Prime Minister outlines five priorities for stronger cybersecurity

Speaking at a ceremony marking Viet Nam Cybersecurity Day (August 6, 2024–2026) in Ha Noi, the Prime Minister said the annual event reflects the Party and State's recognition of cybersecurity as a strategic national priority while serving as a platform to mobilize the whole political system and society to build a safe, secure, trustworthy and humane cyberspace.

He said the event also aims to foster a culture of digital safety, enhance public awareness and strengthen cybersecurity skills to better protect national sovereignty as well as the lawful rights and interests of citizens and businesses in the digital environment.

The Government leader noted that Viet Nam has made notable progress in cybersecurity, data protection and information security through stronger legal frameworks, improved protection of critical information systems, enhanced cyber defense capacity and expanded international cooperation.

However, he 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.

Le 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 on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

To meet the requirements of the digital era, the Prime Minister outlined five priorities.

First, cybersecurity efforts must go beyond protecting information systems to safeguarding people, with citizens' safety, security and well-being placed at the center of policymaking. He said this principle is reflected in the theme of this year's Viet Nam Cybersecurity Day: "For a humane cyberspace for everyone."

Second, ministries, sectors and localities need to strengthen their role in creating an enabling environment. The National Steering Committee on Cybersecurity should enhance coordination, improve the legal framework, remove regulatory bottlenecks related to cybersecurity, data security and personal data protection, and introduce stronger sanctions against cybercrime and other online violations. Every policy, he said, should prioritize the safety and convenience of citizens and businesses.

Third, specialized cybersecurity forces should continue serving as the nation's "steel shield" in protecting national digital sovereignty while shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach. He urged them to strengthen forecasting and intelligence capabilities, enhance inter-agency coordination and step up efforts to combat high-tech and transnational cybercrime to ensure a safe, civilized and humane digital environment.

Fourth, technology, telecommunications and financial institutions should play a more active role in safeguarding cyberspace. The Prime Minister encouraged enterprises and banks to adopt human-centered security architectures, provide free built-in fraud detection and warning features for users, and invest in advanced technologies that make digital services safer and more user-friendly.

Finally, Le called on every citizen to improve digital literacy, strengthen self-protection skills and act responsibly online, saying the collective efforts of 100 million people would form the country's strongest "digital fortress."

At the ceremony, the Prime Minister officially launched the 2026 Viet Nam Cybersecurity Day./.