The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has unveiled the “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” project, an initiative aimed at promoting knowledge about data privacy and cybersecurity in response to the growing use of e-commerce, mobile banking and social media in Cambodia.

The project, initiated by the technical working group of the General Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), seeks to accelerate the country’s transition to a secure digital society. 

According to the ministry, while digital advancements have introduced numerous benefits, they have also heightened cybersecurity risks.

The ministry highlighted that the number of social media users in the country continues to grow rapidly. 

However, limited awareness of cybersecurity poses significant risks, including online fraud, phishing scams, malware, identity theft and data breaches. 

These threats affect government institutions, private enterprises and individuals alike, underscoring the need for enhanced digital security measures.

“The Cybersecurity Awareness Month project has four main objectives: raising public awareness, increasing student knowledge, sharing expertise with participants and fostering responsible digital habits among Cambodian citizens at all levels,” the ministry stated.

Distribution of certificates of appreciation to participants in the “Cyber Security Awareness Month” project. Supplied

Key activities under the initiative include public outreach to at least 50,000 social media users through digital information leaflets and educational videos shared on the ministry’s official channels. 

Additionally, workshops on data privacy were conducted at five educational institutions, including the American University of Phnom Penh and the Cambodia Academy of Digital Technology (CADT). 

The initiative also featured a “Cybersecurity Forum”, which engaged 300-400 participants in discussions about career opportunities, the cybersecurity revolution and the sector's future in Cambodia.

The “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” project aligns with the Cambodian Digital Government Policy 2022-2035, which prioritises ensuring safety and sustainability in digital security. 

The initiative features action plans such as media outreach, educational workshops and discussions on cultivating online safety habits.

A key event under the project was the “Cybersecurity Youth Forum”, held on December 22 at the Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC). 

This forum attracted over 300 participants and facilitated discussions on cybersecurity in the digital era.

The campaign runs from December 1-31, emphasising the importance of digital security and responsible internet usage.