The world is now more dependent on technology than ever before.
The significant role that technology played in the pre-pandemic era expanded in unimaginable ways afterwards.
Today, nearly everything we do involves technology in one way or another, which raises the question — what more can we do with it?
Technology has opened the doorway to the information superhighway, connecting everyone to a wide range of information and to all corners of the world at once.
Coupled with the internet, technology connects the person sitting in a remote corner of the world to the entire globe through the information highway.
However, we need to ensure that our information can travel safely to one another and does not hit any roadblocks along the way.
The Kepios analysis indicates that internet users in Bangladesh increased by 5.5 million (+11.6%) between 2021 and 2022.
As the number of internet users rises, cybercrimes continue to increase at an alarming rate.
The crimes that are prevalent in our society; cyberbullying, extortion, and piracy, all have translated to numerous digital platforms.
There is no doubt in saying that today the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives.
Social wellbeing, economic development, and even national security are regulated through the internet.
From farmers to teachers, people of all classes have entered this virtual realm of networking.
Yet, despite a large number of users, most people remain unaware of the risks associated with internet usage.
Cybersecurity continues to be a significant threat around the world.
From supply chain disruptions to ransomware attacks, cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated and the threat landscape more diverse.
These challenges are compounded by a workforce shortage as there simply are not enough people with the right cybersecurity skills required to fill open jobs.
Md Yousup Faruqe, managing director, Microsoft Bangladesh CourtesyThere is a continued high demand for cybersecurity professionals and an ongoing shortage of talent.
Therefore, organizations must start pursuing numerous ways to close the talent gap in both the short and long term.
This includes new university programs, technical and vocational programs, apprenticeships, certifications, and government programs.
The world, including Bangladesh, is progressing towards development.
Hence, technology and security play an integral role, especially in accelerating its dream of "Digital Bangladesh."
More investments and focus will be required to digitize every aspect of our lives while providing support to diverse and underserved job seekers.
The cybersecurity skills gap will not be solved with a one-size-fits-all solution.
Collaboration is key
It is important that both private and public organizations begin to work with local education institutions, nonprofits, governments, and businesses to develop a cybersecurity skills program that fits the unique needs of the country.
The focus should be to build a framework based on a common set of needs and ensure expanded access to tools that are already available today.
It is imperative that we understand the skills gap and share and improvise best practices.
That is why, Microsoft has launched a new partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to not only develop a detailed study on the skills gap in selected countries but also improve the ability to grow cybersecurity workforces through postsecondary education and training
To safeguard the country from becoming vulnerable to extreme cyber security issues, consistent, continuous, and sustainable actions must be taken.
People interested in pursuing cybersecurity as a career, whether students, people changing careers, or current IT professionals, need proper access to industry-aligned skills so that they can train for these critical roles.
Likewise, educational institutions need more teachers able and equipped to teach cybersecurity to students, which is why Microsoft is partnering with educational institutions to provide curricula.
The number of cybersecurity attacks around the world is increasing every day and increasing in complexity as cybercriminals continue to escalate their activity.
People will be impacted no matter where they live.
This is why it is critical that we invest in the cybersecurity workforce to ensure there are enough people with the skills needed to thwart these attacks and protect the digital ecosystem to keep organizations secure and people safe.
Therefore, we must start to focus on closing the skill gap to ensure a healthy and sustainable technology usage.
The author is managing director of Microsoft Bangladesh
