Network security is a major concern in every country in this age of digital technology and last year was one in which many problems came to light. When 1,400 companies around the world were questioned by McAfee (working with Datamonitor), it was found that 67 percent of companies had lost private data with corresponding negative repercussions and 33 percent have had privacy invasions that could result in their "closing the door".
Many companies have spent millions of US dollars to try to recoup losses resulting from breach of data files and buying technology that can better protect data. They also try to reassure customers that all is well at the company.
Cyberspace is something of a society in miniature with corresponding complexity and dangers to the integrity of the network. Thus far, what have been presented as solutions to privacy invasion have been only partially and temporarily effective.
Computer viruses last year caused VND2.4 trillion in losses just in
BKIS has also found that hackers have successfully attacked 342 Vietnamese websites and that loopholes exist that make it possible for hackers to move in and change transaction records on over 40 percent of securities-related websites in
"Hackers that invade websites can take any information they find, and what they find could be used to damage a company reputation. Losses caused by such actions could not be counted in money," said BKIS director Nguyen Tu Quang.
Sharing this view, head of the Professional IT Agency, Ministry of Public Security Nguyen Viet The said "The struggle to maintain network security is one that exists alongside rapid information technology development. We depend in part on the awareness of both designers and users of IT."
Security World 2008
A seminar called Security World 2008 was organized to provide information that will enhance privacy protection. The seminar took place on
Under discussion at the seminar was 1) acquiring current information and 2) improving privacy protection. The first dealt with the provision of true information on the current state of network privacy and risk management, and demonstrations were provided to show how hackers work and what can be done to block them. The second dealt with current means being used to protect privacy with demonstrations of the latest software and security equipment. Information was given on how large corporations are protecting their privacy.
Besides addressing the problems of viruses, hackers and loopholes into websites and networks, a good deal of information was given on privacy protection, and particularly how to reduce the risk of data loss.
Hills and Associates, a US-based consultancy, focused on risk management as the best means to protect privacy and spoke of what one needs to know to protect company property. An IBM representative spoke of the need to have a strategy to protect information. A Pricewaterhouse Coopers specialist presented ways to prevent security breaches in the banking field. Addressing the issue of privacy protection and solutions were representatives of Symantec, Cisco, Hitachi Data Systems, Citrix, Microsoft, ESET, Nortel Networks and Infosys, and also Vietnamese IT companies VDC, FPT and BKIS.
In addition, representatives from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Information and Communications spoke about network security in Vietnam and what can be expected between now and 2010./.
Hoang Long
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