The international exercise ACID 2024, themed “Proactively Responding to the Rise of AI-Driven Cyberattacks,” features participation from technical staff representing 10 ASEAN countries and 5 dialogue partners.

The international incident response exercise for cybersecurity, ACID 2024, officially commenced on the morning of October 15.

This annual international program involves the Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) from 10 ASEAN countries and 5 dialogue partners, including India, South Korea, Japan, China, and Australia. Its aim is to enhance readiness for incident response and improve the technical capabilities of response teams.

With the theme "Proactively Responding to the Rise of AI-Driven Cyberattacks," ACID 2024 addresses the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including the malicious exploitation of AI for harmful purposes.

Emphasizing the importance of ensuring cybersecurity in digital transformation, Dang Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT/CC) under the Ministry of Information and Communications, stated: "In the digital age, information is invaluable and also a target for hacker groups."

While many individuals use AI daily, aiding various aspects of life, the potential consequences are dangerous and unpredictable when AI is misused for malicious ends. Cyberattacks using AI will be multi-faceted, more sophisticated, and unpredictable.

In recent times, there have been numerous large-scale cyberattacks resulting in serious consequences, leaking sensitive information, disrupting operations, and negatively impacting the reputation of the targeted organizations.

“In the future, attacks will continue with greater frequency and significantly higher damage, as cybercriminals exploit AI in their attacks. To tackle these challenges, we need thorough understanding, skills, techniques, and above all, close cooperation not only domestically but also internationally,” Mr. Dang Huy Hoang emphasized.

Vietnam and 17 international teams practice cyberattack response skills

According to representatives from VNCERT/CC, the ACID 2024 exercise consists of two sessions: a technical session on October 15 and a roundtable exercise on the morning of October 16.

In addition to coordinating the technical session from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on October 15 for over 200 network member units in a hybrid format (in-person and online), VNCERT also represents Vietnam in the online roundtable exercise with 17 other international teams.

Nearly 450 technical staff from ministries, localities, telecommunications and Internet service providers, as well as security organizations, participated in the exercise to understand the trends of AI-driven attacks through specific scenarios.

The participating units and technical staff will have opportunities to enhance their skills in responding to AI-driven cyberattacks by handling incidents, conducting investigations, analyzing data, mitigating threats, and reporting outcomes.

The goal is to ensure that units are prepared to proactively respond to the increasing incidents of cyber threats stemming from new trends, ensuring the safety of information systems, particularly critical national information systems, thereby contributing to protecting national sovereignty in cyberspace.

During the opening ceremony of ACID 2024, representatives from the Cybersecurity Department encouraged Vietnamese teams to focus on the scenarios and questions posed during the exercise, treating them as real situations occurring in their respective units.

“Besides enhancing information sharing and cooperation in incident response, units should also draw lessons learned and disseminate knowledge about these new attack trends, including detection and prevention methods against AI-driven attacks,” VNCERT/CC representatives added.

In the first nine months of 2024, there were 4,029 cyberattacks on systems in Vietnam, resulting in incidents—a decrease of 53.2% compared to the same period last year.

Van Anh