Hackers capitalising on COVID-19 to launch cyberattacks, ministry warns

Some hacker groups have taken advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak’s complex developments in many countries to launch cyberattacks against agencies and organisations around the world, including those in Vietnam, said the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on March 19.
Hackers capitalising on COVID-19 to launch cyberattacks, ministry warns ảnh 1The properties of the malware containing file (Photo: screenshot)

Hanoi (VNA) –Some hacker groups have taken advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak’s complexdevelopments in many countries to launch cyberattacks against agencies andorganisations around the world, including those in Vietnam, said the Ministryof Public Security (MPS) on March 19.

The ministry noted that its department for cybersecurity and hi-tech crime prevention and control has discovered a cyberattackcampaign which spreads malware via emails with coronavirus-related information.

Those emails contain an attached file titled“Chi Thi cua Thu tuong nguyen xuan phuc.lnk” in disguise as Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc’s directive on the anti-COVID-19 work.

When users download and open this file, themalware, which only runs on computers using the Windows operating systems, willbe activated and more malware will infect their computers, enabling hackers tosteal data and continue further attacks, according to the MPS.

It recommended internet users be wary ofclicking on strange links or downloading or opening files from unknownsources. 

They are also advised to install licensedantivirus softwares for their computers and security updates for operatingsystems and softwares. In case such suspicious files are opened, they shoulddisconnect from the internet and liaise with cyber-security incident responseteams to deal with the problem, the MPS added./.
VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

PM approves plan to shift from coal to clean energy

It aims to mobilise domestic and international resources for power sector development, adopt co-firing technology with clean fuels to gradually reduce emissions from coal-fired plants, phase out outdated and inefficient facilities, and accelerate renewable energy expansion to ensure stable and affordable electricity supply.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam works to develop digital technology industry

Speaking at the 6th annual national forum on the development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises last month, Party General Secretary To Lam stated that the total revenue from this industry in 2024 was estimated to reach 152 billion USD, an increase of 35.7% compared to 2019.

At the working session between French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet and representatives of the Institute of Oceanography under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) on February 13. (Photo: Khanh Hoa newspaper)

France helps Vietnam train scientific research personnel

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said scientific cooperation between France and Vietnam has a long history, noting that French scientists were arranged to support Vietnam in scientific research after the Institute of Oceanography was established in 1922.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam strengthens global cooperation in atomic energy

In 2025, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) at the Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen bilateral and multilateral collaboration with global partners to advance scientific research and practical applications in atomic energy.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Bui Hoang Phuong speaks at the Southeast Asia Business Forum, organised by the French Ministry of Foreign Trade on February 12. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam reaffirms commitment to AI development cooperation

Vietnam's participation in the AI Action Summit underscored its strong commitment to integrating AI into economic and social development, and also provided the country with opportunities to explore partnerships with international partners.

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Bac Giang paves way for AI development

Director of the Bac Giang provincial Department of Science and Technology Nguyen Thanh Binh has underlined the province’s commitment to the effective implementation of the national strategy on AI research, development and application.

PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

PM requests facilitating technology transfer to foster development

PM Pham Minh Chinh said sci-tech, innovation, digital transformation, and workforce quality improvement are objective requirements, strategic choices, and top priorities, adding that they must be centred around the people and businesses, making them the core drivers of the process.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang (L) and UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill (Photo: VOV)

UN Under-Secretary-General lauds Vietnam as key partner in AI

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) and UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Technology Amandeep Singh Gill has called Vietnam a model of technological progress and a potential linchpin for global cooperation in advancing AI capabilities.

Visitors visit a booth introducing technology products. - Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

OV intellectuals offer solutions for national sci-tech development

Vietnam is among the top 10 countries in terms of blockchain adoption, interest, understanding, and discussion. The application and development of blockchain technology play a crucial role in building advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring data security and reliability, and laying a foundation for developing the digital technology industry.

There should be a concerted effort to protect children in the cyber space. (Photo: VNA)

More tools released to protect children online

The Ministry of Information and Communications has issued the Code of Conduct on Child Protection in the Internet Environment, aiming to establish standards of language and behaviour for users and promote a safe, healthy, and civilised cyber environment.