The U.S. Embassy, the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team and AmCham Work Together to Raise Awareness on Cybersecurity and Safe Computing

HANOI, September 18, 2012 – The U.S. Embassy in Hanoi, the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT), the American Chamber of Commerce and the Vietnam Information Security Association (VNISA) teamed up to raise public awareness on emerging threats in cyberspace. This cooperative discussion on cybersecurity and safe computing drew on the expertise of the tech industry and government experts to help educate business and the general public on how to mitigate the risks of online threats. Experts detailed how the use of unlicensed and counterfeit software made computer users more vulnerable to malware and spyware. The speakers encouraged business owners to always use licensed software and IT products in order to keep their personal and financial data safe from hackers.  Other speakers discussed how to keep e-commerce and online payments secure and ways that the technology industry protects children online.

Speakers from both the U.S. and Vietnamese governments discussed how they are working to keep critical infrastructure safe from cybercriminals. U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, David Shear noted that the seminar on cybersecurity and safe computing highlights how the use of unlicensed, pirated and counterfeit software makes computer users more vulnerable to the many emerging threats in cyberspace.

Nguyen Quoc Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT), noted in VNCERT’s official statement that “this is the first time VNISA and AmCham have coordinated to organize a seminar on cyber security with the sponsorship of VNCERT and US Embassy. Information security and safety is critical in this era of rapid technological development and global information connectivity. This issue relates to everybody, requiring awareness of everybody. Copyrights relate closely to cyber security. Using licensed software is not only a compliance issue but also helps to protect users' benefits as they can upgrade, fix, patch and mitigate the risks that might come from unlicensed software.”

Speaking at the seminar, Peter Fowler, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Regional IPR Attaché noted that “as more intellectual property crime shifts to online activity and organized criminal organizations involved in credit card fraud and identity theft lure consumers with pirated and counterfeit goods sites, stronger laws and systems against cybercrime are essential for any government to have in place to protect business and its citizens.”