AI and Cyber Security: A Critical Imperative for Vietnam's Digital Future

Strategic Insights -

As Vietnam rapidly progresses towards its digitalization goals, the government has identified artificial intelligence (AI) as a key driver of the country's economic development, with estimates suggesting it can contribute over 12% of the nation's GDP by 2030. However, the increasing reliance on AI systems also poses significant risks to national security, economic stability, and social well-being. The National Cyber Security Association has underscored the importance of ensuring network security for AI, recommending the synchronization of three critical factors: institutions, technology, and human resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vietnamese government has recognized AI as a foundational technology in its Digital Development Strategy, with the approval of the national strategy for AI to 2030 and the semiconductor industry development strategy to 2030, vision to 2050.
  • AI applications are being implemented in various sectors, including public services, health, banking, education, and smart cities, with the potential to contribute over 12% of Vietnam's GDP by 2030.
  • Cyber attacks involving AI factors increased by 60% in 2024 compared to the previous year, causing significant global damage.
  • AI-based attacks have a success rate of up to 70%, compounding the need for proactive measures to detect, respond, and protect against these threats.
  • The Vietnam IT Software and Service Association (Vinasa) has emphasized the importance of modern AI solutions to protect the digital space of Vietnamese businesses, with a focus on network supervision, behavioral analysis, and sensitive data management.

Statistics:

  • Cyber attacks with AI factors increased by 60% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
  • AI-based attacks have a success rate of up to 70%.
  • The global damage caused by cyber attacks involving AI factors is in the hundreds of billions of dollars.
  • In 2024, 40,000 new cyberspace holes were detected, with over 1.7 billion records leaked.
  • AI attacks increased by 600% in 2024.
  • The number of people employed in the AI industry is expected to reach 40,000 by 2026.

Sources:

  • VGP (Vietnam Government Portal)
  • Cyseex Information Security Union
  • Vietnam IT Software and Service Association (Vinasa)
  • National Cyber Security Association
  • MISA Joint Stock Company
  • Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd.