October will be observed across Bangladesh as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, with a series of nationwide programmes to raise awareness about online safety. The month-long campaign was announced by the Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation (CCAF) at an event held at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Friday.

Speakers at the event noted that while digital technology and internet access have become integral to daily life, cyber threats are also rising at an alarming pace. Incidents such as cyberattacks on banks and financial institutions, hacking of government websites, and leakage of citizens’ personal information have underscored that cybersecurity is now closely tied to national security.

Recent data from the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) revealed that sensitive information, including citizens’ National ID details and phone call records, has been traded in online groups in exchange for money.

According to the Cyber Police Centre (CPC), between January 2020 and August 26, 2025, nearly 174,000 cybercrime-related complaints were lodged. However, only 40 cases have been filed during that period, with many incidents left unresolved due to lack of evidence and limited awareness among victims.

A 2024 study conducted by CCAF highlighted that 78 percent of victims fall within the 18–30 age group, and nearly 59 percent are women — indicating young women remain the most vulnerable target group for online crimes.

Addressing the programme, Engr. Syed Zahid Hossain said tackling cyberattacks and online fraud requires not only technological safeguards but also mass awareness. “Even with advanced firewalls or strong network security, serious damage cannot be prevented if users themselves are not cautious,” he cautioned.

He urged people to adopt safe online practices such as password management, multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, and avoiding suspicious links.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Committee Member Secretary Engr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman announced this year’s campaign theme: “Be Cyber Aware, Stay Secure.” In line with the global theme, four priorities have been set for the awareness drive: using strong passwords, enabling multi-layered security, keeping software updated, and reporting online fraud to authorities.

The month-long campaign will feature social media awareness drives, seminars and workshops in schools, colleges and universities, online quiz competitions, topic-based discussions, and extensive media campaigns. In addition, initiatives will be taken to make parents more aware of their children’s and teenagers’ online behaviour at the family level.