Network security in family communication
In Vietnam, family chat groups often become more lively during Tet, when members update daily information, send wishes and festive moments through popular platforms such as Zalo, Messenger.
According to Kaspersky's survey, another popular online connection method in the surveyed families is sharing posts, memes on social networks or through messaging applications (53%). The age group from 18-34 is leading this trend with a participation rate of 58%.
For older users (over 55 years old), their level of digital environment participation is increasing. However, they may still not be ready to face cybersecurity threats and online scams.
This issue is especially noteworthy in Vietnam during Tet. To preserve traditional culture during the festival season, many elderly people are starting to use the "electronic lucky money" method through digital banking applications.
With just a few operations on a smartphone, users can send lucky money to loved ones without needing cash or traditional lucky money envelopes. When the frequency of participating in online financial activities increases, users need to proactively equip themselves with knowledge. At the same time, guide older relatives on how to use devices safely and recognize risks in cyberspace.
Even for users who are proficient in technology, online communication still always contains many network security risks. From scams of forging legal messages (phishing) to sophisticated forms of fraud based on psychological manipulation, the digital environment is now "infiltrating" right in each person's most private personal communication channels.
During Tet, when family chat groups are active with a series of congratulatory messages, electronic lucky money, or spring travel schedules, these risks become even more difficult to identify than ever.
To minimize risks when using messaging applications, experts recommend that users should: Activate the two-factor authentication process as soon as possible, use strong, complex and different passwords for each account, always be wary of links or unexpected attachments, equip reliable security solutions with anti-phishing features for messaging applications, and regularly monitor and apply security recommendations from experts.
Family shared account - convenient or risky?
In Vietnam, the habit of sharing accounts is particularly popular during Tet, when families spend a lot of time gathering and enjoying entertainment activities together. Outwardly, sharing accounts to watch movies or games seems to be a saving solution.
However, in reality, this inadvertently opens up many risks of security and privacy, especially when many people log in with a single account and password.
These shared accounts easily become a security "weakness": as soon as a family member's device is compromised, the attacker can take full access to the account. In addition, the habit of using the same password for many different platforms means that with just one leak, all financial information, email and other sensitive data are at risk of being exposed.
Mr. Ngo Tan Vu Khanh - Kaspersky's Country Director in Vietnam - said: "In Vietnam, communication between family members has been significantly digitized.
Especially during Tet, exchanging in chat groups, sending online wishes and paying online becomes an indispensable part of daily interaction. Technology is bringing members closer together. Therefore, when all generations know how to protect themselves online, reunion moments will become even more complete and peaceful.
Experts recommend that users use password managers to protect and manage passwords safely for all family members.
