The Reality of Cyber Security in Bangladesh, Relevant Laws, Drawbacks and Challenges

Abstract

Protection of data has become a matter of great concern as cyber-crime has now emerged as a major threat amid the rapid spread of the internet and information and communication technology across the globe. Despite being the most technologically advanced country, the United States is not out of the purview of the danger of cyber-crime. In such a situation, a country like Bangladesh which is still in the group of less developed countries is one of the most vulnerable countries in terms of cyber security. The Bangladesh government has gone through a huge digital transformation over the years and has been trying to connect the dots between the institutions digitally with the slogan of “Digital Bangladesh”. Apart from that, national and multinational companies, operating in the country, are also offering online services to be part of the government’s journey to the digital world. The distance between a consumer and a shop or a bank is now a click away, thanks to the wide access to the internet and the digital presence of the entities. Taking the advantage of easy excess and widespread use of the internet, opportunists and criminals have chosen the digital path to materialize their evil wishes. They are committing various crimes, including stealing money, and personal data, spreading rumors and cyber-attacks and other criminal activities. Amid the fragile security system, there is also a huge risk of targeted cyber-attacks by the hackers of any opponent country or frustrated group. Against this backdrop, it is evident that the state of cyber security in the country is very fragile and the existing laws and the measures of the state are very insignificant to tackle the growing threat. This study pinpoints the escalating cyber security concerns in the context of Bangladesh from a global perspective.