Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ISSN No:-2456-2165
Abstract:- As Bangladesh rapidly adopts digital With this increased connectivity, the threat landscape of
technologies, the country faces escalating cybersecurity cybersecurity has become a pressing concern for nations
threats that can undermine economic development and world-wide. Bangladesh, like many other countries, is
national security. This paper provides an up-to-date confronted with significant challenges in safeguarding its
analysis of Bangladesh’s cybersecurity landscape, cyberspace from malicious activities and ensuring the security
including emerging risks from sophisticated attacks, data of sensitive data. Significant progress in information and
breaches, and misinformation campaigns. It examines the communication technology (ICT) around the world has
regulatory frameworks governing cyberspace and key brought about a corresponding increase in the potential for
technologies like artificial intelligence, considering cybercrime, even in developed and developing countries like
national policies as well as regional and global Bangladesh [3]. Investigating and prosecuting cybercrimes
perspectives. The paper highlights innovative responses pose significant challenges for sovereign states in borderless
to cyber challenges, such as public-private partnerships cyberspace [4], [5]. Cybersecurity, as a concept, is ambiguous
(PPP), cyber security training programs, and the use of and subjective, with its definition evolving over time.
AI for threat detection. However, substantial gaps re- Bangladesh has made notable advancements in facilitating
main in Bangladesh’s cyber defenses. The paper argues greater online access for its people and businesses, enabling
for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to them to leverage data, digital technologies, and global
cybersecurity capacity building. Specific connectivity [6], [7]. The country boasts the second-largest
recommendations include increasing investments in group of global gig workers, with approximately 15 percent,
cyberinfrastructure, expanding cybersecurity education engaged in creative and multimedia work, generating an
and training, developing effective legal frameworks, and estimated annual income of USD 500 million, according to
fostering national and international cooperation. Bangladesh’s ICT ministry [7]. The expansion of internet-
Adopting these coordinated strategies can help based activities has also given rise to concerns regarding
Bangladesh harness the benefits of digital transformation software protection, curbing cyber-crimes, safeguarding
while safeguarding against intensifying cyber threats. We intellectual property rights, enforcing e-commerce rights and
use OSINT and WebINT to justify our technical analysis. liabilities, and ensuring data protection [4], [8], [9]. While the
policymakers of Bangladesh have exercised various legal and
Keywords:- Cybersecurity, Bangladesh, Regulation, pragmatic measures to address cybersecurity threats in recent
Artificial Intelligence, State-of-the-Art Responses, Case years, there is still a need for further action to ensure
Studies, CIIO. comprehensive cybersecurity. Additionally, the involvement
of political interests and violations of human rights under the
I. INTRODUCTION guidance of cyber security legislation has raised ethical
concerns [4], [10]. Table I describes the common
The spread of digital technology in a more linked world abbreviations used in this paper.
has not only created unprecedented prospects for creativity
and economic progress but has also given rise to a new Table 1 Describes the Common Abbreviations
frontier of global security threats. Our susceptibility to cyber- Used in this Paper.
attacks grows in parallel with our reliance on digital List of Common Abbreviations with Description.
infrastructure. These dangers, which range from sophisticated Keys Description
state-sponsored attacks to criminal businesses, have become a AI Artificial Intelligence
top priority for administrations, organizations, and individuals AFD Armed Forces Division
all around the world. In the twenty-first century, the rapid BAF Bangladesh Air Force
advancement of information and communication technology BCC Bangladesh Computer Council
has fueled a globalized world heavily dependent on the BPDB Bangladesh Power Development Board
internet, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure [1], BSCL Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited
[2]. BSEC Bangladesh Satellite and Exchange Commission
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory
BTRC Commission
Bangladesh’s government declared 29 critical e-Gov CIRT is doing a brilliant job of securing Bangladesh’s
information infrastructures, and they are preparing security cyberspace. BDG e-GOV CIRT is currently the acting
guidelines for their own. Fig. 1 represents different CIIOs of National CERT of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, and the ICT Divison under the Ministry of Posts,
Telecommunications & Information Technology is taking Ongoing research and news reports provide insights into
care of this issue, collaborating with some organizations like the nature of cybersecurity threats in Bangladesh. The
the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) & Department of following recent findings highlight key aspects of cyber
Information Communication and Technology (DoICT). BDG threats in the country:
Since the launch of the government’s” Digital Cyber Security Challenges in Bangladesh
Bangladesh” vision in 2008, Bangladesh has witnessed
significant growth in internet subscribers and the development Fig. 5 represents the basic reasons of every cyberattack
of its IT sector. Content creators, entrepreneurs, and various occurs in Bangladesh. Bangladesh faces a range of challenges
industries, including cooking channels on YouTube and in ensuring cyber security and protecting the personal data,
education tech, have showcased the potential of digital intellectual properties, and financial resources of its citizens.
platforms [7], [29]. Bangladesh’s proposed Data Protection These challenges are prevalent across various sectors,
Act has generated discussion around data localization including industry, government organizations, and academic
mandates. If passed into law, the bill would compel and research institutions. The following are some of the key
companies, government entities and NGOs operating in challenges:
Bangladesh to store data within the country. Supporters
contend localization reinforces data sovereignty and security. Localization Policy and International Repercussions:
However, experts warn overly restrictive localization policies Bangladesh’s recent localization policy has raised concerns
could hamper economic development and innovation. The about its impact on the country’s progress and international
draft law’s Sections 44 and 45 outline localization rules that relationships. The localization of data can potentially anger
digital rights groups caution may enable increased international providers, leading to retaliatory actions by other
surveillance and infringe on privacy. While localization does countries [7].
have merits, Bangladesh faces difficult trade-offs in balancing
data control against participation in global digital ecosystems
[8], [30]. As Bangladesh finalizes its data protection
Cyber Laundering and Financial Sector Challenges: The videos, manipulated images, and explicit footage. Victims’
financial sectors in Bangladesh, including banking, close relatives, including parents, family members, and
insurance, investment, and stock exchanges, face relatives, are often targeted [34].
significant challenges due to cyber laundering. This Technological and Cultural Globalization: Technological
practice involves the transfer of resources from the advancements and cultural globalization in today’s
country to other nations, posing threats to financial digitalized world can have both positive and negative
stability [33]. impacts. While technology brings numerous benefits, it
Pirated Software and Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: The also introduces new vulnerabilities and risks. Adopting
widespread use of pirated software in Bangladesh, global technologies and cultural practices can sometimes
estimated to be around 90%, exposes individuals and conflict with the nation’s norms, values, and cultural
organizations to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The use of traditions, creating challenges in maintaining cyber
unlicensed software increases the risk of malware security [34].
infections and compromises overall security [34].
Controversial Provisions of the Digital Security Act Prospects of Cyber Security in Bangladesh
(DSA): Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act of 2018, Bangladesh has made significant efforts to enhance
intended to provide cybersecurity to citizens, contains cyber security and address the challenges posed by cyber
controversial clauses. The act’s broad scope and vague threats to its national security. The country embraced its
provisions have been exploited for harassing individuals National Cyber Security Strategy in 2014, which outlines
critical of the government, leading to a chilling effect on three key dimensions that need to be prioritized: legal steps,
freedom of speech and expression (Triune) [35]. technical and procedural policies, and organizational
Multiplicity of Cybercrimes: Bangladesh experiences a structures [36]. The Ministry of Science and Information and
range of cybercrimes that directly harm individuals and Technology primarily regulates and controls cyber insecurities
society. These include hacking or cracking, in Bangladesh and has implemented various strategies and
illegal/unauthorized access, data interference, email frameworks to combat cyber threats and crimes. Examples of
spoofing, spamming, fraud, cyberstalking, defamation, these include the National ICT Policy, Cyber Law, and
drug trafficking, and more. Intellectual property crimes, Electronic Transaction Act [3]. To combat cybercrime
vandalism of computer and network resources, theft of effectively, Bangladesh has established a legal framework that
internet time and information, forgery, denial of services, includes several relevant acts and regulations. These legal
and dissemination of obscene materials are also prevalent measures encompass a range of aspects related to cyber
[34]. security:
Concerns Regarding Pornography and Child Exploitation: Copyright Act, 2000 (Act No. 28 of 2000)
Bangladesh faces challenges related to pornography due to The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898
religious norms, values, and cultural restrictions. Child Mutual Cooperation Act on Crime Related Matters, 2012
pornography is a particularly alarming issue, with (Act No. 4 of 2012)
criminals engaging in illegal activities such as hidden nude Pornography Control Act, 2012 (Act No. 9 of 2012)