Cybersecurity Day 2025: Banking Sector Unites to 'Prevent and Protect'

In response to escalating threats of cybercrime in the financial sector, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) organised “Cybersecurity Day 2025”, under the theme "Prevent and Protect", at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on May 23, 2025.

The event brought together over 150 participants attending in person, and another 100 attending virtually, including government officials; bankers; heads of IT, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance from member banks; along with representatives of key strategic partners, government agencies, and the private sector. The initiative aimed to raise awareness, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and promote best practices in cybersecurity.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function; it is now a boardroom priority," said Rath Sophoan, Chairman of the ABC, during his welcome remarks. "It is not simply the responsibility of IT departments – each one of us in the financial sector has a role to play.

Every click, every transaction, and every data exchange matters. The threats are real, constantly evolving, and unyielding. With cyber threats like phishing, ransomware, and fraud becoming more sophisticated, this event is crucial to safeguard our financial infrastructure and build customer trust.

Cambodia, like many nations, is not immune to cybersecurity challenges. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in sophisticated online scams and phishing attacks – often perpetrated through email, SMS, and messaging applications – designed to extract sensitive information. Alarmingly, some criminal actors have employed fake base transceiver stations (BTS) to disseminate malicious messages containing links that redirect users to fraudulent websites or install harmful software. These incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and robust protective measures.

In his opening remarks, Long Vibunrith, Deputy Director General of Central Banking Operation at the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), expressed his appreciation to the ABC for organising this event, saying it serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between financial institutions and regulatory authorities to prevent cybercrime, enhance consumer protection, strengthen public trust, and raise awareness of cybersecurity within the banking sector.

“At the National Bank of Cambodia, our core mandate remains the preservation of price and financial stability,” said Vibunrith. “A resilient financial system must be inclusive, diversified, and secure. We recognise the pivotal role of cybersecurity in maintaining confidence in digital financial services.”

He added that the NBC also calls upon all stakeholders – regulators, financial institutions, technology providers, and consumers – to advance cybersecurity awareness, invest in innovation, and work collectively to safeguard Cambodia’s digital future.

Winnie Wong, Country Manager (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) at Mastercard, also remarked on the collaborative work Mastercard is currently engaged in to tackle cybersecurity threats:

Mastercard works closely with public and industry partners to share threat intelligence, deploy advanced cybersecurity solutions, and support policy development that enhances national cyber resilience. In Cambodia, the collaboration with regulators and financial institutions is key to strengthening cybersecurity measures, from securing digital identities to building resilient payment infrastructures. Cybersecurity is a strategic priority that requires strong public-private collaboration to stay ahead of and address evolving threats.

The full-day event featured three high-level panel discussions focusing on cybersecurity policy development, fraud prevention, and secure digital banking. Key institutions such as the NBC, the Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Cyber Crime Department, Mastercard, and the Cambodia Financial Intelligence Unit (CAFIU), shared insights and strategies to combat evolving threats. Breakout sessions in the afternoon delved deeper into innovative technologies, legal frameworks, and defense mechanisms against cyberattacks. 

‘Cybersecurity Day 2025’ helped foster dialogue among stakeholders, while aiming also to enhance digital literacy among banking professionals, promoting a culture of proactive cyber defense. The milestone event reflected Cambodia’s commitment to securing its digital economy and protecting consumers in an increasingly connected financial world.

This press release was supplied.