The Escalating Threat of Cybercrime in Vietnam

Vietnam is facing a important surge in ransomware attacks, causing substantial financial losses and raising serious concerns about cybersecurity preparedness. Recent data reveals a concerning trend,demanding immediate and robust action from businesses and organizations across the nation.

Staggering Losses: The Financial Toll of Ransomware

According too statistics from BKAV Group, a staggering 155,640 computers in Vietnam were targeted by ransomware attacks in 2024 and early 2025. The financial repercussions are immense, encompassing not only the ransom demands themselves but also the direct losses from system downtime, customer attrition, and damage to brand reputation.

The total damage is estimated to be in the tens of millions of VND. To illustrate the severity,one company reportedly lost over 100 billion VND on the first day of a data encryption attack. Another business projects its losses to reach a staggering 800 billion VND following a ransomware incident.

Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg: the Hidden Costs

Experts at BKAV emphasize that the reported figures represent only the visible portion of the problem. many ransomware attacks go unreported, and the true extent of the damage remains hidden. The increasing frequency of requests for assistance received by BKAV underscores the growing urgency of the situation.

What is viewed or calculated is only the tip of the iceberg.

BKAV Expert

Complex Threats: APTs and evolving Malware

Studies reveal that cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and risky. Ransomware attacks are now strategically targeting companies with clear and systematic approaches, demanding exorbitant ransoms. moreover, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are quietly infiltrating systems, remaining undetected while stealing sensitive information.

These APTs operate stealthily, hiding within institutions and organizations to exfiltrate valuable data. The global impact of cyberattacks is projected to reach a staggering $9.5 trillion by 2024, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, highlighting the immense scale of the threat.

The Vulnerability Gap: Inadequate Security Measures

A significant vulnerability lies in the inadequate security measures adopted by many Vietnamese businesses. According to Nguyen Dean Tui, head of BKAV’s malware research department, a concerning 60% of companies in Vietnam lack robust security solutions.

Millions of new virus samples appear every day and the damage caused by malware is terrible. But in Vietnam, up to 60% of companies do not have a powerful security solution.

Nguyen Dean Tui, Head of BKAV’s Malware Research Department

Many companies rely solely on the basic antivirus functionality built into operating systems, which is insufficient to protect against today’s advanced threats. This reliance on basic security leaves them vulnerable to APT malware and ransomware designed to penetrate deep into systems and steal data or extort money.

A Call to Action: Strengthening Cybersecurity Defenses

BKAV experts warn that APT spy viruses and ransomware are lurking within numerous Vietnamese systems, spreading silently and poised to strike at opportune moments. It is imperative that institutions, organizations, and companies prioritize cybersecurity awareness and implement professional-grade measures to prevent computer virus infections.

This includes investing in complete security solutions, conducting regular security audits, training employees on cybersecurity best practices, and implementing robust incident response plans. The time to act is now,before the next wave of cyberattacks inflicts even greater damage on Vietnam’s economy and infrastructure.