Cybersecurity autonomy is not merely a matter of technology. It reflects a strategic convergence of local innovation, high-quality workforce development, and proactive international cooperation. In the era of global cyber threats and rapid digitalization, Vietnam sees self-reliance in cybersecurity as critical to safeguarding national infrastructure, data sovereignty, and citizen trust.

Cybersecurity as a digital shield

As digitalization accelerates, Vietnam’s national infrastructure increasingly relies on connected systems in government, banking, energy, transportation, healthcare, and telecommunications.

Any large-scale cyberattack could disrupt public services, paralyze administrative operations, destabilize financial markets, or block millions of citizens from accessing essential digital platforms.

Recent years have seen targeted ransomware campaigns and mass encryption attacks by international hacker groups, which significantly delayed business operations. Several large-scale intrusions into hundreds of servers have underscored growing vulnerabilities within Vietnam’s digital backbone.

In some cases, attacks bear state-sponsored signatures, aiming to hijack critical data, interfere with governance, or weaken national defense.

Vietnam's strategy is thus shifting towards cybersecurity autonomy: mastering technologies, processes, and a qualified incident response force to shield its critical systems.

Why cybersecurity autonomy matters

Currently, most cybersecurity tools - from firewalls and surveillance systems to analytics platforms - are developed by foreign corporations. This heavy reliance poses significant risks.

Without control over source codes, algorithms, or technical infrastructure, local organizations are left vulnerable and reactive in the event of large-scale breaches.

Moreover, some foreign solutions carry embedded data collection mechanisms, exposing sensitive information to external parties.

True autonomy in cybersecurity means eliminating this dependency. It ensures Vietnam can manage digital risks proactively, retain control over strategic data, and maintain national digital sovereignty.

The 2025 Cybersecurity Law reflects this direction, requiring state agencies and enterprises to prioritize "Make in Vietnam" cybersecurity products, bolstering local industries and creating tailored solutions adaptable to Vietnam’s evolving context.

The law also mandates cybersecurity investment as an essential infrastructure expense, on par with electricity or water, facilitating system upgrades and modern cyber operation centers.

The three pillars of cybersecurity autonomy

Vietnam's strategy hinges on three core pillars: localized product development, skilled human capital, and selective international collaboration.

First, promoting domestic cybersecurity products is a strategic imperative. Vietnamese firms have built advanced solutions in firewalls, intrusion detection, behavioral monitoring, and security analytics. The law carves out a clear path for these technologies to be prioritized in public and private procurement, reducing costs and enhancing control.

Second, skilled personnel are vital. Cybersecurity leadership at national information systems must hold official certifications, signaling a new level of accountability. Leaders are expected to understand technical threats and lead with informed decisions, not just delegate to IT teams.

The broader goal is to cultivate a multi-tiered cybersecurity workforce capable of preempting and mitigating complex threats.

Third, international cooperation remains essential amid cross-border cyber threats. Vietnam must join global threat intelligence networks, pursue joint cybercrime investigations, and exchange best practices with advanced nations.

However, such cooperation must be selective and sovereignty-conscious. The law establishes frameworks to benefit from international experience while maintaining national control.

Citizens: The first line of cyber defense

While technical infrastructure is critical, most cyber breaches originate from user error - clicking malicious files, using weak passwords, oversharing personal data, or falling for deepfake scams.

Thus, public awareness is the true first line of defense.

Vietnam is ramping up cybersecurity education in schools, digital literacy campaigns, and real-time fraud alerts to empower citizens to protect their data.

In the workplace, training programs and incident response drills are becoming routine to strengthen organizational resilience.

Well-informed citizens and trained employees can thwart many attacks before they escalate, turning awareness into a national asset.

Toward a resilient digital future

Cybersecurity self-reliance determines Vietnam’s ability to secure its national data, protect citizen rights, and ensure the continuity of critical services.

It lays the foundation for Vietnam to participate in global digital value chains, advance economic competitiveness, and foster digital trust.

In the long run, cybersecurity autonomy is not just a technological goal, but a political and economic necessity.

Only by mastering its digital shield - from technologies to talent - can Vietnam build a safe, independent, and resilient digital nation for the future.

Thai Khang