Vietnam is currently grappling with a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals, as highlighted by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA). The country has approximately 56,000 cybersecurity experts, yet the market demands around 700,000, resulting in a shortfall of over 600,000 skilled workers. This gap not only presents a substantial employment opportunity but also raises concerns about national security as cyber threats continue to escalate.

According to global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, Vietnam, along with other Asia-Pacific nations, is facing a critical lack of high-quality cybersecurity personnel. A survey revealed that the percentage of companies experiencing a shortage of qualified IT security staff ranges from 34% in Singapore to 57% in Vietnam. The increasing reliance on artificial intelligence further complicates the situation, exposing Vietnam to greater risks of cyberattacks. In 2025, the country recorded approximately 552,000 cyberattacks, a reduction of 19.4% in frequency, yet the severity of incidents increased, with 52.3% of organizations suffering damages.

The high demand for cybersecurity professionals has made this field an attractive option for many students. For instance, Pham Thai Son, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center at the University of Industry in Ho Chi Minh City, reported that there were 4,495 applications for information technology programs during the recent enrollment period. Despite having over 15 formal training institutions in Ho Chi Minh City, the challenge remains in ensuring that graduates possess the practical skills necessary for immediate employment.

Nguyen Thi Quynh Anh, former Marketing Director at VinCSS, emphasized the paradox of the cybersecurity sector: while companies are in dire need of staff, many graduates lack practical experience. She pointed out that the training programs often do not align with the fast-evolving technology landscape and the varied roles within cybersecurity, such as cloud security, risk management, and data protection.

To address this issue, Anh advocates for a structured transition mechanism between academia and industry, including paid internships, industry semesters, and shared cybersecurity training environments. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the solution does not necessarily require building a complete in-house cybersecurity team. Instead, Ho Chi Minh City and relevant associations could promote shared cybersecurity monitoring centers or industry-specific security service models.

Ultimately, resolving the cybersecurity workforce paradox requires a multifaceted approach that includes reforming training methods, recruitment processes, and creating pathways for practical experience. The true measure of success will not be the number of graduates but rather the number of individuals who can effectively perform their roles, grow in their careers, and contribute to the cybersecurity ecosystem.