Cyber security has become a significant concern as Bangladesh embraces digital transformation. With increased internet penetration, digital transactions, and data sharing, protecting systems and data is more critical than ever. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making cybersecurity a pressing issue for businesses, government agencies, and individuals. In this era of digitization, Bangladesh has experienced exponential growth in internet usage, mobile connectivity, and eCommerce activities.
Everyone, from government agencies to private firms and individual users, is now more digitally connected than ever. While this digital evolution offers numerous advantages, it also raises a vital concern: cyber security. The rising incidence of cyber-attacks and digital threats in Bangladesh indicates that cyber security is no longer optional—it’s essential.
Understanding Cyber Security in Bangladesh
Cyber security refers to the practices, technologies, and processes designed to protect networks, devices, programs, and data from attack, damage, or unauthorized access. Cyber security has become a central issue for the government and the private sector in Bangladesh. The number of cybercrimes, including data breaches, phishing, ransomware, and financial fraud, has dramatically increased over the past few years.
As digital transformation accelerates across industries, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring data privacy have become top priorities. Bangladesh’s lack of robust cyber security infrastructure and public awareness makes it vulnerable to numerous digital threats.
Why Is Cyber Security Important in Bangladesh?
With the government’s “Digital Bangladesh” vision, the country has made significant strides in digital governance, online education, and innovative city development. However, this rapid digitalization has also expanded the surface area for potential attacks. According to several reports, cybercrime incidents in Bangladesh have surged, affecting individuals, financial institutions, and even national infrastructure.
Investing in cyber security in Bangladesh is vital for the following reasons:
- Protecting Sensitive Data: Organizations store vast amounts of sensitive data, including customer information, trade secrets, and financial data.
- Avoiding Financial Losses: Cyber-attacks can result in substantial financial damages due to fraud, theft, and downtime.
- Maintaining Reputation: A single breach can damage a brand’s reputation and reduce customer trust.
- Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring security is also about meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
Cyber Security in Bangladesh: Challenges, Progress, and the Path Forward
Bangladesh has experienced a remarkable digital transformation over the past few decades. According to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC), the country has over 126.1 million internet users. However, this rapid digitalization has been accompanied by a surge in cyber security threats. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency defines cybersecurity as “the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.”
Therefore, ensuring cyber security is crucial not only for Bangladesh’s national security but also for protecting its citizens’ data and safety. Bangladesh’s strong commitment to improving its cyber defences has made it the most cyber-secure nation in South Asia. Despite these efforts, the country grapples with significant cyber security threats.
Existing Cyber Security Threats in Bangladesh
Bangladesh faces persistent and sophisticated cyber threats. Key vulnerabilities include cyberattacks on banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs), financial scams, data theft, phishing, social media account hacking, misinformation, and hate speech. These issues pose serious risks to national security, the economy, and individual lives and properties.
The financial sector is highly vulnerable, particularly banks, NBFIs, and mobile financial services (MFS). On average, Bangladeshi banks face around 630 cyberattacks daily, with a significant portion originating from foreign sources — 24% from China, 13% from North Korea, 12% from Russia, and 7% each from the U.S. and Pakistan. Additionally, cybercrimes such as MFS-related scams, illegal online betting, cryptocurrency-based MLM schemes, cyber extortion, and tele-phishing are increasingly targeting ordinary citizens.
Government and non-government institutions are also at risk, especially those storing sensitive data like birth certificates, national ID cards (NIDs), driving licenses, and passports. Many private companies and NGOs lack robust cyber defence mechanisms. The unauthorized sharing of user data with third parties further escalates cyber risks, as such data can be exploited for malicious purposes.
According to the Cybercrime Awareness Foundation (CAF), 75% of cybercrime victims in Bangladesh are between 18 and 30. In 2022, cyberbullying accounted for over 52% of reported cases. Other common offences include illegal betting, pornography, online scams, and MFS fraud. Widespread lack of cyber awareness, limited technological adaptability, and inadequate preparedness exacerbate these threats. Limited infrastructure, legal jurisdiction issues, and lack of dark web surveillance hinder effective countermeasures.
The rise of end-to-end encryption has further complicated law enforcement efforts. Terrorist organizations use encrypted communication to evade detection and spread propaganda through social media. Some groups, like the banned Hizbut Tahrir, exploit the dark web to hold virtual meetings. Cryptocurrencies have become a tool for anonymous transactions, aiding in cross-border terror financing. For example, the 2019 arrest of two militants revealed that groups like Ansar Al Islam and Ansarullah Bangla Team had been using Bitcoin to fund operations.
New threats, such as deepfake technology and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in disinformation campaigns, have further intensified Bangladesh’s cyber security landscape.
Government and Institutional Responses
To address these threats, public and private financial institutions have taken various measures, including forming Cyber Security Units (CSUs), deploying Security Operations Centres (SOCs), hiring cyber security professionals, and complying with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Other steps include developing information security policies, setting up Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), training personnel, and recruiting skilled experts.
The government introduced the National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) on March 11, 2014, which outlines a framework for protecting critical information infrastructure. Rooted in the Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA), the NCS emphasizes legal, technical, procedural, and organizational approaches to ensure a secure digital environment.
To further bolster cyber defence, the government has enacted several institutional initiatives:
- Bangladesh e-Government CIRT (BGD e-Gov CIRT), launched in February 2016
- CT-Cyber Crime Investigation Unit, formed under Dhaka Metropolitan Police in May 2016
- Cybercrime units integrated into the Bangladesh Police and Armed Forces.
- Establishment of the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) in November 2023
Additionally, awareness campaigns have been conducted nationwide. ICT has been integrated into school and college curricula to educate students on cyber safety, and law enforcement and defence agencies receive specialized cyber training.
Despite these advances, many challenges remain—particularly financial, organizational, and individual vulnerabilities. The risk landscape is becoming even more complex with the rapid evolution of AI, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, and cryptocurrencies.
The Way Forward
To enhance its cyber resilience, Bangladesh must implement a multi-pronged, forward-thinking approach:
Strengthen National Cyber Infrastructure
Build specialized teams of cyber experts and conduct regular internal and external information security audits. Establish elite task forces like DarkLabs, comprising security researchers, ethical hackers, data scientists, and network analysts, to identify and mitigate cyber threats preemptively.
Enhance International Cooperation
Establish information-sharing mechanisms with neighbouring and friendly countries. Align national cyber laws with international standards to effectively pursue and prosecute transnational cyber criminals. To ensure coordination, NCSA should include representatives from all major law enforcement bodies.
Monitor the Dark Web
Invest in advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and counter activities on the dark web. Strengthening oversight of this space can hinder extremist groups and reduce cybercrime.
Fortify Financial and Critical Sectors
Critical information infrastructure, banks, and NBFIs must implement strong cyber defence protocols, including frequent VAPT testing, enhanced authentication systems, and regular IS audits. Personnel should receive continuous training on emerging threats.
Establish Comprehensive Cyber Policies
Government and private organizations should adopt stringent cybersecurity policies, use only licensed software, and regularly assess staff trustworthiness through vetting processes.
Promote Cyber Awareness and Education
Introduce long-term strategies to foster cyber hygiene among citizens. AI should be leveraged to secure IoT networks through real-time threat detection. Education programs like a “Safe Internet” initiative should be introduced in all educational institutions to raise awareness about online safety and common threats such as scams and betting.
In the 21st century, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of national security—and Bangladesh is no exception. As the nation moves toward its vision of a “Digital” and “Smart” Bangladesh, minimizing cyber threats must remain a top priority. By reinforcing its cybersecurity strategy, building a national culture of cyber awareness, and enhancing institutional readiness, Bangladesh can secure its cyberspace for current and future generations.
Top 10 Cyber Security Threats in Bangladesh
Understanding the most common threats can help businesses and individuals better prepare against cyberattacks. Here are the Top 10 Cyber Security Threats facing Bangladesh today:
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing is a deceptive tactic in which attackers send fraudulent messages pretending to be from reputable sources. The goal is to steal sensitive data, such as login credentials or financial information. In Bangladesh, phishing attacks are rising, particularly targeting banking customers and government officials.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware locks users of their systems or files until a ransom is paid. This attack has affected several organizations in Bangladesh, especially in the financial and healthcare sectors. Paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee data recovery and often leads to further attacks.
3. Data Breaches
Data breaches occur when confidential data is accessed or disclosed without authorization. Many local institutions are easy targets because of inadequate security systems and weak passwords.
4. Social Engineering
Cybercriminals manipulate individuals into revealing confidential information. These attacks rely heavily on human error and often bypass even the most secure systems.
5. DDoS Attacks
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks overload a network with traffic, causing systems to crash. Such attacks are used to disrupt critical infrastructure services or extract a ransom.
6. Malware Infections
Malware, including viruses, worms, and spyware, can damage devices, steal information, and track user activity. Malware is often spread through suspicious downloads or infected USB devices.
7. Insider Threats
Not all threats come from outside. Disgruntled employees or careless insiders can cause severe damage by leaking data or misconfiguring security settings.
8. Mobile Threats
As more Bangladeshis access the internet through smartphones, mobile-based attacks are becoming prevalent. Malicious apps and unsecured Wi-Fi networks are common vectors.
9. Unpatched Software
Using outdated software opens doors to cyber threats. Many organizations in Bangladesh fail to update their systems regularly, exposing them to known vulnerabilities.
10. IoT Vulnerabilities
With the growth of smart devices, unsecured Internet of Things (IoT) devices are creating new entry points for hackers to infiltrate networks.
The State of Cyber Security Infrastructure in Bangladesh
While Bangladesh has made some progress in cyber legislation and enforcement, the existing cyber security infrastructure is still lacking. The Bangladesh e-Government Computer Incident Response Team (BGD e-Gov CIRT) is working to improve awareness and response capabilities. However, there is a significant gap in resources, skilled professionals, and investment.
Private sector involvement, collaboration with international cyber security organizations, and capacity-building efforts are essential to improving the country’s overall resilience against cyber threats.
How Businesses Can Protect Themselves
At Implevista, we believe in a proactive approach to cyber security. Here are some best practices businesses in Bangladesh should follow to mitigate cyber threats:
- Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Identify vulnerabilities and risks within your systems.
- Employee Training: Educate your staff about common cyber threats and safe online practices.
- Use Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication across all systems.
- Backup Data Regularly: Keep backups in secure, offline locations.
- Install Antivirus & Firewalls: Use updated and reputable security tools.
- Patch Systems Promptly: Keep your software and systems updated.
- Create an Incident Response Plan: Be prepared for how to respond if a breach occurs.
What is the future of cyber security in Bangladesh?
The cybersecurity future in Bangladesh looks promising and demanding, with significant growth ahead and serious challenges to overcome. Here’s a detailed look:
🚀 Rapid Market Expansion
- The cybersecurity market in Bangladesh was around USD 185M in 2024. It is expected to rise to USD 211M in 2025 and potentially USD 409M by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of ~14 %.
- Market projections reach USD 358M–369 M by 2029. This reflects increasing investment in cyber solutions across sectors like banking, telecoms, healthcare, and government.
🎯 Rising Cyber Threats
- Bangladesh faces surging cyber threats: over 63 million attacks/year and major breaches (e.g., the 2023 government data leak affecting 50 million citizens) (en.wikipedia.org).
- Attack tactics are evolving: AI-driven malware, complex ransomware, phishing, APTs, and IoT-targeted attacks are becoming more prevalent.
🧠 Talent Gap & Workforce Development
- There’s a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals. IT firms expect recruitment challenges in the next two years, and executive-level awareness remains low.
- Yet job roles like cyber analysts, penetration testers, incident responders, and cloud/IOT security experts are growing fast, offering attractive entry-level salaries (৳30,000–60,000/month).
- The Bangladesh Computer Council and universities (e.g., BUET, NSU) are expanding training, including CompTIA Security+ and CEH certifications.
🏛️ Regulatory and Institutional Reform
- The 2023 Cyber Security Act was repealed in May 2025 and replaced by a new ordinance, aiming to balance digital freedoms with protection (en.wikipedia.org).
- National bodies like the Cyber Security Agency and BGD e‑Gov CIRT are enhancing incident response capacity, digital forensics, and threat intelligence (en.wikipedia.org).
🏗️ Infrastructure & Multi-Sector Challenges
- Expanding digital services (smart cities, IoT, mobile banking) requires robust security across critical infrastructure .
- Cloud migration and mobile technology increase risks of misconfiguration, data leakage, and malware proliferation .
🎯 Strategic Recommendations
| Focus Area | Recommended Action |
| Education & Awareness | Cybersecurity training across schools, universities, management layers |
| Policy & Compliance | Clear, sector-specific regulations with third-party risk frameworks |
| Public–Private Collaboration | Partnerships (e.g. with Estonia) to build capacity and share best practices |
| Talent Development | Expand certification programs, internships, and international placement opportunities |
🔭 Looking Ahead
- Market growth: cybersecurity spending is projected to double by 2030, fueled by digital transformation.
- Technological arms race: AI, machine learning, IoT, and quantum-safe security will shape future defences.
- Opportunities for innovation: local firms and international partners can offer niche solutions (e.g. AI-powered threat detection, regulatory compliance).
✅ Bangladesh is at a critical juncture: its digital economy is expanding rapidly, bringing intense demand for cybersecurity. Success will hinge on effective regulations, workforce development, and proactive adoption of emerging technologies. Stakeholder collaboration—from government to startups—is essential to building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem and positioning Bangladesh as a secure, digitally sovereign nation.
Implevista: Your Trusted Cyber Security Partner in Bangladesh
As a premier software company based in Dhaka, Implevista offers end-to-end cyber security solutions to protect your business. Our team of certified professionals helps identify vulnerabilities, implement robust security measures, and ensure compliance with global standards.
We specialize in:
- Network Security
- Data Encryption
- Cloud Security
- Endpoint Protection
- Penetration Testing
- Compliance and Risk Management
Partnering with Implevista can safeguard your business from potential threats and build customer trust.
Government Initiatives and Cyber Laws
Bangladesh has introduced several initiatives to strengthen its cyber security landscape:
- Digital Security Act 2018: Focuses on preventing digital crimes and protecting sensitive infrastructure.
- Cyber Tribunal: Set up to fast-track cybercrime cases.
- BGD e-Gov CIRT: Coordinates the national response to cyber incidents.
However, implementation and enforcement remain challenges. More investment is needed in training, infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns.
Future Outlook: What Needs to Change
To effectively counter cyber security threats in Bangladesh, a multi-pronged approach is essential:
- Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage joint initiatives to build security infrastructure.
- Awareness Campaigns: Educate the public on cyber hygiene and safe internet practices.
- Skill Development: Train more professionals in cyber security roles.
- Research & Innovation: Foster local innovation in security technologies.
Cyber security is no longer a choice but a necessity in the digital age. With the rise in cyber threats targeting individuals and organizations in Bangladesh, taking proactive steps is crucial. Implevista is committed to helping businesses stay secure by offering tailored, cutting-edge solutions. Let’s work together to build a safer digital future.
FAQs About Cyber Security in Bangladesh
Q: What are the cyber security threats in Bangladesh?
A: Bangladesh faces various cyber security threats due to rapid digital growth and limited awareness. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, malware infections, social engineering, DDoS attacks, mobile security issues, insider threats, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and insecure IoT devices. These threats target individuals, businesses, and government systems, making cyber security a critical concern for the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Q: What is cyber security?
A: Cyber security refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks.
Q: Why is cyber security important in Bangladesh?
A: Due to increasing digitization, Bangladesh faces growing risks from cyber threats that can lead to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.
Q: What are the top cyber threats in Bangladesh?
A: The top threats include phishing, ransomware, data breaches, social engineering, and DDoS attacks.
Q: How can individuals protect themselves online?
A: Use strong passwords, avoid suspicious emails, update systems, and use antivirus tools.
Q: What should businesses do to stay safe?
A: Regular risk assessments, staff training, strong authentication, and security tools are essential.
Q: Are there cyber laws in Bangladesh?
A: Yes, the Digital Security Act 2018 and other legal frameworks exist to address cybercrime.
Q: Who handles cyber incidents in Bangladesh?
A: The BGD e-Gov CIRT is responsible for handling cyber incidents at the national level.
Q: What services does Implevista offer in cyber security?
A: Implevista offers network security, cloud protection, data encryption, and more.
Q: How can I report a cybercrime in Bangladesh?
A: Cybercrimes can be reported to the local police or the BGD e-Gov CIRT website.
Q: Is investing in cyber security expensive?
A: While it may require upfront costs, the long-term benefits of preventing financial and data losses outweigh the expense.
Ready to protect your business from cyber threats? Contact Implevista today for a free consultation and start building your digital defences!
