How the Digital Age Is Exposing People to a New Wave of Cybercrime Risks

Security in the digital world today goes far beyond the use of any single technology. Every user, knowingly or unknowingly has become a guardian of their own digital environment. With the rapid growth of information technology, everyday activities such as communication, financial transactions, social interaction, record keeping, and official tasks rely on mobile phones, the internet, and smart devices. While this shift has made life efficient, it has also exposed personal and institutional data to unprecedented risks. This evolving threat landscape has transformed digital security into a social, economic, and national priority requiring urgent attention.

The rise of cybercrime highlights the seriousness of this digital transformation. Crimes such as hacking, data breaches, identity theft, financial fraud, ransomware attacks, online harassment, and child exploitation are now being reported frequently. These crimes affect individuals, businesses, and even critical state infrastructures. Cyber attackers often operate across borders, using advanced techniques that can bypass traditional security measures. As a result, cybercrime has become one of the fastest-growing threats globally and locally, demanding coordinated responses from users, organizations, and government authorities.

In Bangladesh, one of the most pressing challenges is the widespread lack of awareness regarding digital risks. Many people do not understand how seemingly harmless actions, such as clicking an unknown link, sharing personal information online, or installing unverified apps, can grant criminals access to private data. While users struggle with basic technological skills, cybercriminals continue to evolve, making their tactics more professional, targeted, and globally interconnected. This imbalance not only puts individuals at risk but also complicates efforts to identify offenders and implement appropriate legal measures.

A major issue in the country is the uncertainty among victims about where to seek help. Many people who face online fraud, harassment, or hacking do not know how to report incidents or what protection mechanisms exist. This lack of knowledge leaves victims vulnerable and allows criminals to continue exploiting the digital space. For digital security to improve, awareness must reach every layer of society. From schoolchildren to senior citizens, and from rural communities to urban professionals, everyone must understand the basic principles of safe digital practices.

Public awareness initiatives must include practical knowledge that people can apply immediately. Users need clear understanding about creating strong passwords, identifying phishing attempts, recognizing suspicious websites, and avoiding careless sharing of personal information on social media. Schools and colleges should incorporate hands-on cybersecurity lessons beyond basic ICT classes. Government and private institutions can run awareness campaigns through television, radio, social media, and community-based programs. Special focus is needed on young people, who remain the most active group online and thus the most vulnerable to exploitation.

Ensuring institutional security remains one of the biggest challenges in Bangladesh’s growing digital ecosystem. Many offices and companies continue to store important data without proper encryption or risk assessment. Weak firewalls, outdated software, unprotected networks, and a lack of trained cybersecurity personnel make organizations easy targets for attackers. When such attacks occur, they result not only in financial losses but also in a major decline in public trust. Organizations must develop and enforce robust information security policies and conduct regular cybersecurity audits to identify weaknesses before they are exploited.

Institutions must also prepare for data breach scenarios by establishing clear response protocols. Employees should know how to handle suspicious activity, where to report it, and how to prevent the spread of an attack. Since many small and medium enterprises consider themselves too small to be targeted, they often neglect security measures, making them easy victims for cybercriminals seeking quick access to information. Proper planning, training, and technological investment can greatly reduce the impact of such attacks.

Business security has become critically important because modern commerce relies heavily on digital platforms. Customer records, financial transactions, inventory systems, and communication channels are all dependent on secure digital networks. A single ransomware attack or data breach can cause enormous financial damage and permanently ruin a company’s reputation. Businesses of every size must adopt preventive measures, including regular data backups, strict password policies, employee training, and multi-layered security systems. For cloud storage, choosing trusted service providers and ensuring maximum security settings is essential.

Another dimension of digital security involves protecting vulnerable populations, especially women and young users. Online harassment, cyberstalking, impersonation, and blackmail have become alarmingly common. Many victims do not report incidents due to fear or social stigma. A collaborative effort from families, schools, and media platforms is required to reinforce safe online behavior. Encouraging open discussion, providing psychological support, and promoting reporting mechanisms can reduce risks significantly. Women must be empowered with knowledge about privacy settings, secure communication practices, and legal protections available under national cyber laws.

Legal and regulatory frameworks play a vital role in strengthening digital security. Bangladesh has introduced laws to address cybercrime, but continuous updates are needed to keep pace with evolving threats. Effective implementation requires skilled investigators, modern forensic technology, and cooperation between national and international agencies. Training law enforcement officials and establishing specialized cyber units can significantly improve the rate of crime detection and prosecution. Transparency, accountability, and protecting users’ rights must remain central when enforcing cyber laws to prevent misuse or unnecessary fear among citizens. Another important aspect is the development of a skilled cybersecurity workforce. As digital infrastructure grows, the country needs more experts in fields such as ethical hacking, digital forensics, network security, and risk management. Universities and technical institutions should introduce advanced cybersecurity courses, while companies should invest in upskilling their IT teams. Encouraging youth to pursue careers in cybersecurity can reduce dependence on foreign expertise and create strong local defense capabilities. A secure digital nation requires not just technology but also competent human resources capable of anticipating and countering threats.

At the national level, digital security is now directly linked to economic stability and state security. Government databases, banking networks, power grids, transportation systems, and health infrastructures all rely on digital platforms. Any major cyber attack on these systems could disrupt essential services and threaten national security. A coordinated national cybersecurity strategy is essential, involving government agencies, private companies, educational institutions, and international partners. By promoting awareness, improving institutional readiness, updating legal frameworks, and building skilled professionals, Bangladesh can create a safe, resilient, and trustworthy digital environment for its citizens.


MD. Noor Hamza Peash is a legal
researcher and a freelance columnist.