This past week in technology news within the country highlighted two major developments: a new scam involving the theft of credit card information and the upcoming early deployment of Meta AI in Vietnam.

Credit card information theft scam alert

The Information Security Authority has issued a warning to internet users in Vietnam about a new scam targeting credit card information.

This method of fraud, which has recently been reported by many individuals in the United States, involves scammers stealing credit card details after purchases on online platforms.

The scam exploits the victim's desire for low-cost goods by approaching them through advertisements offering significant discounts, promotions, and gifts. Victims are then asked to provide personal and banking information to complete the purchase procedures.

Fraudsters create fake e-commerce websites, embedding links in promotional posts. These websites typically accept only bank card payments, compelling victims to provide their card information.

Subsequently, scammers inform the victims via text message that the payment was unsuccessful due to the card being declined, advising them to try again with another card.

Many victims tend to use another bank’s card or borrow one from friends or family, leading to maximum financial information theft by the perpetrators before detection.

Vietnam to lead in Meta AI deployment

On October 1st, on the sidelines of the 2024 Vietnam Innovation Day, the Global Affairs President of Meta discussed the company's commitments and plans for the Vietnamese market.

The President announced that by the end of the year, Meta would introduce an AI virtual assistant for businesses in Vietnam, integrated into the Messenger app to enhance productivity.

He also confirmed that Meta’s Quest 3S VR glasses would be manufactured in Vietnam, in collaboration with local partners, creating over 1,000 new jobs and positioning Vietnam at the center of the global metaverse products and technology map.

Vietnam is set to be among the first countries to deploy Meta AI, ahead of several European countries.

Internet connectivity restoration to international standards imminent

After a series of disruptions earlier this year due to incidents on March 15, May 23, and June 13 affecting three of the five international undersea fiber-optic cables operated by Vietnamese carriers, strategies have been put in place.

As per an Internet Service Provider representative in Vietnam, the IA submarine cable has fully restored its capacity. The issues with the S1 and S5 branches were addressed in mid-July and the end of September, respectively.

Similarly, partial capacity on the APG undersea cable was restored by the end of August, and repairs on the S1.9 branch near the Malaysian landing station are expected to complete by early October.

Likewise, a part of the AAE-1 cable’s capacity was restored on September 23 after resolving issues in the S1H3 branch towards Hong Kong. However, repairs on the S1H5 branch are scheduled to complete by October 26.

With the updated repair schedules for these cables, total internet connectivity from Vietnam to international networks is expected to be fully restored by October 2024.

Hai Phong