Lecture on Securing Our Cyber Space

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) organised a lecture titled "Securing Cyberspace: Challenges and Future Directions" on 13 August 2012 at the BIISS Auditorium.

The lecture was delivered by Dr Kim Kwang Cho, Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at Korea University, as the Guest Speaker. The programme was graced by H. E. Dr Dipu Moni, MP, Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. Ambassador (Retd.) Muhammad Zamir, Chairman of the Board of Governors, BIISS, inaugurated the programme and delivered the opening remarks.

The lecture brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, policymakers, academics, researchers, military officials, representatives of law enforcement agencies, information technology professionals, think tanks, media, and students to discuss the emerging challenges of cybersecurity and the future of cyberspace governance.

In his lecture, Professor Kim Kwang Cho highlighted the rapid expansion of cyberspace and its growing importance in national development, economic growth, and international security. He discussed the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, including cybercrime, hacking, cyber espionage, identity theft, malware, and attacks on critical information infrastructure. He emphasised that cybersecurity has become a vital component of national security and requires continuous innovation, international cooperation, and effective policy responses.

The Guest Speaker stressed the importance of developing robust cybersecurity frameworks, strengthening legal and regulatory mechanisms, enhancing cyber resilience, and investing in advanced technologies to protect digital infrastructure. He also underscored the need for public awareness, skilled human resources, and close collaboration among governments, academia, the private sector, and international partners to effectively combat evolving cyber threats.

The lecture further explored the opportunities and challenges associated with the increasing digitalisation of societies. Participants discussed issues relating to information security, cyber governance, data protection, digital privacy, cyber diplomacy, and international norms for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The discussion highlighted the importance of balancing technological advancement with security, privacy, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session during which participants shared valuable questions, comments, suggestions, and observations on emerging cybersecurity challenges and strategies for building a secure and resilient digital environment. The event reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation, capacity building, and technological innovation in addressing cyber threats and strengthening cybersecurity for sustainable development and global security.