Viettel Cyber Security Expands Operations, Marks Entry into the Philippines Market

From the early hours of November 19th, the corridors leading to the VCS: CTRL Manila hall were bustling with activity. Over 100 engineers, cybersecurity experts, and business representatives gathered for the first community event hosted by Viettel Cyber Security in the Philippines. This marked the first time a non-local cybersecurity firm organized such a large-scale program for the country’s professional community.

Presentations on APT attacks, AI-driven financial fraud, and security vulnerabilities by world-renowned experts from Vietnam and the Philippines captivated the audience. “In many ways, the Philippines is at a similar stage to where Vietnam was a few years ago. Soon, businesses here will recognize the critical need for cybersecurity investment,” noted Thomas Luu, Country Manager of VCS Philippines.

Establishing a Strong Presence in the Philippines

VCS: CTRL Manila 2025 is just one of many initiatives by Viettel Cyber Security in the Philippines. The event’s success is helping Vietnam’s leading cybersecurity company establish its global footprint.

After more than two years of operation, VCS has become one of the most active foreign cybersecurity firms in the Philippines, serving over 50 clients across banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, and SMEs.

According to Thomas Luu, while many large organizations in the Philippines are investing heavily in cybersecurity, others remain uncertain about where to start. This gap presents an opportunity for VCS to leverage its practical experience in Vietnam. Luu predicts the client base will grow rapidly as the Philippines’ digital transformation accelerates, especially with rising AI-driven financial fraud and cyberattacks.

A key factor in VCS’s rapid recognition in this market of 117 million people is its consistent participation in major cybersecurity events, particularly those focused on “real-world” challenges. For two consecutive years, VCS’s young engineers have won the ROOTCON Hacking Conference, one of the Philippines’ top cybersecurity competitions.

Viettel Cyber Security wins ROOTCON Hacking Conference 2025

Alongside client support, VCS regularly hosts workshops, training sessions, and attack simulations to help businesses understand threats and build foundational defenses. Events like From Chaos to Control, GovX.0, and specialized programs for banking, finance, insurance, and healthcare sectors highlight VCS’s commitment to knowledge-sharing. Thomas Luu aims to position VCS as a key player in making the Philippines a leading Asian cybersecurity hub, while empowering local talent and developing new products.

“By expanding services, building local capacity, and engaging with the community, Viettel Cyber Security is steadily solidifying its position in the Philippines, one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cybersecurity markets,” Luu stated.

A Global Leap for Vietnam’s Cybersecurity Industry

VCS’s presence in the Philippines in 2025 signifies a major milestone for Vietnam’s cybersecurity sector, as a domestic firm gains global recognition for its expertise and talent.

Beyond local acceptance, as evidenced by events like VCS: CTRL Manila, the company boasts a world-class team. In recent years, VCS engineers have consistently made their mark internationally, winning the prestigious Pwn2Own competition in Toronto (2023) and Ireland (2024). They’ve also discovered nearly 500 zero-day vulnerabilities, spoken at Black Hat USA and SECCON, and earned top certifications like CISSP, CCSP, and CEH.

VCS attributes its top-tier cybersecurity workforce in Vietnam to a sustainable development philosophy centered on people. The company plans to apply this approach in new markets.

“Instead of just deploying products, VCS invests in training and developing local talent,” said Thomas Luu. In the Philippines, VCS partners with Rizal Technological University, Makati University, and the ROOTCON community—one of Asia’s largest cybersecurity networks—to conduct training, workshops, attack simulations, and awareness programs.

Building a local team helps VCS overcome barriers faced by many foreign providers, as Philippine businesses prefer technical teams that understand local culture, processes, and infrastructure. This approach demonstrates VCS’s global vision, expanding through knowledge and human capacity rather than mere commercial presence.

In the Philippines, VCS aims to reach 200 clients by 2026, focusing on critical sectors like banking, finance, insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing, while expanding to other Southeast Asian countries. With strong technical expertise and a people-centric strategy, VCS sees the Philippines as a springboard for global expansion. “We aim to prove that a Vietnamese cybersecurity firm can deliver world-class capabilities,” Thomas affirmed.