Microsoft to provide govt cyber intel

ICT minister Mustafa Jabbar with Microsoft officials. Photo: UNB
ICT minister Mustafa Jabbar with Microsoft officials. Photo: UNB

Microsoft on Wednesday signed an agreement with the government to provide Bangladesh with cyber intelligence data.

Under the deal relating to government security programme, the US tech giant will support the National Data Centre and CIRT team of the posts, telecommunications and information technology ministry.

The Microsoft data would help the government identify risks and threats of IT infrastructures and to mitigate these threats through remedial measures to ensure a secured Digital Bangladesh, said a press release.

“Maintaining our national security and addressing the cyber threats are crucial for Bangladesh as we want to build a Digital Bangladesh. As the government is working to tighten our national security on the virtual space, this agreement with Microsoft will come to our help,” posts, telecommunications and information technology minister Mustafa Jabbar said during the signing ceremony.

Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) based in Seattle, focusses on combatting malware risks, botnet takedowns and digital crimes and protecting vulnerable populations by leveraging innovative technologies such as big data and AI, forensics, law and partnerships.

President of Microsoft South East Asia New Markets (SEANM) Sook Hoon Cheah and managing director for Microsoft Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan and Laos Sonia Bashir Kabir were also present.

“Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. In this age of digital transformation, cyber security is a crucial topic for every technology company,” said Sook Hoon Cheah.

Sonia Bashir Kabir stated, “Microsoft has a longstanding relationship with the Bangladesh government… It [this agreement] will eventually help tighten the national security and build a secure Digital Bangladesh where individuals and organisations are free from cyber threats.”

She mentioned that this agreement is “an enabler for Bangladesh Computer Council, as it will help them identify security concerns and address imminent threats through various counter measures.”