Hanoi Convention sets new benchmark for international cybersecurity governance: experts

THE HANOI TIMES — The signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and relevant high-level talks held on October 25-26 in Hanoi will be the first comprehensive international treaty addressing cybercrime, marking a turning point in global cooperation to tackle non-traditional security threats.

Known as the Hanoi Convention, the treaty comprises 71 articles across nine chapters, criminalizing acts such as illegal access to information and communications technology (ICT) systems, online fraud, child exploitation, and laundering of proceeds of crime. It also establishes mechanisms for international cooperation, extradition, data sharing, and human rights protection in cyberspace.

This event will bring nations together to combat online threats and build trust in the digital economy, said experts from RMIT University in Hanoi and the University of Cambridge.

Strengthened cooperation to tackle new threats

Dr. Jeff Nijsse, a senior lecturer in Software Engineering at RMIT University Vietnam, said that the Hanoi Convention reflects Vietnam’s rising role in the global fight against cybercrime.

"The selection of Vietnam as the host of the Convention’s signing ceremony underscores the country’s strategic importance,” he said, adding that the country's ascent to Tier 1 in the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) rankings with a near-perfect score also speaks of a rapid maturation of its national cybersecurity framework.

The RMIT academic appreciates the forward-looking nature of the Convention, which includes ‘virtual assets’ in the definition of property.

“This is a welcome modern provision that directly addresses the role that cryptocurrencies can play in cybercrime, from ransomware payments to money laundering,” he said.

“By codifying this, the convention avoids the legal ambiguity that older treaties might have and equips law enforcement to trace and seize digital currencies derived from criminal activity.”

Dr. Nijsse also underlines the Convention’s requirement for each country to designate a 24/7 contact point for urgent cybercrime investigations and make offences extraditable, ensuring criminals cannot evade justice by crossing borders.

Vietnam’s global leadership and legal contributions

Dr. Vu Viet Anh, Security Researcher at the University of Cambridge’s Cybercrime Centre, told the Vietnam News Agency that Vietnam’s hosting of the signing ceremony demonstrates its proactive global leadership and responsibility in cybersecurity governance.

He noted that the United Nations’ choice of Hanoi reflects the international community’s trust in Vietnam’s credibility and progress in building a strong legal and institutional foundation for data protection and cyber resilience.

Vietnam’s 2019 Cybersecurity Law and continued cooperation with global partners show a long-term commitment to combating high-tech crime, he told the Vietnam News Agency.

According to Dr. Vu, the Hanoi Convention, the first UN treaty on cybercrime since the Budapest Convention of 2001, serves as a symbolic bridge between developed and developing nations, promoting dialogue based on equality, mutual respect and shared benefit.

The consensus achieved also reflects Vietnam’s diplomatic skill in reconciling diverse perspectives on cyberspace management, he added.

Dr. Vu said the convention sets global standards for legal cooperation, allowing countries to investigate, share evidence and prosecute cybercrimes more effectively.

“It also harmonizes definitions of offenses such as illegal access, data theft, online fraud, money laundering, child exploitation and emerging crimes involving artificial intelligence (AI) and disinformation.”

He warned that cyber threats are evolving faster than regulations can adapt, especially with the rise of AI tools, deepfakes and decentralized digital currencies.

Vietnam must prioritize protection of critical infrastructures in healthcare, energy, finance and citizen data and develop a comprehensive long-term cybersecurity strategy, drawing lessons from the UK’s National Cyber Strategy (2022–2030) and the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), the academic said.

He also underscored the need for public education on digital safety, particularly for vulnerable groups such as students and the elderly.

Most cyber incidents stem from user inattention or lack of awareness. National cybersecurity efforts must balance protection with privacy and human rights, he said.

Dr. Vu said that Vietnam’s hosting of the Hanoi Convention reinforces its transformation from a participant to a proactive contributor shaping international norms and standards.

“The event also highlights Vietnam’s image as a safe, reliable and forward-looking digital nation, opening up new opportunities for cooperation in digital transformation, cybersecurity and the digital economy.”

As the convention moves toward ratification and enforcement, Vietnam now has the opportunity to translate diplomatic leadership into practical impact, aligning domestic laws with global standards, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and helping shape a safer, more resilient digital future for the region.

Protecting vulnerable groups and building capacity

Dr. Sreenivas Tirumala, a senior lecturer in Cybersecurity at RMIT Vietnam, cited a projection by Cybersecurity Ventures that says global cybercrime damage costs may reach US$10.5 trillion in 2025.

In light of that, the Hanoi Convention will contribute to securing the global digital economy by implementing global standards to promote safe online usage and improve trust, he said.

“The convention promotes shared responsibility, capacity building and international collaboration to ensure a safer digital future,” said Tirumala.

Its focus on supporting developing countries is expected to bring technology assistance, training and capacity-building opportunities to Vietnamese youth, helping to close the cybersecurity skills gap.”

He also stresses that the convention holds an importance in protecting vulnerable groups, especially the youth, from exploitation on social media.

According to Dr. Tirumala, Vietnam has been fighting against cybercrime, and the number of incidents has been increasing due to fast digitalization. There is a clear indication of exploitation, particularly of vulnerable youth and children, through social media.

“The Convention provides a framework that Vietnamese policymakers and legislators can leverage to strengthen domestic laws and enforcement mechanisms aimed at protecting vulnerable populations online,” he said.

As the Hanoi Convention moves toward ratification and entry into force after the signing, Vietnam will have the opportunity to translate its diplomatic leadership into practical impact, he added.

By aligning domestic legislation with international standards and boosting collaboration across sectors, the country can help shape a safer digital environment for its citizens and the region, the academic said.