#Vietnam #Hanoi #Viettel Group #VGC v1.0 #Vietnam Cryptography

Vietnam Unveils VGC v1.0 Security Chip

In a significant technological advancement, the Vietnam's Government Cipher Committee, in collaboration with Viettel Group, has introduced the VGC v1.0, a security chip that incorporates a Vietnamese-developed cryptographic algorithm directly into silicon. This innovation marks a milestone in the country's efforts to bolster its cybersecurity framework.

Overview of VGC v1.0

Launched on November 3, 2026, the VGC v1.0 chip is designed on Vietnam's first indigenous secure semiconductor platform, demonstrating the country's growing capabilities in high-tech security. The chip boasts 300 million transistors packed into a compact 10 × 10 mm design and is manufactured using a 28-nanometre CMOS process. Notably, it offers encryption and decryption speeds approximately 15 times faster than traditional software-only solutions.

Security and Performance

Addressing concerns about data privacy and reliance on foreign technology, the embedding of cryptographic functionalities directly into hardware enhances Vietnam's control over its security technologies. With a focus on safeguarding sensitive information, the chip aims to eliminate the risks associated with using imported components that may be vulnerable to foreign surveillance.

The VGC v1.0's performance has been verified through extensive testing, with successful certification for socio-economic applications occurring in the first quarter of 2026. Rigorous technical safeguards were applied in its design phase, significantly mitigating the risks of information leaks and reverse engineering.

Collaboration and Development

The project benefitted from a collaborative effort between the Government Cipher Committee and the Viettel Semiconductor Center. The committee defined security requirements, developed the cryptographic algorithm, and established the evaluation criteria, while Viettel's team focused on the chip's design and implementation. Utilizing the open RISC-V instruction set architecture allows for future enhancements, enabling Vietnamese engineers the flexibility to modify processor designs as needed.

Applications and Future Prospects

Currently, the initial deployment of VGC v1.0 has been categorized to secure USB storage devices for government, party, and defence agencies. Planned applications for the chip extend to supporting Vietnam's national digital signature certification system, which currently maintains over two million digital certificates. Other potential use cases include financial data protection, smart cameras, and critical infrastructure sectors covering electricity, water, oil and gas, and telecommunications.

State secret protection technologies would require further testing and compliance with relevant standards before deployment.

Commitment to Technological Independence

Lieutenant General Tao Duc Thang, CEO of Viettel Group, emphasized that developing security semiconductor chips is a complex endeavor, demanding years of expertise and skilled talent. He asserted that despite starting later than global counterparts, Vietnam does not need to accept a status of dependency. With strategic planning, resource allocation, and unwavering commitment, the country can indeed close the technology gap.

At the unveiling event, Viettel Group and the Government Cipher Committee formalized their collaboration through an agreement addressing plans for production scaling, multicore security chip development, specialist workforce training, and practical testing on real devices. Moreover, Viettel is establishing a semiconductor fabrication plant in Hoa Lac, part of a broader initiative to strengthen domestic capabilities across chip design, manufacturing, and packaging.

Conclusion

The release of the VGC v1.0 security chip represents not only a critical step towards enhancing Vietnam's cybersecurity landscape but also serves as a foundation for advancing future generations of security hardware. By fostering domestic technological development, Vietnam aims to reinforce its digital sovereignty, reduce foreign dependence, and enhance its position in the competitive global tech arena.