Dr. Tanvir Abir :
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity has transcended its traditional role as an IT concern.
It has evolved into a fundamental area of expertise that every business professional should understand, including business graduates.
As Bangladesh moves swiftly towards a digital economy, learning cybersecurity has become not just an optional skill but an essential one for business graduates.
This article highlights why cybersecurity education is crucial for business graduates in Bangladesh, given the country’s digital transformation and the increasing risks associated with cybersecurity threats.
Bangladesh is experiencing a significant digital transformation. The growth of e-commerce, digital banking, and government services on digital platforms is reshaping the business landscape.
From startups to established corporations, many businesses are relying heavily on online platforms for marketing, customer engagement, and operations.
The growing reliance on digital systems has led to an increased demand for robust cybersecurity measures.
As businesses move their operations online, the risks associated with cyber threats such as hacking, data breaches, and identity theft are becoming more pronounced.
Protecting sensitive information like customer data, financial transactions, and intellectual property has become a top priority for businesses in Bangladesh.
Therefore, business graduates equipped with cybersecurity knowledge are better positioned to manage digital risks and safeguard their organizations, thus contributing to the stability and growth of the economy.
Cybersecurity threats have become more sophisticated and frequent, posing significant risks to organizations of all sizes. Phishing attacks, malware, and data breaches have emerged as common challenges for businesses.
For instance, ransom ware attacks that lock companies out of their systems until a ransom is paid have become a major threat globally.
Even small businesses are vulnerable, as they may not have the necessary infrastructure to defend against these sophisticated attacks.
For business graduates, cybersecurity knowledge is invaluable in preventing such threats.
By understanding common cyber risks and how to mitigate them, business graduates can play a crucial role in developing and implementing strategies that protect organizations from cyber-attacks.
This could involve setting up firewalls, data encryption, and secure authentication measures, as well as training employees to recognize phishing scams and malicious software.
As cyber threats increase, governments worldwide are introducing stringent regulations to safeguard digital infrastructure and customer data.
In Bangladesh, the Digital Security Act (2018) is one such regulation aimed at improving the country’s cybersecurity framework. This law mandates businesses to implement robust security measures to protect data and comply with cybersecurity protocols.
Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, legal actions, and reputational damage for businesses.
Business graduates who understand cybersecurity can help organizations navigate these regulations.
For example, they can ensure that businesses are compliant with the Digital Security Act, avoiding legal consequences and protecting the organization from potential lawsuits.
This knowledge is also crucial in developing internal cybersecurity policies and protocols that align with the latest regulations, thereby safeguarding the business from costly fines and reputational harm.
In today’s competitive job market, business graduates with cybersecurity skills are in high demand.
Bangladesh’s business ecosystem is rapidly evolving, and companies are increasingly looking for professionals who can bridge the gap between business management and IT security.
Graduates with cybersecurity knowledge are better positioned to pursue careers in industries like finance, e-commerce, and manufacturing, where digital security is becoming a top priority.
For example, in the financial sector, where digital banking and mobile financial services are expanding, understanding the importance of secure transactions and data privacy is essential.
In e-commerce, where sensitive customer data is frequently handled, protecting that data from cybercriminals is a significant concern.
By equipping themselves with cybersecurity knowledge, business graduates can gain a distinct advantage over their peers in the job market.
Moreover, businesses are often willing to pay a premium for employees who can contribute to both the strategic and operational aspects of cybersecurity.
This allows business graduates with cybersecurity expertise to advance quickly in their careers and assume leadership roles in cybersecurity management or strategy.
Cybersecurity is not only about safeguarding data; it also involves protecting intellectual property and customer trust.
In industries like fashion, technology, and pharmaceuticals, intellectual property is a valuable asset that needs to be safeguarded from theft or unauthorized access.
Business graduates who understand cybersecurity can contribute to the protection of these assets, ensuring that innovative ideas and designs remain secure from competitors or cybercriminals.
Furthermore, customer trust is critical for any business. With data breaches becoming more common, consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety of their personal information.
Business graduates who understand how to protect customer data through secure payment gateways, data encryption, and strong authentication measures will play an essential role in maintaining trust with customers and ensuring that businesses can retain their clientele.
As businesses in Bangladesh embrace new technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data, understanding the cybersecurity implications of these tools is crucial.
Business graduates with cybersecurity knowledge can make informed decisions about which technologies to implement and how to ensure they are secure.
This includes assessing the security risks of third-party platforms, cloud storage services, and AI-driven systems, and integrating security measures from the beginning.
For instance, when adopting cloud computing solutions, business graduates can evaluate the security features of different providers and choose one that aligns with their organization’s cybersecurity requirements.
This proactive approach to security reduces the risk of data breaches or system vulnerabilities that could disrupt business operations.
Cybersecurity is a critical part of risk management in modern businesses.
With cyber-attacks becoming a significant source of business risk, understanding how to identify, assess, and mitigate these risks is essential for business continuity.
Business graduates with cybersecurity skills are well-equipped to contribute to risk management efforts by developing strategies to handle potential security threats, ensuring that the business remains operational even in the event of an attack.
For example, graduates can contribute to the creation of a cyber resilience plan, which outlines procedures for responding to cyber-attacks, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.
This resilience is particularly important for businesses in industries that rely heavily on digital infrastructure, such as e-commerce or online banking.
As Bangladesh accelerates its digital transformation, cybersecurity skills have become indispensable for business graduates.
With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, business graduates equipped with cybersecurity knowledge will not only enhance their employability but also help protect businesses from digital risks and ensure compliance with regulations.
By learning about the intersection of business management and cybersecurity, graduates can become invaluable assets to their organizations, driving growth and fostering secure, resilient business environments in the digital age.
In a world where digital threats are an ever-present reality, the ability to manage those risks effectively will be a defining factor in the success of future business leaders.
(The writer is Professor, Southeast Business School, Southeast University).
