On the afternoon of 11/9, the Government Cipher Committee commemorated the 80th anniversary of the sector's tradition and received the title of "Hero of the People's Armed Forces."

According to Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang, the risks of information warfare and cyberspace warfare are intense, threatening national sovereignty, security, and interests. The rapid development of artificial intelligence, robotics, and the internet carries potential risks to information security and safety, particularly the leakage of classified information. Hostile forces are intensifying sophisticated espionage activities.

Therefore, the Minister of National Defense has directed the Government Cipher Committee to innovate its operational methods and perfect a strict, synchronized, and unified management mechanism. They must coordinate and supervise network information security and manage civilian cryptography. "Proactively detect, warn, prevent, and promptly handle cyberattacks on the national classified information system, ensuring preparedness," the general demanded.

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense. Photo: Giang Huy

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense. Photo: Giang Huy

The national cryptographic system must operate stably, smoothly, securely, and confidentially, readily serving the leadership and administration of the Party, State, and armed forces under all circumstances.

The Minister of National Defense also tasked the Cipher sector with urgently producing high-security, strategic cryptographic products that meet the needs of all forms of classified communication. The sector needs to strengthen cooperation and technology transfer in cryptography and information security, especially with countries possessing advanced scientific capabilities.

80 years of 'Covering the enemy's ears and eyes'

80 years ago, the Military Cipher Committee, the first cryptographic organization and predecessor of the Vietnam Cipher sector, was established. This was also shortly after the August Revolution's victory, a time fraught with challenges.

The Vietnam Cipher sector, with its young workforce and rudimentary techniques and tasks, had to secure information for the command and administration of the Party Central Committee, the Government, and the Army. "Dedicated to their work, knowing and keeping secrets to themselves, ensuring confidentiality, timeliness, and accuracy," Minister Giang described the sector's unique characteristics.

Throughout the wars to defend the Fatherland, the Cipher sector achieved numerous outstanding feats, maintaining vital communication lines, concealing troop movements, "covering the enemy's ears and eyes," and protecting technical and cryptographic security. The sector excelled in encrypting the leadership and directives of the Party, the administration of the State, and the command of the armed forces in all situations.

General Phan Van Giang, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, presents the title of "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" to the Government Cipher Committee. Photo: Giang Huy

General Phan Van Giang, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, presents the title of "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" to the Government Cipher Committee. Photo: Giang Huy

Today, science and technology and the national cryptographic infrastructure have become increasingly modern, ensuring information security and confidentiality. This provides a solid foundation for the direction and administration of Party and State agencies. General Phan Van Giang particularly praised the successful research on encryption devices, which has contributed to the development of the digital government, national population and electronic identification databases, and online public services from the central to local levels.

"This has ensured timeliness, confidentiality, security, and saved thousands of working hours, reducing budget expenditures by trillions of dong," the general assessed.

Along with in-depth research on technology, the sector has made Vietnam one of the few countries with its own civilian cryptography standards, affirming the stature and scientific level of national cryptography. These are truly remarkable achievements of the Vietnam Cipher sector.

At the ceremony, General Phan Van Giang, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, presented the title of "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" to the Government Cipher Committee. Previously, the Committee was honored to receive the Gold Star Order and the Ho Chi Minh Order, along with many other noble awards and titles.

Son Ha