NSU Launches Cybersecurity Training for MSMEs

The North South University (NSU) Cybersecurity Center officially launched the first cohort of its MSME Digital Hygiene and Cybersecurity Awareness Training Program at the university premises on Friday (July 3).

The daylong training program, held at NAC 412, is part of an initiative supported by the APAC Cybersecurity Fund of The Asia Foundation, with backing from Google.org. The broader initiative aims to reach at least 300 digitally vulnerable Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and organizations across the country.

The training commenced with a baseline pre-test to evaluate the participants' existing knowledge, followed by comprehensive sessions focused on essential digital hygiene practices and the most prevalent cyber threats targeting MSMEs in Bangladesh.

Participants received detailed guidance on fundamental security protocols, including:

• Securing digital devices and ensuring regular software updates.

• Safe management and handling of digital credentials.

• Identifying suspicious links, phishing attempts, and account takeovers.

• Recognizing mobile banking scams, such as bKash OTP fraud, and fake prize schemes.

• Understanding and mitigating emerging threats like deepfakes.

During the afternoon session, hands-on laboratory exercises were facilitated by NSU students. These interactive sessions allowed business owners and representatives to work on their personal devices to review application permissions, set up secure PINs, and configure two-factor authentication (2FA).

Dr. Monika Akbar, Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), visited the training program as a guest speaker. She shared valuable insights regarding applied cybersecurity education and the effectiveness of community-based cybersecurity clinic models.

The event concluded with a formal certificate awarding ceremony for all the participating MSME representatives.

Among those in attendance were Professor Md Shazzad Hosain, Project Director of the NSU Cybersecurity Center and Dean of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (SEPS) at NSU, alongside the center's Executive Directors, Mr. AKM Iqtidar Newaz and Ms. Zarjina Tarana Khalil.