The directive comes under Plan No. 04, recently signed by Permanent Secretariat member Tran Cam Tu on behalf of the Central Steering Committee for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation.

This national cybersecurity plan is designed to shape a resilient, sovereign digital space  -  one that can defend national interests while fostering innovation and international competitiveness.

One of its key priorities for 2026 is shifting awareness and action across the political system and society. It calls for legal reform that eliminates bureaucratic barriers and encourages market participation from emerging tech enterprises.

A modern cybersecurity infrastructure is also at the heart of the plan, enabling Vietnam to effectively assert its sovereignty in cyberspace while promoting data security across government, businesses, and civil society.

The strategy emphasizes not just technology, but also human capital. It envisions building widespread awareness among Party members, state officials, and citizens about the importance of data protection and network security.

To that end, it sets a clear target: by 2030, Vietnam will have trained and nurtured 10,000 elite cybersecurity professionals  -  equipped to safeguard both national systems and participate in the global cybersecurity workforce.

In terms of international positioning, Vietnam aims to rank among the top 20 countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) compiled by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The plan also aims to solidify Vietnam’s digital sovereignty by boosting domestic innovation. By 2030, more than 50% of the national cybersecurity market should be dominated by "Make in Vietnam" products and services.

The roadmap further targets developing export-ready capabilities and achieving technological self-reliance in core cybersecurity components and data protection systems.

Looking ahead to 2045, the vision expands into building a sustainable, independent cybersecurity ecosystem with global competitiveness  -  led by a vanguard of internationally recognized experts and scientists in digital technologies.

To realize these goals, the plan outlines responsibilities across various levels of government.

The Central Public Security Party Committee is tasked with leading state-level management of cybersecurity, information security, and data security  -  excluding military, defense, and cryptography.

The Ministry of Public Security will also spearhead a legal review to revise the Criminal Code and administrative sanctions, aiming to close legal loopholes and ensure timely enforcement against cyber-related offenses. This legal update is scheduled for completion by March 2027.

Agency heads across Vietnam’s political system  -  from central to local levels  -  will bear direct and full responsibility for any major security incidents, especially cases involving state secrets leaks due to negligence or regulatory violations.

Moreover, the results of each agency’s cybersecurity performance will be factored into leadership assessments and annual evaluations, particularly for those in top positions.

Tran Thuong