Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s hosting of the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (known as the Hanoi Convention) on October 25–26 holds great significance, demonstrating the country’s commitment and pioneering role in promoting global cybersecurity and safety.
Campaigns such as “Not alone" and “Fight against online scams 2025" have been launched as concrete actions to embody the spirit of the convention and foster trust in online safety.
Online scams, deception, and manipulation are becoming an “underlying storm” threatening cybersecurity and social well-being in Vietnam, causing severe damage not only financially but also to people’s mental health.
According to a report released by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) in late 2024, Vietnam is among the countries most heavily affected by cybercrime. The rate of “potential victims” is also alarming: one out of every 220 smartphone users becomes a victim, and 70% of citizens are exposed to at least one scam call or message each month.
The Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department (A05) under the Ministry of Public Security estimated that the total damage reached 18.9 trillion VND (717.5 million USD) in 2024, doubling the figure in 2023 (around 8–10 trillion VND).
In 2023, the department handled more than 1,500 online swindling cases, mainly involving asset appropriation through the internet. Last year, the number of cases continued to soar, with over 22,200 reports of online scams recorded within just the first nine months of the year.
Cybercriminals spare no one — from school students and university learners to working adults, and even tech-savvy individuals. However, 2025 has witnessed a worrying shift as perpetrators have increasingly targeted young people, particularly students, who often lack essential life skills and are highly susceptible to psychological manipulation.
These issues serve as a warning and a reminder that no one should have to face crime alone, which also demonstrates the power of connection. When families, friends, or communities intervene and provide timely support, victims can be pulled back from the edge of danger.
On October 10, Vietnam’s Digital Trust Alliance (DTA) launched the “Not Alone” campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting children and young people from online risks and building a safer and more humane digital environment.
The campaign is jointly organised by A05, the NCA, and the Hanoi People’s Committee, with the sponsorship of the ministries of public security, education and training, and health, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
A05 Director Major General Le Xuan Minh said that this is a vivid demonstration of how Vietnam brings the spirit of the Hanoi Convention to life – transforming international commitments into concrete actions, and sending a strong message about Vietnam’s sense of responsibility towards the international community in addressing global challenges. At the same time, it helps to realise the Party and State’s policy of caring for and protecting children and young people in the era of science and technology.
Meanwhile, “Fight against online scams 2025" is also being carried out nationwide from October to December, conveying the message of being slower to stay safer – encouraging people to verify information before sharing or making transactions, improve their account and device protection, report suspicious behaviours, and support one another to maintain a safe cyberspace.
The drive is intended to improve digital awareness and skills for the community, especially the young, who are frequent users of social networks and also vulnerable to sophisticated deception tricks.
A05 said this campaign is a new stride in the public – private partnership to help build a safe, transparent, and trustworthy cyberspace in Vietnam, part of efforts to implement the international commitments in the Hanoi Convention./.
