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Countries strengthening cybersecurity efforts, but increased action still required

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UN cybersecurity report assesses global progress in providing a safe and secure digital future for all. 

​​​​​​​Countries around the globe are improving cybersecurity efforts, but stronger actions are needed to meet evolving cyberthreats, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, released today by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). 

On average, countries have taken more cybersecurity-related actions and improved their cybersecurity commitments since the last index was released in 2021. 

Worrisome threats highlighted in the report include ransomware attacks targeting government services and other sectors, cyber breaches affecting core industries, costly system outages, and breaches of privacy for individuals and organizations. 

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“Building trust in the digital world is paramount,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General. “The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index is a sign that we must continue to focus efforts to ensure that everyone, everywhere can safely and securely manage cyberthreats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.” 

A new assessment with sharper focus 

ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024) assesses national efforts across five pillars, representing country-level cybersecurity commitments: legal, technical, organizational, capacity development, and cooperation. 

GCI 2024 also uses a new five-tier analysis, a shift that allows a greater focus on each country’s advances with cybersecurity commitments and resulting impacts. 

The report places 46 countries in Tier 1, the highest of the five tiers, reserved for “role modelling” countries that demonstrate a strong commitment in all five cybersecurity pillars. 

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Most countries are either “establishing” (Tier 3) or “evolving” (Tier 4) in terms of cybersecurity. The 105 countries in these tiers have largely expanded digital services and connectivity but still need to integrate cybersecurity measures. 

A “cybercapacity gap” – characterized by limitations in skills, staffing, equipment and funding – was evident in many countries and across all regional groups. 

“The Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 shows significant improvements by countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, capacity building initiatives, and cooperation frameworks especially in strengthening incident response capabilities,” said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau. “ITU’s cybersecurity projects and programmes are supporting those national efforts to more effectively manage cyberthreats, and I hope that the progress demonstrated by this latest index encourages countries to do more in developing secure and trustworthy digital systems and networks.” 

Regional and national assessments 

According to GCI 2024, the Africa region has advanced the most on cybersecurity since 2021. All world regions show improvement since the last report. ​

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The world’s least developed countries (LDCs) have also started making gains, though they still need support to advance further and faster. GCI 2024 data shows that the average LDC has now reached the same level of cybersecurity status that many of the non-LDC developing countries had in 2021. 

Land-locked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) continue to face resource and capacity constraints on cybersecurity efforts. 

GCI 2024 includes individual assessments and provides a clear status report and a roadmap of activities to make further progress on cybersecurity. 

Other key findings of the GCI 

Legal measures are the strongest cybersecurity pillar for most countries: 177 countries have ​at least one regulation on either personal data protection, privacy protection, or breach notification in force or in progress. 

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Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) are crucial for national cybersecurity: 139 countries have active CIRTs, with various levels of sophistication, up from 109 in the 2021 index. 

National Cybersecurity Strategies (NCS) are becoming more prevalent: 132 countries have a National Cybersecurity Strategy as of 2024, up from 107 in the 2021 index. 

Cyber awareness campaigns are widespread: 152 countries have conducted cyber awareness initiatives targeting the general population, with some also targeting specific demographics such as vulnerable and underrepresented populations, to create a culture of cybersecurity and address potential risks. 

Incentives for the cybersecurity industry continue evolving: Governments are promoting the cybersecurity industry through incentives, grants, and scholarships, aiming to enhance cybersecurity skills and foster research in the field, with 127 countries reporting some form of cybersecurity-related research and development. 

Many countries cooperate on cybersecurity through existing treaties: 92% of countries (166) reported being part of an international treaty or comparable cooperation mechanism for cybersecurity capacity development, or information sharing, or both. Putting cybersecurity agreements and frameworks into practical operation remains challenging. 

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Capacity ​development and technical pillars are relatively weak in most countries. 123 countries reported having trainings for cybersecurity professionals, up from 105 in 2021. In addition, 110 countries had frameworks to implement nationally or internationally recognized cybersecurity standards, up from 103 in 2021. 

Capacity development initiatives need to be reinforced: 153 countries have integrated cybersecurity into national curricula at some level, but cybersecurity trainings and awareness-raising varies widely across regions. Developing a strong domestic cybersecurity industry is essential to sustain progress. 

Countries need to focus on protecting children online: 164 countries have legal measures in place for child online protection; only 94 countries reported associated strategies and initiatives, indicating a gap in implementation. 

Cybersecurity assessments leading to action 

As cybersecurity continues to evolve, GCI offers a clear picture of where countries are and a roadmap of activities to make progress. The report offers 11 key recommendations, from enhancing critical infrastructure to providing cybersecurity training. 

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GCI 2024 suggests that countries can prioritize high-impact activities, including:

  • implementing legal measures applicable across all sectors;
  • developing and regularly updating a comprehensive national cybersecurity strategy and a practical, concrete action plan;
  • enhancing incident-response capabilities;
  • delivery of capacity building and training to cybersecurity professionals, youth and vulnerable groups to strengthen cybersecurity skills;
  • fostering domestic and international cooperation and collaboration on information-sharing, training opportunities, and capacity development.

ITU, the UN Agency for Digital Technologies, aims to connect the estimated 2.6 billion people who currently remain offline. Most of the globe’s offline population live in developing countries, with the widest gaps in the least developed countries. 

ITU established the Global Cybersecurity Index in 2015. The report series identifies areas for improvement and encourages countries to act on strengthening cybersecurity. 

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From Confusion to Clarity: Dheow’s Book Helps Users Master ChatGPT Conversations

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The much-anticipated book ‘AI Shikhun Taka Gunun’ (Learn AI, Count Money) by ICT writer and journalist Mojahidul Islam Dheow has officially hit the shelves. According to Systech Publications, the book received an overwhelming response even before its release, with more than 1,600 pre-orders placed within the very first week through platforms like Rokomari.com, Prothoma, and other online stores. It is now available at bookstores across Bangladesh, including Systech’s outlet in Banglabazar, Dhaka, at a printed price of Tk 400.

In today’s fast-changing digital world, we stand at a crossroads where a single keystroke can open the door to new income opportunities. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become humanity’s newest coworker—reshaping how we live, learn, and earn. Mojahidul’s latest book builds a bridge from learning to earning, connecting investigative journalism with public awareness and guiding readers toward practical uses of AI for creativity, innovation, and income generation.

The book is thoughtfully divided into three major parts. The first part serves as an income guide for young learners, showing them how to use AI prompts and tools to find freelance work, generate creative ideas, and turn them into profitable ventures. The second part functions as an investigative toolkit for journalists, offering hands-on advice on data mining, source verification, and cybersecurity using AI applications. The third part caters to general readers, simplifying the complex world of AI and explaining its opportunities and risks in easy, everyday language—from detecting deepfakes and misinformation to understanding how AI is transforming modern life.

Within its chapters, the author introduces over 150 AI tools across more than 30 categories, helping readers explore the most effective AI resources for any purpose—whether for business, work, or personal development. The book highlights tools for AI assistance, video and image generation, automation, meetings, and research. It also discusses AI-powered writing, design, and app-building platforms, alongside innovative AI search engines. Readers will find valuable insights into AI tools for knowledge management, email automation, scheduling, presentations, and even résumé creation. Mojahidul further explores creative fields such as AI-generated voice and music, as well as marketing innovations that promise to revolutionize both productivity and imagination in the digital age.

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Md. Mojahidul Islam Dheow, a computer science graduate, has been an active voice in ICT writing since 2003 and has authored over a dozen books. His title Web Database Application: MySQL-PHP was the first Bangla-language book on web database and application development, earning him the Bestseller Award in 2021. His writing style is lively, accessible, and deeply engaging—sometimes technically detailed, sometimes playfully conversational. Reading his work feels like chatting with a tech-savvy friend who’s eager to share smart digital tricks over a cup of coffee.

There are plenty of reasons to read AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start freelancing, a journalist interested in mastering AI-driven investigative tools, or a curious reader eager to understand how AI is reshaping everyday life, this book speaks to all audiences with equal clarity and enthusiasm. Ultimately, Learn AI, Count Money is more than just a book—it’s a complete roadmap for thriving in the era of artificial intelligence.

Speaking about his new release, Mojahidul Islam Dheow shared his vision for the book:“This book reveals countless ways to earn through AI. You can use AI content tools to offer writing services, manage brands and social media accounts, or provide AI-powered SEO solutions. You can even build and sell your own custom GPTs! If you’re creative, AI-generated art and images can become great sources of online income. Similarly, AI-driven affiliate marketing, ad management, and optimization are becoming increasingly popular.

Many people struggle to find the right prompts that bring out useful and engaging responses from ChatGPT. It can be frustrating to spend time crafting questions only to get results that miss the mark. That’s where this guide comes in. In this book, I’ve compiled a collection of over 500 effective prompts designed to spark creative and insightful responses. For example, if you’re writing about travel, instead of asking, ‘Tell me about traveling,’ try, ‘Describe a perfect day in Paris, from breakfast to dinner.’ The same logic applies to IT support—rather than asking, ‘How do I fix my computer?’ ask, ‘How can I speed up my Wi-Fi on Windows 11?’ The more specific your prompt, the clearer and more helpful the answer will be.

Translation and localization services powered by AI also open up easy income opportunities. You can create and sell digital products, offer AI tutoring, or launch online courses. Building AI-powered websites, managing email campaigns, developing chatbots or mobile apps—even automating lead generation—AI offers endless possibilities. Finally, AI is now an incredible assistant in data collection, management, and analysis. You can even generate AI-based video content and monetize it on video platforms.”

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Through AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun, Mojahidul Islam Dheow once again proves his mastery in blending technology with practical wisdom. His latest work doesn’t just teach readers about AI—it empowers them to turn knowledge into action, and curiosity into income, in the exciting new world of artificial intelligence.

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Pre-Orders Open for Mojahidul Islam’s Latest Computer Book ‘AI Shikhun, Taka Gunun’

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Technology writer and journalist Mojahidul Islam Dheow is set to release his new book, “AI Sikhun, Taka Gunun.”

Online pre-orders have already started, and the book is being published by Systech Publications.

In today’s digital age, we stand at a turning point—where simple keystrokes can turn into dollars, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming humanity’s newest coworker.

This book acts as a bridge, connecting learning with earning and blending investigative journalism with awareness-raising for general readers. The book is structured into three parts.

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The first section is designed as an earning guide for young people. It explains how AI content prompts can create opportunities in the freelancing market and how small ideas can grow into significant income streams.

The second section serves as a hands-on investigative handbook for journalists, offering practical tips on using AI tools for data mining, verifying sources, and ensuring cybersecurity.

The third section is aimed at general readers. It presents the opportunities and risks of AI in simple language while also teaching methods for spotting deepfakes and identifying fake news.

Mojahidul Islam Dheow, a Computer Science graduate, has been writing and publishing technology-related books since 2003, with more than a dozen titles to his name.

His book “Web Database Application: MySQL–PHP” was the first Bangla-language book on website database and application development, earning him the Best Author Award in 2021. Dheow’s writing style is lively and accessible—sometimes deeply technical, sometimes witty and lighthearted. His words make readers feel as though they are casually learning new hacks while chatting with a friend.

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This book is equally valuable for three key audiences: those who want to start freelancing but don’t know how to begin, journalists eager to learn the magic of AI-powered data tools, and everyday readers curious about how AI is reshaping our daily lives.

All in all, “AI Sikhun, Taka Gunun” is not just another book—it is a complete roadmap for surviving and thriving in the age of AI.

According to the author, the book will help readers discover numerous exciting ways to earn with AI. These include offering writing services with AI content tools, managing brands and social media accounts, providing AI-powered SEO services, creating and selling custom GPTs, producing AI-generated art and images, affiliate marketing, optimizing paid advertising, offering translation and localization services, developing and selling AI-powered digital products, teaching and hosting online courses, building websites and running email marketing campaigns, creating AI chatbots for businesses, developing mobile apps, automating lead generation, managing and analyzing data, and even producing AI-powered YouTube content.

The printed price is 400 Taka. If pre-ordered, the book can be purchased at a 20% discount for 320 Taka at https://www.rokomari.com/book/504542/ai-shikhun-taka-gunun.

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A10 Networks Expands its Cybersecurity Portfolio with Acquisition of ThreatX Protect

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ThreatX Protect Addresses Critical Need to Protect Against Evolving Application and API Security Threats

To continue to help customers address the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, A10 Networks has acquired the assets and key personnel of ThreatX Protect expanding its cybersecurity portfolio with web application and API protection (WAAP). The acquisition is expected to be modestly accretive to A10’s earnings per share in 2025 and has closed.

Attacks against web applications and application programming interfaces (APIs) are on the rise and are a significant threat to enterprises. ThreatX Protect provides a unique WAAP solution using behavioral and risk profiling to help protect enterprises from evolving threats, including threats to AI applications, which can complement an AI firewall. Delivered as a software-as-a service solution, ThreatX Protect includes API protection, bot management and next-generation web application firewall.

“Expanding the A10 Defend security portfolio with ThreatX Protect gives our customers an additional tool in their strategy to protect against new and evolving threats,” said Dhrupad Trivedi, president and CEO, A10 Networks. “Our strategic focus is on helping enterprises secure their applications and networks from the growing number of threats today, as well as protecting the emerging AI use cases of the future. Adding WAAP to our solution set gives customers additional capabilities to help establish a strong security posture.”

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“We are thrilled that A10 Networks has acquired certain assets of ThreatX, including the brand and the TX Protect WAAP solution to expand A10’s security portfolio,” said Gene Fay, CEO of ThreatX. “A10 has been a fantastic partner throughout this process, and we are confident that our customers and employees will thrive under their leadership.”

As a result of this transition, the remaining assets of ThreatX will be launched as Run Security with TX Prevent, the cutting-edge eBPF-based solution re-launched as RS Prevent.

ThreatX Protect supports A10’s strategy of helping customers deploy A10 security solutions in a hybrid approach to protect apps and APIs running anywhere – public cloud, private cloud, co- location facilities or on-premises. The A10 Defend portfolio of solutions provides DDoS protection, DDoS threat intelligence and web application, and now adds a full-featured WAAP solution all integrated into a single platform with end-to-end delivery and stronger security for mission-critical applications.

Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is consistent with A10’s stated strategy of expanding the Company’s security portfolio to grow in the enterprise market. The acquisition does not represent a material change to the Company’s 2025 financial outlook or long-term business model.

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