Children are most vulnerable to cyberattacks

In the context of digital technology developing strongly and becoming an indispensable working and entertainment tool in everyone's daily life, risks to safety, information security, and privacy are also increasing.

For children, these dangers and risks become even more evident when they do not have enough skills to identify and avoid them. These are challenges not only for Vietnam but also for many other countries in the world.

Child protection and strengthening cooperation and connectivity in cyberspace to protect and empower children are also issues raised globally.

Mr. Dang Vu Son - Vice President of VNISA.

Children are most vulnerable

Mr. Dang Vu Son - Vice President of Vietnam Information Security Association (VNISA), Former Head of Government Cipher Committee said that we are living in an era of strong digital technology development, modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data, IoT... have become an indispensable component in learning, working and entertainment.

However, along with the great benefits are increasing challenges, especially regarding information security, privacy and child protection (CPP) in the online environment.

"Children - the most vulnerable group - are facing many risks, but they do not have enough skills to identify and avoid risks in cyberspace. This is not only a problem for Vietnam but also a global challenge that requires cooperation from many sides," Mr. Dang Vu Son affirmed.

Ms. Dinh Thi Nhu Hoa - Head of Information Security Inspection Department - Vietnam Cyberspace Emergency Response Center (VNCERT/CC) also stated that the increase in the number of children using the Internet is leading to many dangers, and pointed out 5 typical dangers from the Internet that can negatively impact children.

Specifically, children may be exposed to inappropriate information sources such as accessing dark web sites with bad content and being exposed to cyber violence.

"If not detected early, this information will negatively affect children's psychology, physical health and behavior," Ms. Hoa shared.

The fact that many parents unintentionally share their children's images and personal information on social networks is also one of the major dangers that causes children's private information to be spread, leaked, and can have negative impacts on them.

Another danger and risk from children using the Internet too much is that they become addicted to games, social networks and the Internet.

WHO data shows that about 70 - 80% of children aged 10 - 15 years old like to play online games, of which the rate of children addicted to games is about 10 - 15%.

Two other major dangers to children from the Internet are cyberbullying and being lured, lured, harassed, scammed, or forced into illegal activities.

Child protection solutions

Ms. Phan Thi Kim Lien - Child Protection Program Manager of World Vision Vietnam assessed that children can be victims and can also be perpetrators, partners in cases related to child abuse.

The important thing is how to make children aware of bad influences online and take actions to protect themselves online.

World Vision places special emphasis on comprehensive digital literacy education so that children can both protect themselves and use the Internet creatively, as well as be aware of their proactive role in building a safe and effective Internet environment.

The organization also supports child-led initiatives, promoting their participation in contributing to child protection solutions online.

Ms. Kim Lien recommended that units and organizations need to strengthen coordination to raise awareness, capacity, role and responsibility of children when letting them interact on social networks; join hands to build a healthy network usage culture, promote culture, and form civilized network usage habits for children.

Especially in the context of rapidly changing technology, Ms. Kim Lien said that units responsible for protecting children's rights need to research and experience children's behaviors and habits to make early detections and provide timely support when children encounter problems online.

Child protection expert Do Duong Hien - Word Vision International in Vietnam assessed that the use of AI revolves around tools, typically automatic image editing, photo collage, and video creation according to user needs.

Agreeing to let an application access your personal information, such as contacts or photo albums, always carries many potential risks of information security loss.

In the current context, parents need to learn information, knowledge and skills to protect themselves online and use social networks responsibly.

"Parents must use phones with their children in moderation. Parents should not leave their children alone with smart devices and use AI with their children in a useful way," Do Duong Hien advised.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Dang Vu Son said that in recent times, the Association has implemented many outstanding activities such as: Organizing the contest "Students with Information Security" to raise awareness and skills of students nationwide; Establishing the Vietnam Cyber Security Club (VCSC) to gather and connect resources; Issuing the Basic Standard TCCS:03 on "Technical requirements for cyber security products and services" to support and guide research and development of technology solutions.

Sharing more details about online child protection activities in recent times, Mr. Ngo Tuan Anh, Vice President of VNISA, Chairman of VCSC Club said: "The basic standard TCCS:03 VNISA just issued in June 2024 is an important milestone contributing to promoting the ecosystem of online child protection products and services".

This standard also contributes to assessing the quality of BVTE products and services on the internet environment to help users and parents feel more secure in choosing products and services.

This will be the premise to promote the participation of businesses, organizations as well as a large number of users to join hands in protecting their children from dangers and risks in cyberspace.

Chi Hieu

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