In recent weeks, Bangladesh has been hit by a series of cyber attacks that have targeted government agencies and private institutions. The attacks have resulted in data leaks, website defacements, and even the disruption of critical services.
What happened?
The attacks began on August 15, 2023 when a group of hackers claimed to have launched a coordinated storm of cyber attacks on Bangladesh's cyberspace. The hackers targeted a variety of organizations, including the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Bangladesh Bank.
The ICB leak was particularly significant, as it exposed the personal information of over 10,000 investors and investment applicants. The data included names, addresses and bank account numbers. The DGHS leak also exposed sensitive data, such as statistics on revenue collection from government hospitals.
In addition to data leaks, the hackers also defaced the websites of several government agencies and private institutions. They also disrupted the websites of some banks, making it difficult for customers to access their accounts.
Who is responsible?
The hackers who claimed responsibility for the attacks are a group of religious and ideologically motivated underground hackers. They have not been identified but they are believed to be based in India.
What can be done to prevent future attacks?
The Bangladesh government has taken steps to improve cyber security in the wake of the attacks. However, more needs to be done to protect government agencies and private institutions from future attacks.
Here are some tips for improving cyber security:
Use a firewall : A firewall is a hardware or software device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. It can help to protect your computer from unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
Back up your data regularly : This way, if your computer is hacked or your data is lost, you will have a copy to restore from.
Be aware of the latest cyber security threats : Stay up-to-date on the latest cyber security threats so that you can take steps to protect yourself. You can do this by reading security blogs and newsletters or following security experts on social media.
Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi : A VPN encrypts your traffic so that it cannot be intercepted by hackers. This is important when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured.
Be careful about what information you share online : Don't share your personal information, such as your passwords or credit card numbers, with people you don't know.
Keep your operating system and software up to date : Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect your computer from vulnerabilities.
Scan your computer for malware regularly : Use a reputable antivirus or anti-malware program to scan your computer for malware on a regular basis.
Educate your employees about cyber security : Make sure your employees are aware of the importance of cyber security and the steps they can take to protect themselves and your organization.
How can cyber security help?
Cyber security can help organizations protect themselves from cyber attacks by providing a secure platform for storing and processing data. Cyber security solutions can also help organizations detect and respond to cyber attacks more quickly.
If you are looking for a way to improve your organization's cyber security, consider using a cyber security solution.
Conclusion
The cyber attacks that have targeted Bangladesh in recent weeks are a wake-up call for the government and private sector. It is clear that more needs to be done to protect Bangladesh from cyber attacks. By following the tips in this blog post, organizations can improve their cyber security and reduce the risk of being attacked.