Despite extensive cybersecurity training for government officials, weak security systems continue to be exploited. This raises concerns about whether the focus on security is truly effective or just for show. Are these training programs making a real impact, or is the government failing to address critical vulnerabilities?
Cybersecurity Training for Officials: A Never-Ending Cycle
The Nepalese government recently conducted cybersecurity training for deputy secretaries, focusing on the importance of a ‘Security First Culture.’ While this sounds like progress, the real question remains: How effective are these training sessions when government websites and databases continue to fall prey to basic cyberattacks?
Cybersecurity Talks vs. Ground Reality
The three-day training, organized by the National Cyber Security Center, discussed digital asset protection, risk management, and international cybersecurity standards. Experts shared knowledge about frameworks like NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance. However, despite such training, incidents of government data leaks and hacks remain rampant.
Reality Check: Government Websites Still Vulnerable
Time and again, Nepal’s government portals have been breached, sometimes by amateur hackers. If the state’s digital infrastructure was truly secure, why do cybercriminals easily gain access to confidential data? The phrase ‘hacked by a kid’ is no joke when even high school students have reportedly exposed security flaws in government systems.
The Missing Link: Implementation vs. Theory
Training programs alone won’t solve cybersecurity issues. While officials attend sessions and receive certificates, real-world application remains weak. Many government websites still run on outdated software with minimal security patches. Without proper execution of learned strategies, these workshops serve as little more than formalities.
Need for Action, Not Just Training
The government must prioritize actual implementation rather than just organizing training sessions. Cybersecurity audits, regular penetration testing, and stricter regulations should be enforced to prevent future breaches. Otherwise, no amount of training will stop Nepal’s government systems from becoming easy targets.
Conclusion: Will Things Ever Change?
Despite repeated calls for better cybersecurity, Nepal’s digital infrastructure remains fragile. Until the government takes concrete steps beyond theoretical training, the phrase ‘lastma result hacked by kid’ will continue to haunt the nation’s cybersecurity reputation. The real challenge is not learning cybersecurity but applying it effectively.
