Malware Attacks Delaying Vietnam’s Digital Dreams

From VOA Learning English, this is the Technology Report.

Vietnam has reported growth in its communications, information, and technology industries over the past 10 years. Vietnam’s government has high hopes for the future. It wants the country to become a center for Information Technology services in the years to come. But experts say Vietnam must do more to deal with cyber security issues to capture its share of the knowledge economy. A major problem is malicious computer software, known as malware. Malware programs are used to damage computeroperations, steal information or gain entry to private computer systems.

Michael Mudd is chairman of the Information Technology, Intellectual Property and Telecommunications Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce. He says Vietnam is among the top five suppliers of malware and spam messages in the world. He says few computers in Vietnam are protected by programs that search for and destroy computer viruses.

Wahab Yusoff is an official with McAfee, the computer software company. He says many computer users do not do anything until their machine is infected. The use of pirated or stolen software is one of the main ways malware can infect computer systems. The Business Software Alliance says about 80 percent of the computers in Vietnam have pirates copies of software programs. Michael Mudd says Vietnam needs more IT experts who can care for computer systems and remove malware from the machines. He says education about cyber security should start at school age. He says this will help people understand the value of using legal software and anti-virus programs.