New types of cyber crimes doubled in country: CCAF Study

Significant increase in pornography-related crimes in 2023 in last five years, affecting 11.35 pc of victims

The rate of new types of cyber crimes has more than doubled in 2023, accounting for 11.85 per cent of total crimes, according to a latest study.

The survey report also revealed a decrease in cyber-affected children under 18 to 13.65 per cent, while 78.78 per cent of victims are aged 18 to 30.

Additionally, nearly 59 per cent of the victims are women, it said, adding that the most common type of crime is social media and online account hacking, making up 21.65 per cent of cases.

Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation (CCAF) unveiled the survey at a discussion titled “Cyber Crime Trends in Bangladesh – 2024” and “Smart Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities of Emerging Technologies” at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Saturday.

Experts and stakeholders also expressed concern over rising new type of cyber crimes at a alarming rate.

This rise in cyber crime not only causes personal and financial harm but also thrives on social taboos, which keep many incidents underreported, they opined.

Experts emphasized the importance of national cyber literacy and joint public-private initiatives to develop indigenous cyber solutions through training and skill development to maintain the country’s cyber sovereignty.

A keynote paper was presented by CCAF advisor Engineer Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, and the research report was presented by Obydullah Al Marjuk, Senior Lecturer of the Social Science and Humanities Department at Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB).

The panel of discussants included Brig. Gen. Kazi Mustafizur Rahman, Director General (Engineering and Operations) of BTRC, Dr. Imtiaz A Hussain, Professor of the Global Studies and Governance (GSG) Department at IUB, Hussain Samad, Consultant and Lead Researcher at IDEA Foundation, Treasurer of Bangladesh Women in Technology and Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Nazmus Saliheen, and Ishtiaq Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police at Counter Terrorism & Transnational Crime(CTTC) Unit of Dhaka Metropolitan Police.

Presided over by CCAF President Kazi Mustafiz, the event was moderated by General Secretary Nurun Ashrafi. Other attendees included CCAF Vice President S.M. Imdadul Haque and Training and Research Secretary Abdul Munayem Saikat.

The report also indicates a significant increase in pornography-related crimes in 2023 in the last five years, affecting 11.35 per cent of victims.

Nearly 47.72 per cent of victims suffer social disgrace, 40.15 per cent of victims experience financial losses, and nearly all endure mental anguish. Only 12 per cent sought legal recourse, with 81.25 per cent filing general diaries and 18.75 per cent submitting written complaints, according to the survey.

Among the complainants, 12.50 per cent did not comment on the outcome, while 87.50 per cent did not achieve satisfactory results. Most victims are educated, with 40.90 per cent having completed higher secondary education, 21.21 per cent holding bachelor’s degrees, Nearly 16.66 per cent having completed secondary education, and 12.87 per cent having education below secondary level.

Based on the experiences of 132 self-motivated victims, CCAF conducted the study. At the discussion, the organization also gave several recommendations to curb such crimes in the country.

Among some other recommendations, CCAF called for implement regular public awareness programmes through coordinated efforts between government and private sectors.

It also suggested providing advanced training for law enforcement personnel and investigators involved in cyber crime cases. CCAF also suggested educating citizens about current laws related to cyber crime.

Speaking at the function, Ishtiaq Ahmed said “Although all sections except four in the Cyber Security Act 2013 fall under the category of hacking, they are bailable, making it difficult to bring many offenders to justice”.

Delayed complaints from victims also make it challenging to provide legal protection, he said, adding that “Child pornography is increasing, mainly through social media, which is alarming.”

“Online gambling often conceals money laundering, making it hard to detect. A significant threat is imminent in the core banking sector, ” Barrister Nazmus Saliheen stated.

Brig. Gen. Kazi Mustafizur Rahman said “The more we can increase individual awareness, the more we can reduce cyber crime. The responsibility of awareness must be collectively shared by everyone.”

Hussain Samad said “The expressway for Digital Bangladesh has been built. Now we need to use it efficiently. However, 70 per cent of cyber attacks in the country occur due to a lack of personal awareness. Therefore, there is no alternative to everyone becoming aware.”

Mushfiqur Rahman in his keynote said “The use of emerging technologies in various sectors has brought significant improvements and benefits. These include notable advancements in efficiency and productivity, improvements in communication and connectivity, progress in health and education, and contributions to security and safety.”

“It is crucial to encourage the development of workers’ skills through retraining and skill enhancement initiatives. In the era of emerging technologies, national security should be a top priority”, he said.

To achieve this, Rahman also stressed the need for promoting domestic educational research, industrial innovation, and the development of local software and solutions.