PM Outlines Five Priorities for Enhanced Cybersecurity

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, speaking at the "Viet Nam Cybersecurity Day (2024–2026)" ceremony in Ha Noi, emphasized cybersecurity as a strategic national priority, aiming to mobilize the entire political system and society to build a safe and trustworthy cyberspace. He outlined five key priorities for this endeavor. The first priority is to shift the focus of cybersecurity efforts beyond protecting information systems to safeguarding people, placing citizens' safety, security, and well-being at the center of policymaking. This principle is reflected in this year's theme, "For a humane cyberspace for everyone." Secondly, ministries, sectors, and localities must strengthen their role in creating an enabling environment. This includes enhancing coordination, improving the legal framework, removing regulatory bottlenecks related to cybersecurity, data security, and personal data protection, and introducing stronger sanctions against cybercrime. Every policy should prioritize the safety and convenience of citizens and businesses. Thirdly, specialized cybersecurity forces are urged to continue serving as the nation's "steel shield" in protecting national digital sovereignty, transitioning from a reactive to a proactive approach. Efforts should be stepped up to strengthen forecasting and intelligence capabilities, enhance inter-agency coordination, and combat high-tech and transnational cybercrime. Fourth, technology, telecommunications, and financial institutions are expected to play a more active role in safeguarding cyberspace. Enterprises and banks are encouraged to adopt human-centered security architectures, provide free built-in fraud detection and warning features for users, and invest in advanced technologies to make digital services safer and more user-friendly. Finally, the Prime Minister called on every citizen to improve their digital literacy and self-protection skills, stating that the collective efforts of 100 million people would form the country's strongest "digital fortress." Viet Nam has made notable progress in cybersecurity, data protection, and information security in recent years through stronger legal frameworks, improved protection of critical information systems, enhanced cyber defense capacity, and expanded international cooperation. However, the Prime Minister cautioned that cybersecurity development has yet to keep pace with the country''s rapid digital transformation. Cybercrime, online fraud, and personal data breaches are becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing growing threats to citizens, businesses, and national security. He stressed that cybersecurity, data security, and information protection must remain integral to the country's development strategy as Viet Nam accelerates science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation under Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. Information Source: Bao Chinh Phu