Cyberattacks, Data Breaches, and Security Vulnerabilities on the Rise

The report, developed by Viettel Cyber Security based on data from the Viettel Threat Intelligence platform, reveals that information security threats in Vietnam continued to escalate throughout 2024, with cyberattacks increasing in frequency, sophistication, and scale.

Specifically, the amount of encrypted data from cyberattacks reached 10 terabytes, causing an estimated total loss of up to USD 11 million. These attacks not only encrypted data but also exfiltrated sensitive information to increase pressure for ransom demands. Data breaches surged significantly in Vietnam, with 14.5 million accounts leaked — accounting for 12% of global breaches — leading to widespread dissemination of personal information and corporate documents on various online platforms.

Financial scams and brand impersonation also evolved in complexity over the past year. Over 4,000 phishing domains were detected — a 30% decrease compared to 2023 — but the number of fake websites and unauthorized brand usages tripled, reaching nearly 1,200 sites. Cybercriminals increasingly leveraged AI technologies to mass-produce fake emails and websites. The finance and banking sector remained the most targeted industry, accounting for 71% of all recorded attacks.

Moreover, Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks rose sharply, with over 924,000 attacks recorded — a 34% increase compared to the previous year. Some attacks surpassed 1 Tbps in size, primarily targeting financial institutions, public service agencies, and technology companies, causing significant operational disruptions.

Nearly 40,000 new security vulnerabilities were discovered, a 46% increase over 2023. Of these, 47% were classified as high or critical severity, particularly impacting widely used products and services such as VPN systems, web servers, and management software. Organizations in Vietnam faced high risks from unpatched vulnerabilities, with 143 vulnerabilities flagged as having major impacts. Financial services, energy, and technology sectors were especially vulnerable to frequent exploitation by hackers.

Cyberattack Trends Forecast for 2025

The report also outlines emerging cybersecurity trends for 2025. Criminals are expected to increasingly harness AI to create more elusive malware and to use deepfake technologies for sophisticated voice, image, and video impersonation attacks. IoT devices and blockchain platforms are projected to become primary targets, especially poorly secured devices and cryptocurrency exchanges.

The proliferation of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) models will further lower barriers for launching cyberattacks, enabling individuals without technical expertise to execute sophisticated operations. Another alarming trend is the rise of fileless malware attacks, which exploit RAM and system administration tools like PowerShell to evade traditional security software detection.

Five Key Recommendations for Vietnamese Enterprises

In response, Viettel Cyber Security offers five key recommendations to help enterprises proactively protect themselves:

1. Implement 24/7 Security Monitoring Systems to detect and respond to attacks early.
2. Adopt Modern Security Governance Models (such as Zero-Trust) to tightly control system access and prevent unauthorized intrusions.
3. Regularly Review and Patch Vulnerabilities, prioritize fixing critical issues, and assess supply chain security to mitigate third-party risks.
4. Invest in Advanced Security Technologies such as External Attack Surface Management (EASM), Security Operation Centers (SOC), and Anti-DDoS solutions to safeguard critical assets.
5. Build a Culture of Cybersecurity Awareness through regular training programs and incident response drills to minimize human-related risks.

You can view the full 2024 Vietnam Cybersecurity Threat Landscape Report here:
https://services.viettelcybersecurity.com/bao-cao-tinh-hinh-nguy-co-attt-vietnam-2024

About Viettel Cyber Security

Viettel Cyber Security, a subsidiary of Viettel Group, specializes in advanced cybersecurity research, solution development, and consulting services. The company is a leading partner in Vietnam for securing critical national infrastructure, as well as serving enterprises across finance and banking, energy, power, petroleum, and other key industries.

Its Viettel Threat Intelligence platform provides real-time threat information and insights to help organizations proactively develop cybersecurity strategies and respond to potential risks before becoming victims of cybercrime.