With the rapid penetration of the Internet and other information and communication technology worldwide, cyber-crime is emerging as a threat to personal data stored in computers and is likely to affect the entire data systems. Even the United States, one of the most technologically advanced countries, is also subjected to such crimes. Bangladesh, being a less developed country, is also under the risk of cyber-crimes that could jeopardize the country’s national security. As the incumbent government aims to ensure Internet connectivity in all government institutions by 2021, upholding the motto of ‘Digital Bangladesh’, more and more national and multinational companies are offering online services for their services through the Internet as they follow the government’s agenda. From shopping to banking, all are just a click away with a higher rate of Internet penetration. However, criminals are also using the same online platform where they are committing various sorts of criminal activities, including phishing, hacking and stealing personal data. Hence both state-owned and private organizations could fall prey to cyber-attacks which can affect the lives of the entire population. Furthermore, 90% of the country’s software is unlicensed, which also intensifies the risk of cybercrimes due to their compromised security. In addition, the recent tug of war between Bangladeshi and Indian hackers has impacted the diplomatic relations between the two nations. More importantly, scores of media reports have been saying that terror groups use the online platforms for financing and maintaining intra-group communications. In this context, the existing laws and government measures against cyber-crimes are very weak to combat the burgeoning threat. This study attempts to shed light upon the threat posed by cyber-crimes in the context of the global village, with an emphasis on the perspective of Bangladesh.

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