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If you're looking for an antivirus download that goes above and beyond simply protecting your computer from malware, then full-on internet security suites may be a better choice.

They offer a comprehensive range of protection for your online devices. While basic virus protection is the always the base feature, others that these packages might offer include ransomware protection, a VPN, and even a password manager. These really are all-singing all-dancing online security downloads for those wanting the best possible protection.

And it's not just desktops and laptops that can benefit from internet security suites as there are also versions for Android and iPhone smartphones. Because they cover multiple devices (usually five or more), you can protect all the gadgets of you and your family on one easy plan - Windows and Macs both included.

Some providers also offer a rescue disk feature to rollback any existing attack, and encryption software for added security protection is also commonly included. Many now also come with additional privacy features, and a firewall as standard.

While internet security suites and antivirus packages are commonly aimed at domestic consumers, also note services that are specifically aimed at businesses, such as cloud antivirus and endpoint protection to offer business grade protection. There are also online cyber security courses available to help improve staff awareness.

Which ever internet security suite you're looking for, and for whatever device, you'll end up with more than just basic software with our selection of the best. Here are the ones we think are currently best on the market.

Beefy protection across all fronts with great protection and features

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Safepay online banking protection, high-quality ransomware defenses, web protection module

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+Huge range of features+Excellent web surfing protection+30-day trial (no card details needed)

-PC maintenance tools are basic

Bitdefender Total Security is the well-respected security firms top-of-the-range package and tops the lot when it comes to all-singing all-dancing internet security suites.

Total Security comes positively bristling with features. You get deep breath standard antivirus tools plus impressively capable ransomware protection, a firewall, Wi-Fi security advisor, a secure browser (Safepay) for online banking, file shredder, vulnerability scanner (which has been improved for 2021), password manager, email spam filter, parental controls, webcam and microphone defenses, and more besides including a superb web protection module for blocking malicious URLs.

As well as security features, Total Security provides various PC maintenance and optimization tools. These are somewhat useful in themselves, for cleaning out superfluous files and streamlining boot times but more importantly, Bitdefenders flagship package also covers more than just Windows devices, providing apps for Macs, along with Android and iOS mobiles.

As its only a bit more expensive than Bitdefender Internet Security the firms mid-tier security suite its certainly worthwhile upgrading to Total Security if you have multiple devices across various platforms to protect. (You can see what we think of the range in our full Bitdefender review).

There is further good news in that Bitdefender has a minimal impact on system performance, going by independent and our own testing (some rivals do a touch better in this department, but its not a difference youll ever notice in real-world use).

Finally, its worth noting that theres a 30-day trial of this suite, with no payment details needed; you just have to supply an email address. That means you can try out Bitdefender for a full month before committing to buying.

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Offers an integrated VPN, and helps keep the whole family safe

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 5

Stand out features: Parental controls, VPN, online backup, dark web monitoring (US)

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+Fully integrated VPN+Superb parental controls+Intelligent firewall

-More performance impact than most

When we evaluated all of NortonLifeLocks security suite options, we picked out Norton 360 Deluxe as the best value all-round choice for anyone whos looking to protect more than a single device which is likely the majority of folks.

Norton delivers good antivirus protection although some of the independent test lab results have been a little mixed alongside a wealth of features, including webcam protection and dark web monitoring (the latter is for US users only, mind), an impressively smart firewall, plus a system of parental controls.

The parental controls are top-notch, by the way, including in-depth monitoring systems to keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, and even GPS tracking for their mobile devices. Nortons very strong in this department.

There are some truly worthwhile extras included here, too, like a fully integrated Norton VPN (which could be a big money-saver in itself) and 50GB of online backup storage (ditto).

As for negative points, a flaw worth bearing in mind is that Norton 360 Deluxe has more of a drag on system performance than most security suites though its not too far removed from average performers, and you likely wont even notice in everyday usage.

Norton 360 Deluxe covers up to five devices (and that means you can use the VPN with those five bits of hardware as well), either Windows or Mac PCs, plus there are mobile apps for Android and iOS. Pricing is highly competitive compared to rivals, so you should definitely consider this Norton package (compare it to the company's other offerings with our guide to choosing your Norton plan) particularly for family usage given the very thorough parental controls.

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A seriously impressive security suite with a light system footprint

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Safe Money secure web browser, firewall, Safe Kids parental controls

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+Excellent virus engine+Top-notch parental controls+Wont trouble your PCs resources

-Some features are only so-so quality

Kaspersky Total Security is another veteran of the security world and, as you might expect, it delivers top-quality antivirus defenses plus a very light touch in terms of using hardly any system resources. New for 2021 are performance options to minimize any battery drain for laptop users as well.

One of the issues with the entry-level Kaspersky Anti-Virus package is that its rather thin on extra features, sticking mostly to the core basics and what it does deliver in terms of additional bits and pieces is pretty weak.

Which is why it makes good sense to go for Kaspersky Total Security, mainly because it provides far more functionality, and doesnt cost all that much more than Kaspersky Anti-Virus (at least not if you want to protect multiple devices and sometimes with Kasperskys deals, both these products can be pitched at around the same price, anyway).

You get plenty more with Total Security, including an intelligent firewall (it doesnt plague you with pop-up messages asking what to do), a secure web browser, protection from webcam hijacking, and a software updater (which is more useful than most such efforts), and a file backup tool, along with a solid password manager, plus the full version of Kasperskys Safe Kids module.

The latter is an excellent parental controls system with some smart social media monitoring tools. While not all the features are up to this standard some extras, like the troubleshooting wizards and spam filter, are wobbly around the edges overall, youre getting a lot for your money here.

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Sterling malware and ransomware protection in a beginner-friendly package

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Folder Shield anti-ransomware, high-quality URL filter, social networking protection

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+Very highly rated antivirus engine+Streamlined user-friendly interface+Impressive range of features

-Experts may want more configuration options

Theres a lot to like about Trend Micros flagship security suite Trend Micro Maximum Security not the least of which is its polished and user-friendly interface, backed up by superb virus protection. Trend Micro is highly ranked by the independent testing labs, and it offers sterling multi-layered anti-ransomware defenses, too.

The package also gives you first-class URL filtering for safer web browsing, and this system is smartly configurable. That said, one slight weak point with Trend Micros offering is that there isnt a huge amount of low-level control such as virus scan options so more demanding users may find it lacking here.

Maximum Security provides parental controls, social network protection, and PC maintenance tools, although the latter isnt a strong suit. It also boasts data theft prevention countermeasures, a secure vault for storing sensitive files, and a decent integrated password manager.

Less tech-savvy types will appreciate the ease of use here, which also goes for the capable mobile apps. Theres a 30-day trial as well, so you can thoroughly check all this out for yourself before buying.

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A quality all-rounder security solution

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Ransomware Shield, Wi-Fi Inspector, SecureLine VPN

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

+Well-featured suite+Bundled VPN+Plentiful configuration options

-Some impact on PC performance-Upselling of other products is unwelcome

Avast is best known for its excellent free antivirus product, but the firm also provides an impressive all-round security solution in the form of Avast Ultimate. This is another offering which bundles a full VPN, giving you far more protection online than a typical antivirus suite, and making Avast Ultimate a value-packed buy for those who are also thinking of picking up a cheap VPN.

Avasts SecureLine VPN may not compete with the best providers out there, but it delivers a solid enough and importantly speedy enough service. Avast Ultimate also sports a decent password manager, a secure browser, and some excellent network protection measures.

This suite has plenty of options for experts to play with in terms of configuration, and has good enough antivirus defenses, backed up by a commendable Ransomware Shield for extra protection on that front.

There are some minor irritations here, notably some of Avasts unwelcome attempts to flog its other products in a paid-for suite, and we observed a little system slowdown in our review. But these niggles aside, if you need a VPN as well as antivirus, Avast Ultimate is a great choice.

Streamlined and fast-performing security suite

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 5

Stand out features: Password manager, identity protection, 70-day money-back offer

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

+Unbelievably lightweight app+Really quick scan times+LastPass account bundled

-Question marks over antivirus engine-iOS app is limited

Webroot majors in being incredibly lightweight and fast-performing. Indeed, it has a minuscule memory footprint, and takes up next to no space on your system drive, as the products virus definitions are all stored in the cloud.

Yet despite this minimal impact on your machine, Webroot Internet Security Plus comes with plenty of features. Theres online banking and identity theft protection, ransomware defenses, an accurate anti-phishing system, a smart firewall, plus a password manager (you get a LastPass subscription bundled, basically, so thats great news in terms of the quality on offer here).

Downsides? Well, you might get lightning quick malware scans, but Webroots antivirus engine hasnt been evaluated by the big-name independent testing labs in recent times. Thats not necessarily bad, but from what weve seen ourselves and what ratings are out there theres something of a mixed picture of its antivirus accuracy. Also bear in mind that the iOS app doesnt offer malware scanning - it consists of a secure browser, backup facility, and password manager.

Still, Internet Security Plus is a well-rounded package, and a 70-day no questions asked money-back guarantee shows Webroots confidence in its suite.

Today's best Webroot Internet Security Plus deals

Demanding users will really appreciate ESETs configurability

Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Network protection, password manager, anti-theft feature

TODAY'S BEST DEALS

+Highly configurable+Very light on system resources

-Some features are underpowered-Independent lab test results arent the best

ESET Smart Security Premium packs in a lot of features. That includes parental controls, webcam protection, network monitoring, additional network protection, and an anti-theft feature for Windows devices (allowing for location tracking, and more) is an interesting bonus. Furthermore, Linux systems are covered here, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

However, while ESET delivers lots of features, their quality can be variable. For example, the system of parental controls is very barebones, but the password manager is well fleshed-out. ESET also offers plenty of configuration options, which will please experts, although computing novices may find it tricky to get to grips with in some respects.

ESETs core antivirus protection seems solid, albeit with some mixed evaluations from independent testing labs. Smart Security Premium does provide some interesting extras, including the aforementioned password manager, and a secure file vault to protect any sensitive data on your PC, which some folks will doubtless find very useful additions.

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Carl Sagan was right. The renowned American scientist once warned that we have arranged a society based on science and technology, in which nobody understands anything about science and technology. A case in point: the State Departments ongoing review of whether to keep cyber security and emerging technology policy in the hands of the undersecretary for arms control and international security, where former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo put both portfolios in January 2021.

It makes some sense for arms controllers to lead on security threats in cyberspace. Deterrence is an important element of cyber security, and those who work on arms control would be familiar with deterrence. But developing and executing emerging technology policy requires a different set of skills. AI, the Internet of Things, and 5G, to name only a few emerging technologies, hold vast economic, military, and political potential. Their impact goes far beyond security, the traditional focus of arms control. It is multidimensional and so policy approaches should be too. These technologies lie at the heart of Sino-American rivalry, U.S. innovation and economic leadership, and the future of the global order. They are driving tectonic shifts that will test American diplomacy in ways unseen since the Cold War.

Congress agrees that a security-dominated approach to technology issues is insufficient. However, its proposals to improve Foggy Bottoms policymaking apparatus do not go far enough. The State Department could address both problems where to put emerging technologies and how to fix technology policymaking overall by consolidating technology issues under a new undersecretary position. Doing so would ensure equal attention to economic, security, and political interests, improve coordination and integration of policy, and elevate the stature of cyber diplomacy and technology issues. This move would be consistent with the recommendations of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence. Ultimately, consolidating technology policy at the State Department would also help to build the skills and expertise that the department needs to lead foreign policy in the digital age.

Geopolitical and Geoeconomic Implications of Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies are redefining what it means to be prosperous, secure, and powerful. Every country wants to acquire them and use them to expand or project power and influence, causing friction among nations and provoking anxiety, jealousy, fear, and rage. To lead at this new frontier is to gain a geostrategic advantage for the next century. China is devoting massive resources to that race. Emerging technologies are effectively driving two big shifts: the technological revolution and the rise of China as a strategic competitor to the United States.

But this is no rerun of the era of U.S.-Soviet rivalry. It is more complex. The unprecedented speed and scope of technological advances today are disrupting the pecking order within and among nations and hastening the decline of the existing global order. Cyberspace is now as critical an arena for diplomacy and conflict as the physical world. China, furthermore, is not the Soviet Union. The worlds second largest economy is an engine of global growth and has integrated into the international economic order while playing by its own rules. The U.S. and Chinese economies are also deeply interdependent, raising the costs of conflict and complacency. For all the foregoing reasons, competition with China should be a key consideration in deciding where to place emerging technology policy. This competition is not primarily a weapons race but a race for economic and technological supremacy, and a political contest between two dueling systems.

State Department Responses to the Emerging Technology Challenge

Until Pompeo established the bureau for cyberspace security and emerging technologies in January 2021, no single office or bureau was in charge of emerging technology policy at the State Department. The bureau has not been stood up, awaiting the outcome of an internal review. Pompeo sought to merge two offices with responsibilities for coordinating diplomatic responses to the security aspects of emerging technologies and effectively create a stronger, more unified, security voice. One office was already under the undersecretary for arms control and international security, the other was not. Pompeos predecessor, Rex Tillerson, took the opposite approach: He wanted to place the latter office under the undersecretary for economic affairs in 2017, part of his effort to eliminate special envoy positions, but critics argued that security issues would get short shrift.

Pompeos arrangement has operated informally since 2018. He notified Congress of his intent to formalize it in June 2019. But then-House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel blocked the formation of the bureau because it would focus too narrowly on cyber security and fail to elevate economic and political interests. However, that was Pompeos point to address the security challenges presented by rapid developments in emerging technologies.

Emerging technology policy was thus not really a stand-alone effort after all, but an adjunct of cyberspace security. Two General Accountability Office investigations during Pompeos tenure confirmed that arms control specialists were focusing solely on security to the detriment of economic and political interests. While State Department officials maintained that coordination with other parts of the bureaucracy was taking place, and there is no reason to doubt that assertion, the General Accountability Office was unable to confirm it. Furthermore, in public statements at the time U.S. officials made clear that their focus was on security challenges.

But emerging technology policy requires equal consideration of the economic and political challenges that these technologies present in the hands of competitors and adversaries. AI, for instance, could give autocrats greater capacity to manipulate public opinion, destabilize democracies, and monitor their citizens. It makes as much sense for arms control specialists to formulate and drive the required policy responses as it does to ask democracy experts to address the strategic stability questions raised by hypersonic missiles (another emerging technology).

Economic interests fare no better. The last administration reached into its security policy toolkit to regulate the availability of things in response to Chinas unfair practices in the technology race with United States, risking American innovation leadership and economic competitiveness. While some may argue that the administration was responding to the perceived loss of U.S. competitiveness resulting from Chinas predatory trade practices, U.S. industry, at the center of the storm, certainly did not see it that way. American technology companies pushed back hard against the worst of these policies on the grounds that they would not only harm their interests but also the U.S. economy, and so undercut the very goals that the administration was trying to achieve.

The strategic risks of a security-dominated approach are even broader. Restrictive U.S. policies and Chinas responses to them also turned the dial of Sino-American relations decisively towards confrontation. A warier, more critical approach to Beijing is warranted, but Washington has to walk a fine line to keep the complicated mix of rivalry and mutual interests in the relationship from spilling over or prompting hedging by other states.

A security-dominated approach to emerging technologies is simply too blunt and too narrow. Arms control specialists, with their focus on security, unquestionably have a critical role to play on such issues as seeking a global prohibition against AI-enabled systems deciding when to deploy nuclear weapons. But leading the State Department on emerging technology policy requires perspective on a diversity of vital U.S. interests that go well beyond security.

Technology Policy at the State Department: Too Many Cooks

Moving oversight of the emerging technologies portfolio to the deputy secretary of state for management and resources, who has broad responsibilities for policy and management, would be a good start. But it would still not address the bigger organizational challenges that rightly concern Congress. Lawmakers want the department to fix the coordination problems that limit its effectiveness on technology issues, elevate cyber diplomacy as a foreign policy priority, and ensure equal focus on economic, security, and political concerns. Congress also seeks a separate China strategy, given the decisive role of technology competition in Sino-American rivalry.

Yet, for all that lawmakers get right about what ails the State Department organizationally, not a single congressional proposal tackles the fundamental problem: the departments balkanizedtechnology policy landscape, which stretches across more than a dozenregional and functionalbureaus. Five undersecretaries divide oversight of this policy sprawl: political affairs, arms control, economic affairs, civilian security, and public affairs. None are technology experts. Each has a mandate, a budget, and bureaucratic turf to protect. Lawmakers are merely tinkering at the margins, proposing the consolidation of some functions or adding new layers of bureaucracy to solve a coordination and integration problem that starts on the ground floor, not inside the boardroom.

Without changes at the State Department, a security-focused approach will dominate emerging technology policy. This critical area of foreign policy will resemble an arms control agreement: a maze of constraints, hurdles, and walls. U.S. economic competitiveness will also be at risk because traditional arms control thinking tends to be prohibitory and regulatory, so in interagency policy deliberations the State Department will be inclined to support burdensome and expensive new layers of restrictions on business in the interest of security. Of course, it will be important to take security considerations into account when thinking about economic and technology policy toward China. But it should not be the only consideration. Absent important bureaucratic changes, other priorities like promoting internet freedom and international cyber stability will suffer from the absence of high-level attention. Furthermore, while counterpart agencies like the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security build the deep bench of expertise necessary to adapt to an era of geostrategic competition rooted in technology, the State Department will fall further behind in this area where its leadership is essential to Americas well-being and success.

Consolidate Technology Policy Functions

Solutions are not simple, but they are obvious. First, the State Department should create a new undersecretary position and bring all technology issues under it, as the congressionally established National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence recommends. The undersecretary should have broad expertise in technology and its applications. Consolidation will improve coordination and rapid decision-making when trade-offs are required, while developing a cadre of tech-savvy cyber diplomats. The departments large country desks provide proof of concept. They build deep and practical country expertise because they are multidisciplinary. Information is routinely shared among desk officers handling diverse portfolios political, economic, and security. Political and economic considerations factor seamlessly into security policy, and vice versa. This integrated, coordinated approach makes country desks formidable policy players. They are well-rounded and respected for their knowledge and advocacy of reliably well-coordinated initiatives and positions, road-tested across competing U.S. interests. That is the model to emulate.

Second, the State Department should discuss its organizational plans with counterpart agencies including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, Treasury, Justice, and Energy something the last administration, according to the Government Accountability Office, did not do. The National Security Council should lead this discussion and specifically address whether federal agencies are handling emerging technology policy with the kind of comprehensive focus it requires, and not merely as an adjunct of cyber security.

Third, the new undersecretary should report to the third-ranking official in the department, the deputy secretary for management and resources, a position Congress should mandate that every administration fill. Undersecretaries usually report to the secretary of state, but the reality is that they do not all get equal attention. This alternative structure would ensure consistent, high-level involvement. It would give cyber diplomats the stature to go toe-to-toe with counterparts, both in the U.S. policymaking process and in foreign governments, who would see them as influential representatives of a powerful part of the State Department.

Organize for the Present, With a Clear View of the Future

America faces a tidal wave of challenges wrought by unprecedented and ubiquitous advances in emerging technologies and the rise of China as an anti-democratic economic superpower. The State Department has a leading role to play in addressing both challenges. Consolidating all technology issues under a single undersecretary would significantly strengthen the departments hand in the interagency policymaking process. The department is better positioned than its interagency counterparts to articulate a national emerging technology policy that accounts for the full range of U.S. national interests, not just those related to security. Multidimensionality is the State Departments core comparative advantage. Consolidation would reinforce it. No other agency has the mandate, the expertise, and the credibility to compel consideration of that vital perspective. Without it, the United States risks undermining its complex geostrategic interests with over-securitized responses to rivalry with China and the related, evolving challenges presented by the most rapid technological change ever experienced in human history.

The State Departments technology policy apparatus was built for an era that no longer exists. This moment calls urgently for a bold reorganization. The past is never a good place to live.

Ferial Ara Saeed is CEO of Telegraph Strategies LLC, a risk management firm providing clients strategic guidance and analysis of political and economic trends. A former senior American diplomat with expertise on North Asia and the Middle East, she served as deputy U.S. coordinator for information and communications technology policy at the State Department, on the country desks for China, Japan, and Korea, and she advised both the undersecretary of state for economic and business affairs and the undersecretary of state for arms control and international security.

Image: State Department (Photo by Ron Przysucha)

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File photo: A hooded man holds a laptop computer as cyber code is projected on him in this illustration picture taken on May 13, 2017. REUTERS

The most common hacking techniques and how to protect yourself from them

Cybercrime costs over $10 million every minute. It is projected to set the world back some $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Data has become the gold of the digital economy revolution considering there will be 200 zettabytes of it by 2025.

And so, cyber-security has emerged as a critical issue affecting anyone with a digital presence. Massive data leaks, identity theft and extortion are just a few of the many problems plaguing the digital space.

Victims range from the often innocent and vulnerable to banks, multinational corporations, and powerful elites. Bangladesh is no stranger to cybercrime either.

That is why it is important to understand ones digital presence now more than ever. The first step is familiarizing oneself with the hacking methods of cyber-criminals. Here are some of the most common hacking techniques to be careful of, what can be done to protect against such threats, and the measures Bangladesh is taking to securely ensure the digital dream.

Most common hacking techniques to be careful of and how to stay protected

Before getting into the most common hacking techniques, it is important to keep in mind that not all hackers are bad. While there are many malicious minds creating havoc, there are just as many digital guardians working tirelessly to help humanity for the best. The easiest way to tell between the good and bad is to differentiate between white hat and black hat hackers.

White hat hackers are the good guys; they are ethical computer security experts specialized in finding faults in systems that may expose your valuable data. Penetration testing is one of several ways white hat hackers can test and ensure the safety of a company or individuals information system. They can be found employed among the ranks of Google, Microsoft, and Apple with the mission of keeping the digital space safe for everyone.

Black hat hackers are the bad guys; they are the ones stealing money and identities, leaking sensitive personal data, and facilitating illegal activities -- a few crimes topping the startlingly long list. Black hat hackers break into information networks using an arsenal of attacks, with malicious intentions. They can destroy businesses and ruin lives; according to IBM, the average cost of a data breach was $3.86 million in 2020.

Remaining anonymous while committing crimes is their specialty, and they can be found all around the world.

While the list for hacking methods is a long one, heres a look at some of the most common hacking techniques used by black hat hackers to better understand how to stay alert and protected:

The hackers will have access to and use authenticated login information, passwords and mannerisms of their victims. Although many websites must now ask permission to accept cookies from users,businessescan take actionslike ensuring web developers use the newest and most updated development techniques, as well as to update encryption protection on a regular basis.

Similarly to bait and switch, to stay safe, practice caution when downloading files or opening unfamiliar email attachments. Updated anti-malware software or applications can also help prevent these types of attacks.

It should be noted that nearly 80% of all keyloggers are not detectable by antivirus software or firewalls. The best measure against this is often seen in banking and e-commerce through virtual (on-screen) keyboards. These encrypt text or keys inputted so it becomes difficult for keyloggers to make sense of the stolen data.

The US has seen an increase in ransomware attacks and recently had to pay hackers to regain access to a critical US pipeline. In 2019, the healthcare industry lost nearly $25 billion to ransomware attacks. Having reliable and updated anti-virus software or applications from trusted industry experts is the best protection once again in this scenario.

Using quality VPN services is a smart choice in case you find yourself having to use or access free Wi-Fi. Try to ensure using a variety of unique but memorable passwords for all digital profiles.

Instead of outright stealing, hackers exercise a variety of techniques like using fear, trust, sympathy, greed, laziness and ego to get victims to willingly provide their information. This scenario can trick even the best into falling prey. Digital hygiene and appropriate education will be the most effective tools for combating such abstract challenges moving forward.

Bangladesh and its cyber-presence

As of January 2021, Bangladesh has registered over 47 million internet users. Among that figure, 45 million out of the 47 million users were on social media, as reported by Data Reportal. The number of mobile connections also saw an increase of 1.7 million (+1.1%) since last January.

These figures point towards one thing- growth. Bangladesh has been making strong economic progress despite the global pandemic. According to the IMF: Bangladesh economy will grow 5.0% in 2021 and 7.5% in 2022.

This growth will come opportunities and challenges alike, mainly addressing cyber-security. Bangladesh is still developing in many aspects and has a long road ahead.

About 95% of cyber-security data breaches are caused by human error. This is how Bangladesh became a victim of losing $81 million in a matter of hours. According to WIRED, in February 2016, a simple malware attack was used to initiate the Bangladesh Bank heist.

Unknown hackers used SWIFT credentials of Bangladesh Central Bank employees and sent more than three dozen fraudulent money transfer requests to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. They asked the bank to transfer millions of Bangladesh Banks funds to bank accounts in the Philippines, Sri Lanka and a few other parts of Asia.

The hackers initial targeted amount was a whopping $1 billion. Thanks to a printer error, Bangladesh Bank was able to halt the heist of another $850 million. Although they were never able to recover the $81 million lost during the early stages of the heist, they were able to prevent potentially the biggest cyber heist in history.

This was a jarring wake-up call for Bangladesh and its cyber-presence. Since then, a number of cyber-security companies have been further developed alongside efforts being made by many students as well. We will bring brief focus to a few of such companies playing their part in building safer cyber-security.

This is a similar approach used in mobile data. Bontons machine learning models can be applied to moderating the applications USPs. They are currently in the start-up stage, however similar concepts and proactivity are growing amongst the youth.

Takeaway

Staying safe in the digital age is more important than ever. Technology will only continue to become an increasingly integral part of human life, so being fluent with its uses and dangers will be essential.Education, training and transparency will be the most influential in effectively navigating these unexplored waters.

A few tips to remember: avoid using free Wi-Fi hotspots, avoid using apps from untrusted sources and ignore unexpected communication. Consulting friends or professionals in the field of cyber-security is also a great way to step out of the cyber shadows and into the digital light.

Bangladesh, albeit having to learn the hard way, will now be paving the path for a far more secure and digitally enhanced future. And considering that in 2021, there will be four million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, now would be a good time to polish off those cyber cobwebs.

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Hacked: Cyber-safety in the digital era - Dhaka Tribune

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