Could our personal information already be in the wrong hands? And is Bhutan prepared to defend itself against rising cyber threats? These concerns took over the centre stage at Bhutan’s inaugural Governance, Risk and Compliance conference on tackling cybersecurity resilience.
From mobile banking to online services, and even clicking on ads that request personal or organisational information, Bhutanese are increasingly connected to cyberspace, making personal data more vulnerable than ever.
So, how can individuals stay safe?
Just as a home key is never given to someone untrusted, and ATM PINs are not shared even with relatives, the same principle applies in cyberspace.
“Protecting data can begin with simple, low-cost measures, but it requires properly managing basic safeguards. Strong password practices are essential, and these should be reinforced with additional layers of security. Whether using services like Gmail, Microsoft, or other platforms, enabling multi-factor authentication, such as OTPs or other added security features, provides an extra layer of protection. These methods remain among the most effective and long-standing tools for safeguarding information,” said Deepesh Chitroda, Cybersecurity Expert, NUK 9 Private Limited.
Experts say that as Bhutan becomes more digital, current approaches to cybersecurity are no longer enough. A country needs to move beyond following rules only on paper and build stronger systems. It has become more than just a formality with people using AI on a daily basis.
“There’s no need to fear that AI will automatically steal personal or organisational data. While using free versions may involve some targeted data collection, subscription-based models offer greater security. In these cases, data remains under the user’s control and can be deleted at any time,” said Deepesh Chitroda, Cybersecurity Expert, NUK 9 Private Limited.
Bhutan is doing everything to deal with the problem, including the National Digital Identity system to protect users and reduce fraud. But most importantly, how you use the internet plays a crucial role in staying safe online.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
