Study: Hacking social media accounts most prevalent cybercrime in Bangladesh

Social media and online account hacking have emerged as the most prevalent cybercrimes in Bangladesh, constituting 21.65% of reported incidents, according to a recent study.

The Cyber Crime Awareness Foundation (CICAF) unveiled the study findings during a seminar held at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday.

The study, conducted between April 15, 2023, and April 15, 2024, involved interviews with 132 victims.

It reveals that 78.78% of the victims are young adults aged 18 to 30, and 59% are women.

Notably, the rate of cyberattacks on children under 18 has decreased to 13.65% of the total cybercrimes.

Victims often face severe repercussions, with 47.72% experiencing social loss, 40.15% suffering financial loss, and nearly all enduring emotional distress.

Despite these significant impacts, only 12% of victims sought legal recourse, and 87.5% reported receiving no benefit from their actions.

The data indicates that most victims of these cybercrimes are educated, 40.9% have completed higher secondary education, 21.21% hold graduation degrees, 16.66% have secondary education, and 12.87% are below secondary education.

The study also notes a surge in new types of cybercrimes, which have doubled to 11.85% of total crimes within a year.

Additionally, 11.35% of victims reported crimes related to pornography.

Experts at the event highlighted the alarming rise in cybercrimes, which not only cause financial losses but also inflict personal harm, often exacerbated by social stigma and shame.

They emphasized the need for developing indigenous cyber solutions through public-private partnerships, training, and skill development to safeguard the country's cyber sovereignty.