Government officials, bankers, heads of IT, cybersecurity, risk management and compliance from member banks joined the May 23 ‘Cybersecurity Day 2025’. Supplied
As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and scale, protecting the financial sector has become an urgent priority for Cambodia.
The Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) convened the “Cybersecurity Day 2025” under the theme “Prevent and Protect” at Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on May 23 to highlight the crucial role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding the nation’s banking system.
According to the ABC, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue — it is a fundamental element of trust and stability in the financial ecosystem.
Every digital transaction, data exchange and customer interaction can be targeted by cybercriminals aiming to exploit vulnerabilities.
The rise of sophisticated cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware and fraud poses a serious risk not only to individual banks but also to the integrity of Cambodia’s entire financial infrastructure.
“Cybersecurity is no longer a back-office function; it is now a boardroom priority. It is not simply the responsibility of IT departments — each one of us in the financial sector has a role to play,” said Rath Sophoan, ABC chairman, during his opening remarks.
“Every click, every transaction, and every data exchange matters. The threats are real, constantly evolving and unyielding,” he added.
He noted that with cyber threats like phishing, ransomware and fraud becoming more sophisticated, the event was crucial to safeguarding the Kingdom’s financial infrastructure and building customer trust.
Sophoan highlighted that Cambodia, like many nations, has witnessed an increase in advanced cybercrimes, including scams delivered via email, SMS and messaging apps, as well as the use of fake mobile network stations to trick users into visiting fraudulent websites or downloading malware.
These evolving threats underscore the need for coordinated action, awareness and robust cybersecurity measures across the banking sector.
Government and industry leaders at the event stressed that cybersecurity strengthens the entire financial system by preventing fraud, protecting consumers and securing digital identities.
Long Vibunrith, deputy director-general of Central Banking Operations at the National Bank of Cambodia, emphasised that a secure financial environment is vital to preserving economic stability and public trust.
“At the National Bank of Cambodia, our core mandate remains the preservation of price and financial stability,” he said.
“A resilient financial system must be inclusive, diversified, and secure. We recognize the pivotal role of cybersecurity in maintaining confidence in digital financial services,” he added.
He reiterated 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.
Private sector partners like Mastercard highlighted the importance of sharing threat intelligence and developing strong public-private partnerships to stay ahead of emerging cyber risks.
“Cybersecurity requires continuous innovation and joint effort to secure payment infrastructures and digital identities,” said Winnie Wong, Mastercard’s country manager for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
The event featured panels on policy development, fraud prevention and secure digital banking, along with sessions exploring cutting-edge technologies and legal protections.
By fostering collaboration and enhancing digital literacy among banking professionals, Cybersecurity Day 2025 aimed to serve as a decisive step toward building a culture of proactive cyber defence in Cambodia’s financial sector.
