Hackers capitalising on COVID-19 to launch cyberattacks, ministry warns

Some hacker groups have taken advantage of the COVID-19 outbreak’s complex developments in many countries to launch cyberattacks against agencies and organisations around the world, including those in Vietnam, said the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on March 19.

The ministry noted that its department for cyber security and hi-tech crime prevention and control has discovered a cyberattack campaign which spreads malware via emails with coronavirus-related information.

Those emails contain an attached file titled “Chi Thi cua Thu tuong nguyen xuan phuc.lnk” in disguise as Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s directive on the anti-COVID-19 work.

The properties of the malware containing file (Photo: screenshot)
The properties of the malware containing file (Photo: screenshot)

When users download and open this file, the malware, which only runs on computers using the Windows operating systems, will be activated and more malware will infect their computers, enabling hackers to steal data and continue further attacks, according to the MPS.

It recommended internet users be wary of clicking on strange links or downloading or opening files from unknown sources. 

They are also advised to install licensed antivirus softwares for their computers and security updates for operating systems and softwares. In case such suspicious files are opened, they should disconnect from the internet and liaise with cyber-security incident response teams to deal with the problem, the MPS added.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Vietnam targets at least 10 large strategic technology firms by 2030

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed a decision approving a plan to develop large domestic strategic technology enterprises in the 2026–2030 period, aimed at advancing digital infrastructure, digital human resources, digital data, strategic technologies and cybersecurity.

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

Protecting users crucial in building digital trust: Experts

In Vietnam, digital transformation in the finance and banking sector is accelerating cashless payments, expanding access to financial services, improving market transparency and supporting economic growth and macroeconomic management.

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Fostering skilled workforce for innovation era: experts

Experts said close coordination among State management agencies, research institutes, universities, and businesses will improve training quality and serve the dual goals of quality education and practical research application.

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

Startup forum bridges Silicon Valley and local innovation ecosystem

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), Saigon Asset Management (SAM), and Plug and Play Tech Centre co-hosted the “From Vietnam to Silicon Valley” forum, exploring AI innovation, venture capital, and pathways to integrate Vietnam’s startup ecosystem with Silicon Valley and global markets.

Experts call for stronger action against fake news online

Experts call for stronger action against fake news online

Experts have warned that fake news, misinformation and harmful online content are increasingly shaping public perceptions, particularly among young people, and stressed the need for stronger legal safeguards, technology tools and wider dissemination of credible information to tackle the problem effectively.

Protecting digital future in post-quantum, AI era

Protecting digital future in post-quantum, AI era

Participants highlighted the importance of building a proactive, synchronised and sustainable national cybersecurity ecosystem through closer cooperation among regulators, technology firms, research institutions and cybersecurity experts.

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam attends SAHA 2026 defence, aerospace exhibition in Türkiye

Vietnam’s participation in SAHA 2026 International Defence & Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul reflects the country’s consistent policy of enhancing international defence integration and promoting defence industry cooperation towards self-reliance, self-strengthening, modernisation and dual-use development.

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Group partners to build AI ecosystem in Vietnam

SK Innovation and SK Telecom signed MoUs with Nghe An province and the National Innovation Centre of Vietnam to advance AI ecosystem development and support the country’s long-term growth strategy.

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship for 2026-2030 approved

Under the Vietnam Research Excellence Fellowship (VREF) for the 2026–2030 period, PhD students are identified as a core research force directly contributing to breakthroughs in sci-tech and innovation. Investing in top-tier doctoral candidates is more than workforce development, but a high-stakes strategic bet to forge a cohort of world-class scientists and technologists who can power Vietnam’s long-term economic ambitions.