The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) uncovered several advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks on governmental websites in the central city of Da Nang in late July.
Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam Computer EmergencyResponse Team (VNCERT) uncovered several advanced persistent threat (APT)attacks on governmental websites in the central city of Da Nang in late July.
VNCERT found a malicious file exploiting a memorycorruption issue in Microsoft Office in a document on the website of thePeople’s Committee of Hai Chau District, Da Nang. Hackers might aim to infectthe computer system of the city’s administrative units with this malware,according to the team.
On August 1 VNCERT sent a letter to the municipal People’sCommittee and Department of Information and Communications to warn about theattack and advise them how to deal with the issue.
“The main purpose of the hackers is to steal confidentialinformation of Da Nang city,” the team said in the letter. “With such hi-techattack, the city’s firewalls are not able to promptly detect the problem, allowingthe hackers to maintain control of the computer system for a long time,” itadded.
Analysis of the cyber-attack showed that the hackers havethoroughly monitored the targeted website and used hi-tech solutions to getaround security walls. This would allow them to take control of the internalcomputer system and steal information.
In the letter, VNCERT also provided Da Nang with detailedinstructions on how to examine and remove this type of malware. It urged themunicipal Department of Information and Communications to act on this advicewithout delay.
The malware is extremely dangerous as it can stealinformation and destroy the data system, so the VNCERT recommended leaders ofthe Department of Information and Communications strictly follow the instructions.
First appearing at the end of 2010, APT attacks are oneof the top threats to information security.
Statistics show that more than 27 percent of APT attacks have targetedgovernment institutions, followed by those hitting banking and financialinstitutions and telecommunication firms with a large customer database.
Vietnam has seen a number of APT attacks on big organisations, most notablebeing the cyber-attack on the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in Julylast year.
VNCERT reported that last year, Vietnam was hit by 13,382 cyber-attacks,including 6,400 malware; 4,377 deface; and 2,605 phishing attacks. Some 5,179cyber-attacks have been recorded since the beginning of 2018, consisting of1,122 phishing; 3,200 deface; and 857 malware attacks. –VNA
Preventing Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks on national critical information infrastructure was the main topic of a seminar and drill on cyber security for central Vietnam and the Central Highlands in the central city of Da Nang on June 29.
The rapid development of the internet has greatly benefited users but also exposed them to increasingly dangerous cyber-attacks, forcing organisations and businesses to look for ways to protect themselves.
The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) on July 23 advised banks and critical national infrastructure organisations to promptly take preventive measures to detect and prevent cyber attacks.
The Bkav Technology Group said on July 26 its virus monitoring system had discovered malware called BrowserSpy that is able to track users’ actions and steal their personal data, such as bank account information, and Gmail or Facebook passwords.
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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.
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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%.
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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.
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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.
Illustrative image. (Photo: istock)
