Speakers at a seminar said proactive security measures are must-haves in the face of impending cyberattacks as the power sector in Bangladesh is getting revamped with increased connectivity and high-tech features, such as data centres, smart meters and SCADA.

The seminar was held recently at a city hotel arranged by Hoplon Limited to disseminate findings from a recent study on cybersecurity preparedness of the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB).

Shariful Islam, chief technical officer of Hoplon, presented the findings and recommendations of the study which covers mainly a Gap Analysis and an Information Security Management Audit of BREB’s cybersecurity capabilities, said a media release.  

First Security Islami Bank chief technical officer and an industry expert on cybersecurity Mushfiqur Rahman explained the risks and dangers of not taking measures against cyber threats, and how oversights can lead to cyberattacks, citing examples of cyberattacks on the power sector in different countries.

Professor Mostafa Akbar, Department of Computer Science and Engineering of Bangladesh University of Engineering & Technology (BUET), stressed security-driven design while procuring or developing IT solutions to be vigilant against potential cyberthreats from the get-go.

Industry leader and former President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) Syed Almas Kabir highlighted the role of a robust cybersecurity defence for a smooth transition from Digital Bangladesh to Smart Bangladesh. He asserted that organizations should prioritize using local expertise while undertaking cybersecurity projects.         

Mohammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell, and the special guest at the event, underscored the urgency of cybersecurity; but also talked about the challenges—high cost, for example—faced by Power Division in coordinating cybersecurity measures across its 18 organizations.

Dipankar Biswas, member of finance, BREB, thanked Hoplon Limited for the enlightening session and affirmed BREB’s desire to continue working on improving the organization’s cybersecurity posture.

BREB Chief Engineer, Planning & Development, Abdur Rouf Miah echoed the commitment of developing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for BREB over time.

Hussain Samad, managing director of Hoplon Limited gave the vote of thanks.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul