Data breach and information theft

Data breach takes place when confidential or sensitive information is stolen, leaked or accessed by unauthorised individuals or entities. This can include personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers and financial information such as credit card numbers, bank account details and more. Information theft refers to the act of stealing or taking someone's confidential data without their knowledge or consent.

Unfortunately, the threat of data breaches and information theft is a growing concern in Bangladesh and around the world. In Bangladesh, some of the most common forms of data breaches and information theft include phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, malware attacks and insider threats. To be protected from these threats, it is important to practice good cyber hygiene by using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious emails or messages, and implementing multi-factor authentication on all accounts. Additionally, one should be cautious while using public Wi-Fi networks and never share sensitive information with anyone.

One of the relevant laws in this regard is the Digital Security Act which was enacted in 2018 and contains certain provisions on data breach and unauthorised use of personal data.

Additionally, Bangladesh Bank has issued guidelines for protection of customer data in the financial sector. These guidelines require banks and other financial institutions to implement appropriate cyber security measures to protect customer data and prevent unauthorised access or disclosure.

However, despite these laws and regulations, data breaches and information theft continue to occur in Bangladesh. Therefore, it is important for individuals and organisations to take proactive measures to protect their sensitive data and prevent such incidents from happening.

Preventing the growing threat of data breaches and information theft in Bangladesh presents several legal challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of adequate legal framework to address the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime and data breaches.

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, existing laws and regulations may not be able to keep pace with the latest threats and vulnerabilities. This can create gaps in the legal framework and make it difficult to investigate and prosecute cybercriminals. Another legal challenge is the lack of awareness and skills to investigate and prosecute cybercrime cases. This is due to the fact that cybercrime investigations require specialised skills and knowledge, which may not be available in all law enforcement agencies.

Moreover, the use of encryption and other advanced technologies by cybercriminals can make it difficult to track and trace their activities. Additionally, the lack of international cooperation and coordination in cybercrime investigations can also make it difficult to prevent data breaches and information theft. Cybercriminals often operate across international borders and the lack of cooperation between different countries can hamper investigations and make it harder to bring perpetrators to justice.

There are several steps to prevent data breaches and information theft. It is to be ensured that organisations are compliant with relevant regulations in Bangladesh. Another step is to develop and implement a comprehensive data protection policy that outlines procedures for collecting, storing, and protecting personal information. Furthermore, step can be taken to regularly review security measures and update them as needed to stay ahead of potential threats and use encryption technology to safeguard sensitive data, such as customer information and financial records.

However, users should be cautious with the information they share online and use secure passwords and encryption methods. It is also advisable to regularly update software and antivirus programmes to protect devices from potential threats. If someone is a victim of a data breach or information theft, it is essential to report the incident to the relevant authorities and take steps to mitigate the damage caused.

The Writer is a Student of Law, East West University.