On August 11, 2026, the Quang Ngai Provincial Police, in collaboration with Trường Nguyên Technology Investment Company, conducted a practical exercise focused on ensuring cybersecurity in the province. This event aimed to train participants on legal frameworks related to cybersecurity and data protection, amidst increasing cyberattack incidents.

Major Nguyen Thanh Long, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Provincial Police and a member of the provincial Cybersecurity Subcommittee, emphasized that the scale, frequency, and danger of cyberattacks are escalating rapidly. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into attack tools has fundamentally changed the landscape, enabling malicious actors to create sophisticated phishing schemes and disseminate malware at unprecedented speeds, often bypassing existing defenses.

The consequences of a cybersecurity incident extend beyond mere operational disruptions; they pose significant risks of personal data breaches and state secrets being exposed online, undermining public trust in the digital transformation efforts of the government. Major Long stated that ensuring cybersecurity has evolved into a strategic responsibility that requires the involvement of the entire political system.

Data has become an invaluable asset, while information systems are described as the "lifeblood" that sustains the continuous operation of administrative machinery and socio-economic life in the province. However, increasing reliance on digital environments also exposes Quang Ngai to substantial national security threats, social order challenges, and political stability risks.

In response to these realities, the Quang Ngai Provincial Police organized the 2026 cybersecurity practical exercise, which included disseminating legal documents such as the Cybersecurity Law of 2025 and the Personal Data Protection Law. Participants learned to identify, monitor, collect, verify, and analyze malicious behaviors, as well as implement recovery measures and coordinate responses among relevant agencies.

The exercise featured a competitive format, with 12 teams participating—10 attack teams (Red Team) and 2 defense teams (Blue Team)—simulating real-world scenarios on operational information systems within provincial data centers. Major Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, head of the Cybersecurity Department, noted that the exercise scenario was designed to reflect current realities and the challenges faced in the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

This initiative also served as an opportunity for agencies to assess their cybersecurity capabilities, refine response protocols, and identify strengths and weaknesses in protecting information systems, managing data, and safeguarding state secrets online. The Quang Ngai Provincial Police has reported significant activity in the first half of 2026, with the centralized monitoring system processing over 5,000 alerts, including numerous high-risk cases.

As the province continues to enhance its cybersecurity measures, the importance of collaboration and preparedness in the face of evolving cyber threats remains paramount.