VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese computer users lost VND8.5 trillion in 2014 due to  viruses, according to BKAV, the largest internet security firm in Vietnam.

The figure was released by the company after it conducted a survey in December 2014.

The figure accounts for only 0.1 percent of the total loss of $445 billion estimated by CSIS that cybercrimes caused worldwide in 2014, but it was still a major hit to Vietnamese users.

According to BKAV, each Vietnamese computer user suffered an average loss of VND1.23 million in 2014 because of problems caused by computer viruses.

The damages caused to Vietnamese users, as explained by the company, were calculated based on the computer users’ income and the total time their work was interrupted.

According to the White Book about Vietnam’s information and communication, there are at least 6.98 million computers in use in Vietnam.

The five most important security factors in 2014 were:

Spam messages flood customers

Ninety percent of users said they were usually bothered by spam messages, while 43 percent are victims of daily spam messages, nearly double the 2013 figure. Spreading spam messages has become a “black industry”.

Free wi-fi in Vietnam not safe

BKAV warned that free wi-fi services available in large cities in Vietnam are not safe with latent risks of information security.

Meanwhile, a survey found out that 24 percent of users said they usually use wi-fi to make banking and other transactions online.

85 percent of computers infected with viruses via USBs

The figure was 90 percent in 2013. When Microsoft removed AutoRun feature for USB from Windows 7 and updated version of Windows XP, it helped reduce the spread of viruses.

However, BKAV warned that USBs remains the main source of spreading viruses, for two reasons. First, in Vietnam, there are still many computers using Windows XP old versions. Second, W32.UsbFakeDrive has appeared. The virus can spread with just simple operations.

Threats from falsified mobile apps

Falsified mobile apps proved to be the most common source of spreading malware in 2014. However, mobile phone users did not consider this when deciding to install new apps.

A survey found that only 13 percent of users read the manufacturers’ information and warnings before they decide to download software apps.

Users tend to be more careful on internet

Forty percent of users said they will only open files they received via internet after confirming (through telephone, chat…) with the senders, or they will only open files under the Safe Run mode. At least 73 percent always lock computers before they leave.

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