DHAKA: Aiming to enhance cyber security and make people aware regarding the widespread cyber threats and rumors like the much-hyped Blue Whale game, a seminar was held at the National Press Club in Dhaka Saturday (October 28).
Titled, ‘Battle against Cyber Propaganda: Blue Whale’, the seminar was organized by CTO Forum in association with Information Security Alliance and MeroNet Bangladesh Limited.
Post and Telecommunication Secretary Shyam Sundar Shikder was present as chief guest, whereas Additional Secretary of ICT Division Sushanta Kumar Saha and Executive Director to MetroNet Bangladesh Limited Almas Kabir were present as special guests.
The seminar was presided over by the President of CTO Forum Bangladesh Tapan Kanti Sarkar.
Joint General Secretary of CTO Forum Arfe Elahi Manik and Director of Cyber Security Center, Daffodil International University Professor Dr. Touhid Bhuiyan delivered the keynote speech.
After the seminar, a roundtable discussion on cyber security was also held, moderated by the Advisor to CTO Forum and Additional Managing Director of South-East Bank SM Mainuddin Chowdhury where Vice President of CTO Forum Deb Dulal Rai, Member of Executive Committee Taher Ahmed Chowdhury and others took participation.
In his welcome speech, CTO Forum President Tapan Kanti Sarkar said, “Rumors are nothing new. But, internet may be a new means to create or spread rumors. So, we have to be aware and for this awareness we will need information and its practices.”
“The main purpose of today’s event is to focus on what our actual responsibilities are regarding implementation of cyber security and how we can overcome these rumors as well as to move forward towards a particular goal, where the contribution of government, service providing private institutions and users is inevitable”, he added.
In his speech, Shyam Sundar Shikdar said, “BTRC in association with National Telecom Monitoring Center is working on ensuring security and mass awareness. Besides, government is also committed to ensuring safe internet usage.”
“The whole world is now emphasizing on cyber security as a vital issue. So, besides ensuring internet services for all, we are also emphasizing on cyber security issue. Simultaneously, government also seeks everyone’s contribution in confronting the rumors spread in social media by misusing internet with the name of government institutions”, added Shyam Sundar.
The speakers said that rumors regarding ‘Blue Whale’ game got spread so highly in our country, as we don’t have sufficient knowledge about internet or online security.
“Due to information lacking, people easily believe in the internet rumors which creates an obstacle in expansion of Information Technology in our country. So, gathering appropriate information is a must, to avoid propaganda”, they stressed.
To get or share authentic information, collaboration between Academy and Industry is really essential. Education on cyber security should get included in the curriculum of all the educational institutions, as the students are the future of a country.
“Besides, as technology is changing, users must get updated. Then, people will be able to prevent such cyber threats and rumors”, added the speakers.
However, different superior officials from CTO Forum, Information Security Alliance, MetroNet, different banks and financial institutions and journalists from different media were also present in the program.
BDST: 1455 HRS, OCT 29, 2017
SI/SMS
