Bangladesh Cyber Security Intelligence (BCSI), is pleased to announce the launch of the National Vulnerability Disclosure Program (NVDP), a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity posture of the nation. This program establishes a secure platform for ethical hackers, cybersecurity researchers, and organizations to collaborate in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities that pose risks to government systems, critical infrastructure, and private organizations.
As digital transformation accelerates across all sectors, the risks associated with cybersecurity threats continue to grow. Recognizing the urgent need to protect the nation’s digital assets, the NVDP is designed to harness the skills and expertise of the best cybersecurity talents in the country. By encouraging responsible vulnerability disclosure, the program ensures potential threats are addressed proactively and effectively.
Vision and Objectives of NVDP
The National Vulnerability Disclosure Program (NVDP) is an essential step in the government’s vision of a secure, resilient, and self-reliant digital Bangladesh. Key objectives of the program include:
- Strengthening National Cybersecurity: Providing a structured mechanism to identify and address vulnerabilities in critical systems before they can be exploited.
- Empowering Ethical Hackers: Offering a platform for Bangladesh’s top cybersecurity talents to contribute to national security while gaining recognition and rewards for their efforts.
- Protecting Critical Sectors: Collaborating with financial institutions, critical infrastructure organizations, and government agencies to ensure their security against emerging threats.
- Fostering Public-Private Collaboration: Creating synergies between government bodies and private organizations to raise the standards of cybersecurity in Bangladesh.
Key Features of NVDP
The NVDP is built on the principles of transparency, integrity, and security, and is guided by the following core features:
- Verified Researcher Participation: Only verified and identity-verified cybersecurity researchers will have access to the NVDP platform, ensuring that all participants meet the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
- Confidentiality and Safe Harbor: Researchers’ identities and vulnerability reports are handled with strict confidentiality, and the program provides a safe harbor for researchers to report vulnerabilities without fear of retribution.
- Structured Agreements: Participating organizations sign comprehensive agreements outlining the program’s scope, safe harbor provisions, and codes of conduct, fostering a collaborative and legally secure environment.
- Controlled Access to Programs: NVDP operates on an invite-only mechanism, ensuring that only qualified researchers are assigned to specific programs based on their expertise and the sensitivity of the target scope.
Empowering Cybersecurity Talent
NVDP goes beyond vulnerability disclosure by focusing on talent development and capacity building. This initiative provides a platform to identify, nurture, and empower the top cybersecurity professionals in Bangladesh, offering them opportunities to:
- Secure National Assets: Work on securing critical government and private sector systems, including financial institutions and critical infrastructure.
- Earn Recognition and Rewards: Receive financial incentives, professional acknowledgment, and career development opportunities for their contributions.
- Develop Expertise: Gain access to exclusive programs and challenges that enhance their skills and knowledge in cybersecurity.
By fostering a community of skilled professionals, NVDP aims to establish Bangladesh as a global leader in cybersecurity talent and innovation.
Live Hacking Events
As part of the NVDP launch, BCSI will host exclusive Live Hacking Events to bring together top researchers for real-time vulnerability assessment and mitigation efforts. Key highlights of these events include:
- Curated Participation: A selected pool of skilled and verified researchers will engage in testing pre-vetted programs to ensure quality and minimize risk.
- Event-Specific Credentials: Researchers will receive exclusive credentials and guidelines for secure penetration testing activities during the event.
- Collaborative Testing Environment: Programs will be carefully designed to handle large-scale testing while maintaining operational stability.
- Recognition for Excellence: Researchers demonstrating exceptional performance will be acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions.
These events will serve as a platform to showcase the capabilities of Bangladeshi cybersecurity professionals while highlighting the importance of proactive defense strategies.
How to Get Involved
For Researchers:
Ethical hackers and cybersecurity researchers are encouraged to join NVDP as verified participants. The onboarding process includes:
- Submitting proof of competency, such as bug hunting experience, certifications, or CTF participation.
- Completing identity verification to become an officially recognized NVDP researcher.
- Gaining access to private programs tailored to your expertise and interests.
For Organizations:
Government and private sector organizations can collaborate with NVDP to safeguard their systems and infrastructure. By participating in the program, organizations will:
- Gain access to a pool of top cybersecurity talent.
- Receive detailed vulnerability reports and mitigation strategies.
- Enhance their overall cybersecurity posture through proactive measures.
Call to Action
The NVDP invites all cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and organizations to be a part of the National Vulnerability Disclosure Program (NVDP). Together, we can build a safer and more secure digital future for Bangladesh, ensuring the protection of our critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
