Talks about transforming the country into a Smart one through proper digitization are becoming increasingly louder. While progressing towards that goal, it is necessary to build necessary protective shields against cyber threats. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) due to lack of expertise and resources are more vulnerable to breach of cyber security than resourceful large enterprises. To discuss the issues relevant to it, the Inspira Advisory & Consulting Limited, under a project funded by USAID, organised a Policy Dialogue on 'MSME Digital Security and Data Protection Challenges' on 9th June 2024, at the BRAC Centre Inn. A diverse panel comprising experts, entrepreneurs, academics and professionals discussed issues surrounding new policies on cybersecurity, data protection, and digital commerce. Speaking at the dialogue, experts and industry stakeholders emphasized the necessity of making coordinated efforts by various ministries and departments to formulate new laws, rules, and regulations on MSMEs' cybersecurity. They called for continuous government dialogue with stakeholders, private sector leaders, experts, and civil society to ensure well-informed decision-making and policy synchronization. Following are some important quotes from the speakers who took part in the dialogue:
