in December 2023 for the ethical use of AI, targeting AI developers and industrial sectors. Given AI’s impacts on society, economy, and culture, these guidelines aim to address ethical considerations.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has advocated for using cutting-edge technology to enhance Indonesia’s global competitiveness. Nezar stressed the importance of aligning AI policies with international trends to ensure Indonesia’s optimal position in AI development and utilisation. This focus will directly impact the growth of domestic sectors.

Nezar acknowledged that the current AI guidelines lack legal enforceability as they need to be integrated into legislation. However, the government is actively monitoring AI’s growth in Indonesian industries. Nezar explained that they are moving towards soft regulation by observing the industry’s growth, aiming to maximise benefits while mitigating risks.

Some potential risks associated with AI use, as highlighted by Nezar, include the significant likelihood of AI misuse leading to social discrimination and the emergence of disinformation products that could disrupt social harmony.

In addition to providing ethical guidelines for AI usage in industries, Kominfo is also actively fostering digital talent development to support the digital economy’s growth over the next five to six years. “We require 9 million digital talents,” Nezar emphasised.

Dr Siti Murtiningsih emphasised that in an era of rapidly advancing information and communication technology, the emergence of AI poses ethical challenges. Consequently, AI’s development must align with moral and ethical values in society without compromising humanitarian principles.

She stressed the need for more robust legal frameworks to address societal and industrial interests related to AI usage. “We need to formulate laws that uphold the ethical principles of AI from a multidisciplinary perspective,” she asserted.

Ajar Edi noted that there are many misconceptions about AI in society. However, for executives and staff in companies, AI is primarily used to support tasks and work, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. “Although there is potential for bias, human decision-makers are still the most appropriate to ensure sound decision-making,” he concluded.

Indonesia’s digital economy holds immense promise for growth, contingent on responsible AI governance and digital talent development. Establishing clear ethical guidelines and legal frameworks for AI usage will be pivotal in maximising its benefits while mitigating potential risks. Successfully regulated AI usage will result in organised outputs, ensuring the necessary values, ethics, and controls are observed for national interests.

Cybersecurity becomes a pivotal challenge to governments, organisations, and individuals in a world where digital technology permeates every area of life. ASEAN nations have been at the forefront of technological innovation in recent years. Still, the evolution of digital technology has inevitably increased the need for robust cybersecurity strategies in these countries.

Image credits: mdes.go.th

A holistic approach is required, encompassing governance, risk management, a clear understanding of data ownership, active regional and international cooperation, and continuous infrastructure and institutional capabilities refinement.

In Thailand alone, Mr Prasert Chandraruangthong, a Minister of Digital Economy and Society, attended the 4th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (4th ADGMIN) in Singapore in February 2024. As Vice Chairman, he led discussions on enhancing digital cooperation within ASEAN, particularly in managing online threats as one of the global transnational crime issues.

Under Mr Prasert’s leadership, Thailand has led in advancing ASEAN’s cooperation and operations to combat online fraud, aiming to establish concrete actions and strengthen cooperation networks among relevant agencies.

During the meeting, extensive bilateral discussions were conducted with ASEAN leaders and dialogue partner countries. A focus was placed on talks with Cambodia aimed at implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Cambodia’s Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This collaboration aimed to address the issues related to Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities while also emphasising the enforcement of laws to prevent and suppress such crimes.

As a result of these discussions, a joint working group between Thailand and Cambodia is set to be established. This working group will serve as a platform for ongoing discussions and cooperation in various areas, including the digital and green economy. The overarching goal is to create a framework that enhances opportunities and income for both countries, leveraging their strengths and resources to achieve sustainable growth and development.

Mr Prasert highlighted the seriousness of online crime as a national security and transnational issue, emphasising the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address it. He has initiated discussions at the policy level, both bilaterally with Cambodia and within the ASEAN framework. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and related working groups will travel to Cambodia in mid-March to follow up and proceed with detailed plans.

In continuation of these efforts, Professor Wisit Wisitsaratha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, will lead a Thai delegation to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on 18 March 2024. The delegation will engage in bilateral discussions with the Telecommunication Regulator of Cambodia (TRC) to further operationalise the Memorandum of Understanding.

The discussions will focus on promoting information exchange and establishing a joint Thai-Cambodian working group dedicated to combating online fraud. This collaborative effort directly results from past successes in cracking down on Call Centre gangs and Hybrid Scam activities. The aim is to strengthen cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia, leading to more effective and sustainable solutions to combat online fraud and related crimes.

Further, following these bilateral discussions, the Thai delegation will participate in Thailand’s 1st ASEAN Working Group on Anti-Online Scam meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Digital Economy. This crucial milestone meeting will serve as a platform for all 10 ASEAN member countries to discuss and address online crime.

Thailand has played a vital role in advocating for multilateral cooperation within ASEAN to tackle this pressing issue, setting the stage for concrete actions to combat online crimes in the region. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is unwavering in its commitment to fostering collaboration and sharing expertise with a wide range of other nations.

“We anticipate continued partnerships with external alliances as we work together to achieve common goals,” Mr Prasert stated, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in navigating the complexities of the digital age. Mr Prasert recognises the value of cooperation and knowledge sharing in addressing cyber challenges and seizing opportunities in the digital realm.

In late 2016, Oxford Dictionaries selected “post-truth” as the word of the year, defining it as “relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief” or, well-known as fake news or misinformation.

Image credits: kominfo.go.id

The proliferation of fake information on digital media platforms is on the rise. This trend is not unique to Indonesia. However, nearly all societies worldwide are facing threats from fake news dissemination. The expansion of the online realm and increased connectivity among people have contributed to the persistence of misinformation. This issue is envisioned to persist as more individuals connect in various ways.

The challenges posed by misinformation are complex. It can manipulate public opinion, disrupt democratic processes, and undermine trust in public institutions. The anonymity, speed, and efficiency of digital platforms make it challenging to combat the spread of disinformation, which can sow confusion, provoke conflict, and fragment civil society.

Deputy Minister of Communication and Informatics, Nezar Patria, stated that in the face of the increasing spread of false information, enhancing the government’s strategic communication capacity plays a crucial role in combating this issue. He even mentioned that this would have a significant impact if it were supported by intergovernmental cooperation.

“We can use the knowledge and relationships we have gained here to advance the field of strategic communication further. Together, let us create a more informed, connected, and resilient global community in this digital era,” he said when opening the International Strategic Communication Workshop Series in Central Jakarta.

According to Deputy Minister Nezar Patria, government institutions’ capacity can be enhanced through discussions, training, and workshops. Additionally, Minister Nezar explained that several strategies had been proposed to counter the effects of misinformation. These include developing digital literacy programmes, using algorithms and social systems to filter out misinformation, and implementing policies and regulations to hold bad actors accountable.

“Formulating solutions to address the challenges of information disruption. The implementation of workshops will be a concrete manifestation of intergovernmental cooperation and an opportunity for substantial and beneficial discussions,” he said.

Minister Nezar is even optimistic that the cooperation between the Government of Indonesia and the United Kingdom can serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences in advancing the field of strategic communication.

In 2023, OpenGov Asia reported extending the cooperation agreement between the UK and Indonesia. Through the State Cyber and Cryptography Agency (BSSN) of Indonesia, an agreement was made to establish cooperation in cybersecurity with the government of the United Kingdom through the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).

The collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cyber Security Cooperation between the Head of BSSN, Hinsa Siburian, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Oliver Dowden, at the BSSN office in Depok.

This meeting generated eight areas of cooperation – National Cyber Strategy Development and Implementation, Cyber Threat Landscape, Cyber Governance, Government and Industry Partnership, Incident Management, Cybercrime, Promotion of Cybersecurity Awareness, Capacity Building through Experience Exchange and Best Practices, and Research on Cybersecurity.

In line with Minister Nezar Patria, Deputy Head of Mission and Deputy Ambassador of the UK to Indonesia and Timor Leste, Matthew Downing, stated that many challenges are faced by governments related to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Since 2024 is an election year for more than 10 countries worldwide, misinformation and fake news will become major issues. “This includes the existence of Generative AI that allows information content to be produced quickly and massively,” he said.

Matthew Downing said that implementing government strategic communication is significant in overcoming the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Therefore, the UK government appreciates holding workshops to enhance strategic communication capacity as a continuation of cooperation between the UK and Indonesian governments.

“The capacity for strategic communication and responses to disinformation must continue to be improved so that the Government can build credibility and always provide reliable information,” explained Matthew Downing.

In February 2024, Vietnam saw a notable decline in cyber attacks, with a total of 862 incidents reported, according to the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). This marked a 9.3% decrease from January and a significant drop of 48.9% compared to the same period last year.

The ministry disclosed that more than 432,400 Internet Protocol (IP) addresses were identified as part of virus-infected computer networks, also known as botnets. This figure represented a 13% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023, highlighting the persistent challenge of cybersecurity in the country.

As of February, Vietnam boasted a total of 3,224 information systems, with 2,145 of these systems classified according to level-based security. This classification accounted for 66.5% of the total, marking a slight increase of 0.5% from January and a noteworthy 6% increase compared to the same period last year.

To bolster cybersecurity measures, the Authority of Information Security (AIS) under the MIC has been actively implementing various solutions. One notable initiative involved a collaboration with Google to launch the programme “An toan len mang, An tam vui song cung Google” (Be safe online, enjoy life with Google). This programme aims to educate and assist elderly individuals in Vietnam in navigating the internet safely and confidently.

In addition to proactive measures, the AIS conducted a thorough review of 43 websites, which included nine operated by ministries/agencies and 24 managed by provinces and cities. These websites were identified as containing advertising content, prompting the need for further scrutiny and potential mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, efforts were made to enhance the trustworthiness of state agency websites. In February, the AIS renewed and re-issued network trust certifications for eight state agencies’ websites, bringing the total number of accredited state agency websites to 4,662. This figure encompasses 557 websites belonging to 21 ministries/agencies and 4,105 websites representing 61 provinces/cities.

Despite mounting cybersecurity concerns globally, Vietnam has managed to mitigate cyber threats, evidenced by a decline in cyberattacks in recent years. The country has been proactively addressing security issues within its digital landscape, yielding significant success.

Notably, Vietnam’s efforts were recognised with a commendable rank of 25th out of 194 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) as early as 2020, signalling a positive trend in its cybersecurity endeavours.

However, challenges persist within the cybersecurity landscape, underscoring the ongoing need for robust measures and continued vigilance to safeguard digital assets and infrastructure.

OpenGov Asia reported that Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasised the crucial role of cybersecurity in ensuring public security agencies’ proactive approach to understanding and forecasting situations to prevent unforeseen challenges related to strategy, political security, and social order and safety in 2024.

The Prime Minister lauded the various agencies’ contributions to administrative reform, e-government initiatives, and national digital transformation, highlighting the sector’s pivotal role in these endeavours. He stressed the necessity of continual administrative reforms, sufficient resource allocation, and infrastructure investments in the public security sector.

To reinforce these priorities, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued a directive for stricter adherence to information security regulations and enhanced level-based information system security measures, aligning with the existing Law on Cybersecurity.

This escalating requirement has sparked a notable increase in demand across various sectors and industries, prompting a heightened focus on cybersecurity solutions and expertise. 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.

The concerted efforts of the Ministry of Information and Communications along with collaborative endeavours with industry partners underscore Vietnam’s commitment to fortifying its cybersecurity infrastructure and safeguarding its digital landscape against evolving threats.

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