HackerOne Bug Hunt 2024 brings cybersecurity competition to Dhaka

The HackerOne Bug Hunt 2024, one of Bangladesh's largest cybersecurity competitions, took place at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka on November 16, 2024. The event, organised by the Bug Bounty Community Bangladesh and supported by various cybersecurity partners, aimed to bolster the country's cybersecurity capabilities and raise awareness among professionals and students alike.

The day-long event began at 9:00 AM with 60 finalists, who were chosen from an initial pool of 300 ethical hackers through a rigorous online screening process. Participants were tasked with identifying vulnerabilities in various web platforms and presenting potential solutions. Sheikh Ali Akbar was crowned the champion, with Md. Karimul Islam Shezan and Mohammad Rhidoy securing the second and third positions, respectively.

The top performers shared a total prize pool of 1.5 lakh BDT, recognising their efforts in addressing cybersecurity challenges. The event served as a platform for participants to demonstrate their skills while encouraging greater interest in cybersecurity among the youth.

In addition to the competition, the event featured a conference attended by over 300 cybersecurity professionals and students. Esteemed speakers included A. S. M. Shamim Reza, Kaiser Yousuf Reagan, Muztahidul Islam Tanim, and others who provided insights on topics like web application security, malware prevention, and strategies to advance Bangladesh's cybersecurity posture.

Bangladesh Cyber Security Intelligence (BCSI), the event's power sponsor, made two significant announcements: the launch of the National Vulnerability Disclosure Program (NVDP) and the Crowdsourced Emergency Response Team (CS-CERT). Both initiatives are designed to enhance the nation's digital security by fostering collaboration between the government and cybersecurity experts.

The event was attended by high-profile guests, including Shish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, who served as the chief guest, and Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Joint Secretary and Director of the iDEA Project, as a special guest. Both officials commended the event for its role in nurturing cybersecurity talent and fostering a secure digital environment in Bangladesh.