The Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT) on July 23 advised banks and critical national infrastructure organisations to promptly take preventive measures to detect and prevent cyber attacks.

The VNCERT also provided these organisations with detailed instructions on how to examine and remove malware from their data systems on the team’s official website (www.vncert.gov.vn).

These malware are extremely dangerous as they can steal information and destroy the data system, so the VNCERT strongly recommends leaders of the organisations strictly follow the given instructions, said the centre’s Deputy Director Nguyen Khac Lich.

According to the VNCERT, the centre has recorded a number of advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks on some banks and national critical infrastructure organisations in Vietnam. 

Analysis of these attacks showed that the hackers have thoroughly monitored the targeted websites and used high-tech solutions to get around the security walls. The typical goals of the hackers were to take control of these institutions’ computer systems and steal their confidential information.

First appearing at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011, APT attacks have remained one of the top threats to information security. 

Statistics show that more than 27 percent of APT attacks have targeted government institutions, followed by those hitting banking and financial institutions, and telecommunication firms with a large customer database.

Vietnam has seen a number of APT attacks on big organisations, most notable being the cyber attack on the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines in July last year.

The VNCERT reported that last year, Vietnam was hit by 13,382 cyber attacks, including 6,400 malware; 4,377 deface; and 2,605 phishing attacks. Some 5,179 cyber attacks have been recorded since the beginning of 2018, consisting of 1,122 phishing; 3,200 deface; and 857 malware attacks. –VNA