The rise of digital transformation and advanced technologies like AI has brought countless conveniences to modern life. Yet, it has also led to a rapid surge in sophisticated online scams designed to steal money and personal data. These schemes evolve constantly, becoming more convincing and harder to detect, putting anyone at risk if they let their guard down. In today’s digital world, cybersecurity awareness is no longer optional. It’s an essential life skill and a shield protecting us from hidden dangers on the internet.
From virtual scams to real losses
Online scams continue to grow more complex, organized, and transnational, causing severe damage to individuals, businesses, and overall social security. According to the latest survey by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) at the end of 2024, 1 in every 220 users has fallen victim to online fraud, with total financial losses estimated at 18,900 billion VND in 2024. When falling into a fraud trap, although 88.98% of users said they immediately warned and discussed with relatives and friends, only 45.69% of respondents said they reported to the authorities.
In the business and government sector, the situation is just as alarming. According to the 2024 Cybersecurity Report, 46.15% of organizations experienced at least one cyberattack, while 6.77% reported frequent attacks. The total number of cyberattacks nationwide is estimated to exceed 659,000 cases.
The cybersecurity landscape in 2024 also saw a sharp rise in the number and scale of cyberattacks targeting businesses, government agencies, and institutions in healthcare and education. Criminals craft convincing scenarios that make victims believe they are the ones taking initiative. Once trapped, victims lose not only money but also personal data, reputation, and even the safety of themselves and their families.
Countless scam tactics
Cybercriminals not only have traditional tricks but also leverage advanced technologies to deceive victims more effectively than ever.
Common scam tactics. Source: pandasecurity.com
Most scams follow a similar pattern:
- Criminals gain the victim’s trust or create fear, urging immediate cooperation. Then, they guide the victim to install fake apps through malicious links.
- Once installed, these apps request broad permissions, access to contacts, location, photos, camera, microphone, and accessibility settings.
- With full permissions granted, scammers can completely control the victim’s phone: send SMS messages, unlock the device, toggle internet settings, read contacts and call logs, initiate phone calls, reset account passwords, activate Internet Banking, change transaction limits, and transfer funds. Worse still, they can harvest personal photos, videos, messages, and confidential information, risking both personal privacy and State secrets (if any).
According to NCA, cybercriminals will exploit emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, and quantum computing in 2025. Some predicted tactics include:
- AI deepfake: Fake videos and voice clones of relatives or public figures.
- Caller ID spoofing: Using telecom tools to display numbers that look like police departments, banks, or trusted organizations.
- Exploiting device vulnerabilities: Hacking security cameras, smart locks, or children’s smartwatches to steal data or extort money.
- Targeted APT attacks: Using phishing emails disguised as internal communications to infiltrate organizations through low-level staff.
Behind these technologies, even cautious users may struggle to distinguish real from fake, and by the time they realize it, their money and data may already be gone, while criminals remain hidden in the digital world.
Cybercrime is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Source: National Cybersecurity Association
How can we protect ourselves in the digital age?
With scams becoming more advanced and unpredictable, each person must become their own first line of defense. Cyber safety is not only the duty of authorities, but it is also a survival skill.
If you are a student, regular exposure to technology can make you confident, but also susceptible to small moments of carelessness. To stay safe:
- Be wary of “too good to be true” offers: There is no “free lunch”. Stay alert to high-profit investments, “easy jobs with high salary”, or scholarships requiring deposits.
- Share safety information with family: Older adults often fall for fake “your child needs urgent money” messages or deepfake video calls.
- Keep learning about cybersecurity: Attend school workshops, follow reputable cybersecurity sources (e.g., the Authority of Information Security, NCA), and stay up to date so you can recognize suspicious links, websites, apps, and calls.
If you are working, a single mistake, like opening a phishing email, can threaten your entire organization. That’s why you should:
- Protect internal information: Never share work passwords, OTPs, or system access, and avoid leaking customer data, contracts, or financial documents.
- Be careful with emails: Double-check recipients and be cautious with unexpected links or attachments.
- Secure your devices: Use strong passwords and regularly update accounts to reduce the risk of breaches.
Besides, you can enhance safety by using tools like nTrust, an application developed by the National Cybersecurity Monitoring Center to identify and block fraud risks.
Illustration of the nTrust app protecting users from scams.
Source: ntrust.vn
When you detect a scam, act immediately
Report suspicious activity on VNeID as follows:
Step 1: Log in to the VNeID app.
Step 2: Select “Other Services” on the main screen.
Step 3: Choose “Security & Order Report” → Create new request.
Step 4: Fill in required information (select “Anonymous” if needed).
Step 5: Verify and submit.
Guide to reporting scams via VNeID
Source: Go Vap Police Department
You can also contact Vietnamese authorities, such as A05 – Ministry of Public Security via hotline 069.219.4053, or report through Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Warning Portal.
In a complex digital landscape, awareness is the strongest protection. Every click, every shared piece of information, and every decision can impact your safety and that of your family. With the right knowledge and timely action, we can shift from being passive targets to proactive defenders. We hope this article helps readers strengthen their awareness and equip themselves with essential cybersecurity skills to prevent and respond to online scams effectively.
News, photos: Department of Student Affairs