Home ›› 16 Nov 2021 ›› Opinion
“Security used to be an inconvenience sometimes,” tennis legend Martina Navratilova had once famously said, “but now it’s a necessity all the time.” The importance of security is hard to overstate. Nowadays, among the daily struggles, people hardly get enough time to think of the many ways by which they can be the next victim of a crime, an accident, or a threat.
Amid the evolving lifestyles and technological advancements, remaining safe and private can be difficult. Recently, a survey conducted by Telenor demonstrated that 35 per cent of youth in Bangladesh said they used the internet all the time. Various reasons, including the outbreak of Covid-19, have contributed to the continual surge of internet use. Subsequently, increasing internet penetration has raised concerns regarding one aspect of security in particular– the digital environment. Recently, a survey conducted by Telenor demonstrated that 85 per cent of youth in Bangladesh said that online bullying is a serious problem.
Digital security is the collective term that describes the resources employed to protect your online identity, data, and other assets. These tools include web services, antivirus software, smartphone SIM cards, biometrics, and secured personal devices. In other words, digital security is the process used to protect your online identity. Digital security is a crucial element that business managers must take into account in their decision-making. This issue requires a specific agenda subjected to constant supervision, as well as a fully defined strategy shared by all of the organization’s top brass. Companies lacking a clear approach to cybersecurity are at a considerable disadvantage and less likely to survive in today’s highly competitive world.
We have built a world that depends on the internet and technology, influencing how we work, make friends, socialize, and work. The Covid-19 pandemic has further amplified this dependency with remote work, online classes, cashless transactions, and many more. At the same time, the current circumstances have introduced a wide range of new risks that pose significant threats to internet users, especially the youth. The surge in communication and internet usage has also increased the risk of cyber-attacks by order of magnitude. The survey further disclosed that 86 per cent of youths surveyed spent more time on the internet since Covid-19 began, while 8 per cent experienced cyberbullying at least once a week or more. As society becomes increasingly digital, it is more important than ever to understand the accompanying risks and opportunities.
Several platforms throughout the world have started taking the necessary steps towards ensuring a sustainable digital environment. In Bangladesh, imo, an instant communication platform has developed security measures that seek to protect the users’ personal data and provide top-notch privacy features. Their ‘Flash Call’ feature enables users to log in through a phone-call verification to prevent data breaches and virtual trespassing. imo has also introduced the ‘Anti-Fraud’ feature that provides a ‘Security Reminder’ every time the user receives a verification code. The feature aims to prevent the users from sharing the codes with a third person. In addition to that, imo’s ‘Multiple Account Support’ feature allows users to seamlessly switch between multiple accounts using one device, safely and securely.
As per imo, “We have zero tolerance for crime and in-order to protect user safety, we have been consistent in taking safety measures. Right from strengthening technical capabilities to blocking paths of many fraud gangs and busting them, we have always prioritized enhanced security experience to ensure users do not fall prey to cybercrime.
A trend we have been witnessing, is that criminals call unsuspecting users pretending to be a close relative, defrauding them via verification codes and ask for money, causing much distress to the victims. These criminals then log in to other users’ accounts, and then fabricate reasons to defraud the victims’ family members/ friends for money. To fight this, we have taken series of measures. For example, we will not allow abnormal login accounts through the AI model, reducing the risk of account theft at the source. Some criminals try to change the victim’s account to log in to the mobile phone number, we will identify and ban the abnormal/unidentified device. In September this year, we also cooperated with the police and successfully captured a criminal gang. Apart from that, we encourage the users to follow our community guidelines and become more responsible online“
Moreover, they are ready to join hands with Bangladeshi government and police to fight criminals by providing relevant clues and the mobile phone number used by these fraudsters. Through these measures, they claim to have achieved remarkable outcome, as risk of theft has decreased by 83 per cent month-on-month. Compared with receiving feedback of average 7 stolen accounts every day at the beginning of this year, they now receive an average of less than 1 stolen account feedback every day.
In addition to hacking, cyber criminals are capable of interfering with the functioning of devices and/or access to systems and data. Interference can include adding, modifying, transmitting, editing, deleting, and damaging data. imo strictly condemns this act and has been taking necessary steps towards exposing these ill intentions. The company further plans to cooperate with the forces of law and order to ensure that users are getting guaranteed online security and safety. It is imperative that platforms like imo implement policies and practices to protect and support all internet users in this digital space.
When asked about safety in the digital world, Gerret, IMO Product Director said, “In the current times, we must focus on our core responsibilities and duties in ensuring a healthy and sustainable digital environment. We believe that individuals must also take the initiative to safeguard themselves by changing passwords occasionally, becoming more responsible, and following community guidelines. We hope that imo and the users can work together towards creating a secured digital space.”
It is human nature to both fear and embraces change. As people continue to explore the new digital world, it is incumbent on leaders, professionals, and the government to weigh the risks and benefits and utilize technology for everyone.
The writer is a PR professional
