Spam Mails Rising in Vietnam

Nguyen Thanh Hung, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications, said at the workshop on spam mail prevention in Hanoi, that the toughest part in the war against spam is the widespread and the limitlessness of Internet, as reported by Vietnam Bridge on March 23, 2009. Hung also adds that the prevention of spam mails will lead to security of information.

As per the Vietnam Computer Emergency Response Team (VNCERT), almost 90% of users are disturbed by spam mails. The VNCERT also listed some requirements for web users to fight against spam mails, such as having a specialized state agency to control spam mails, having regulations to control spam mails and making the community aware.

Director of a firm which advertises through mails states that this kind of advertisement is very effective as the expenditure is very low and the advertisement quickly reaches the customers. The firm agreed with the new order adding that it encourages companies to do business in a new field.

Security experts also claim that as advertising by e-mails is an effective medium to reach customers, several services have been started. Several sites have been opened to collect private details and mail addresses of users. CDs containing e-mail addresses of people can be bought at VND100, 000/CD ($5.9). Hence, spam mails are growing at rapid pace.

In addition, the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) claims that several security flaws are present in Vietnam and 60 Million systems have been attacked by viruses. In 2008, various kinds of virus strains increased by 5 times against 2007 and many sites were targeted every month. Further, 40 cases related to hi-tech crimes were reported in 2008, leading to a loss of VND30, 000 Million, 10 times higher than 2007.

In 2009, 42 sites have been targeted due to flaws in them. Among them, there are several sites with the .gov.vn and .edu.vn domain names.

Vietnam Information Security Association reveals that Vietnam ranks 5th as a source of spam. Besides, many users do not take preventive measures and underrate the significance of information security.

Related article: Spam Scam Bags a Scottish Connection

» SPAMfighter News - 3/31/2009