Businesses to focus cybersecurity budgets on AI in 2025: expert

As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, Vietnamese businesses are ramping up their investments in cybersecurity.

This trend is expected to continue into 2025, reflecting the growing importance of robust security measures.

Mr. Vu Thanh Thang, CEO of SCS AI Joint Stock Company,  remarked that artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in enhancing cybersecurity measures.

According to him, Vietnam is currently one of the three fastest-growing countries in terms of cybersecurity spending in Southeast Asia, alongside the Philippines and Indonesia. This surge is driven by the need to protect data during digital transformation, particularly in the banking, telecommunications, and government sectors.

“In 2025, Vietnamese businesses will significantly increase and prioritize their cybersecurity budgets, not only to address current threats but also to prepare for emerging trends and future security risks,” said Mr. Thang.

However, there is a notable difference in the level of priority given to cybersecurity investment between large enterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This disparity is due to differences in scale, financial resources, and specific security needs.

Sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and energy are leading the way in cybersecurity spending. Large enterprises are deploying advanced solutions like AI, machine learning, and Zero Trust to detect and respond to threats. These companies also invest in 24/7 network monitoring systems and employ internal or outsourced cybersecurity expert teams.

On the other hand, many SMEs do not yet fully recognize the importance of cybersecurity, often viewing it as an expense rather than a strategic investment. With limited resources, SMEs are more likely to become targets for cybercriminals and often rely on basic or free security solutions, leaving their systems vulnerable.