Hanoi (VNA) – The opening for signature of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (known as Hanoi Convention) in Vietnam is of great importance, not only in international law but also in recognition of Vietnam’s growing global reputation and capability in the digital era.
Strengthening global coordination against cyber threats
Cybercrime today knows no borders. It evolves rapidly and attacks every sector from financial fraud, data theft, and infrastructure sabotage to threats targeting essential systems such as energy, health care, and transportation.
No single country, regardless of its development level, can handle these complex threats alone.
That is why the UN Convention against Cybercrime represents a crucial step in fostering international cooperation to combat cross-border cybercrime.
The decision to select Vietnam as the host of the signing ceremony reflects the global community’s trust in Vietnam’s proactive role in promoting a safe, transparent, and responsible cyberspace.
Despite being a developing nation still transitioning toward a digital economy, Vietnam has made significant progress in establishing a strong legal and institutional framework for cybersecurity, personal data protection, and international cooperation in fighting hi-tech crimes.
Digital transformation and technological innovation are now central to Vietnam’s national vision for prosperity. These are seen as “golden keys” for escaping the middle-income trap and keeping pace with global development.
Yet this progress must go hand in hand with cybersecurity, data and information safety.
The Party and State have issued major policies to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity. These include Resolution 29 on the Strategy for Protecting the Fatherland in Cyberspace and Resolution 30 on the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The establishment of the National Committee for Cybersecurity and Safety, headed by the Prime Minister, underscores the Government’s strong commitment to this cause.
Vietnam’s legal framework for cybersecurity has steadily improved, with the National Assembly passing key laws such as the Law on Cybersecurity, the Law on Data, and the Law on Personal Data Protection. The creation of the National Cybersecurity Association has also helped enhance coordination between government agencies, enterprises, and the wider community.
Major General Le Xuan Minh, Director of the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security, said Vietnam is working to complete its legal system to meet both domestic and international standards. This aims to create a safer environment for businesses and technology development while improving the capacity of forces safeguarding cyberspace - an essential foundation for national digital transformation.
Vietnam’s authorities have also made strong efforts to protect citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as children and teenagers from online harm. Key legal documents, including the Law on Children, the Cybersecurity Law, and the National Strategy for Protecting Children in Cyberspace (2021–2025), have been implemented to detect and address online crimes more effectively.
Tackling transnational cybercrime
Beyond legislation, Vietnam has invested heavily in strengthening the capacity of its law enforcement forces.
Specialised units on cybersecurity and hi-tech crime prevention have been equipped with modern tools and training. Continuous cooperation and training programmes with international partners help officers stay updated on new technologies and criminal tactics. This national network from central to local levels has achieved notable results.
In recent years, Vietnamese police have dismantled several major transnational cybercrime rings, including billion-dollar online gambling networks and international hacker groups targeting domestic businesses.
These achievements highlight Vietnam’s growing professional competence in tackling global cyber threats.
Still, the question remains: how can nations root out cybercrime networks that operate across borders, often hiding behind jurisdictional loopholes? The challenge is enormous as cybercriminals are elusive, and many networks are managed from abroad.
The Hanoi Convention is expected to provide countries, including Vietnam, with a stronger legal foundation and cooperation mechanism to effectively prevent, investigate, and prosecute such crimes, reinforcing global cyber stability and safety.
Building a “people’s security posture” in cyberspace
According to the National Cybersecurity Association’s 2024 report, Vietnam remains among the countries most affected by cybercrime. On average, one in every 220 smartphone users becomes a victim, and about 70% of users receive at least one scam call or message each month.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Minh Chinh, Standing Vice President of the National Cybersecurity Association, said that large-scale cyberattacks targeting national infrastructure, businesses, and individuals are becoming more sophisticated. Meanwhile, fake news and harmful content spread rapidly through digital platforms, increasingly fueled by artificial intelligence.
Although Vietnam’s legal system for cybersecurity has been established and is improving, it still lags behind the speed of technological change, he noted.
Limited public awareness and dependence on foreign technologies create additional vulnerabilities.
“The Hanoi Convention not only opens opportunities for Vietnam to strengthen legal cooperation and capacity building but also helps raise awareness among the entire political system, businesses, and citizens about the importance of cybersecurity,” Chinh emphasised.
Given that no agency can protect cyberspace alone, mobilising public participation is vital. Building a “people’s security posture in cyberspace” where every citizen contributes to protecting national digital borders has become an essential strategy.
Across the country, many localities are integrating traditional security models with digital platforms. Initiatives such as “Security Camera,” “Safe Residential Area,” “School Security,” and “Hi-tech Crime Prevention and Combat” are being digitised and connected through social media, mobile apps, and online monitoring tools. These innovations allow citizens to report threats, share alerts, and support law enforcement remotely and in real time.
Through such initiatives, cyberspace is becoming an integral part of community-based security, enhancing surveillance, early warning, and collective vigilance.
With the ongoing implementation of the Government’s plan to build a people’s security posture on cyberspace, Vietnam aims to create a safe, civilised online community where every citizen serves as a “digital sentry” defending the nation’s cyber frontiers./.
