The number of Vietnamese users hit by offline cyberattacks plummeted 57 percent from 2020 to 2023, according to statistics from the Kaspersky Security Network.

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky detected over 114.8 million offline threats in Vietnam in 2023, down six percent compared to 2022.

The firm also protected 53.3 percent of Vietnamese users from offline attacks last year.

Offline attacks occur when malicious codes are spread via flash drives, CDs, DVDs, and other physical data storage devices.

Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager at Kaspersky for Southeast Asia, credited the decline in offline cyber threats in Vietnam from 2020 to 2023 to the proactive measures taken by the Vietnamese government to enhance cybersecurity.

Tiong acknowledged the government's initiatives in raising awareness among users about the risks associated with network attacks.

He also urged users to remain vigilant against potential cyber threats to safeguard their assets, underscoring the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness despite the significant decrease in such incidents.

Kaspersky found more than 234.7 million offline threats in Southeast Asia last year, nearly half of which were detected in Vietnam, making the country the most vulnerable to these attacks.

Indonesia ranked second, registering over 51.2 million offline attacks detected last year.

In contrast, Singapore reported the lowest number of offline threats in the region in 2023, with a mere 1.6 million attacks identified.

How to defend against cyber threats

To achieve more effective protection against offline cyberattacks, users should replace their devices, software, and apps with new versions equipped with the most recent security patches.

Users are advised to employ distinct strong and unique passwords for each of their online accounts.

It is recommended to consider using a password manager to enhance security and convenience.

In addition, users should be cautious to open any email and message, or receive a suspicious call that they are asked to provide their personal information.

Furthermore, users are encouraged to implement two-factor authentication, a security measure that involves entering a password and then providing a code or security key to access their accounts.

This adds an extra layer of protection to elevate account security.

Lastly, it is essential for users to utilize reputable cybersecurity software to fortify the overall safety of their data.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!