Nepal’s Digital Awakening: Is Our Cybersecurity Infrastructure Catching Up?

Nepal is getting more digital every year. People use the internet for everything now, banking, shopping, studying, and even government services. It’s a big shift. But with every step forward, there are new risks too. That’s where cybersecurity comes in, protecting our data and digital spaces from danger.

So here’s the real question: is Nepal ready for what’s coming?

More Internet, More Trouble?

According to 2024 reports from the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, over 90% of the population now has internet access. That’s a huge jump in just a few years.

But here’s the catch. More users mean more room for problems. In 2020, fake SMS messages were sent to Nabil Bank customers, tricking people into giving away private information. In 2022, the Nepal Electricity Authority was hit by ransomware. Their systems got locked, and services were disrupted for days.

These weren’t just one-off cases. They’re warnings.

Why We’re Still Behind

Let’s be honest. Nepal doesn’t have enough trained cybersecurity professionals yet. Businesses, health systems, and even schools all rely on digital tools now. But most don’t have experts to secure those systems.

That’s where training matters. Organizations like Cyber Security Help Nepal, ICT Frame, and the Center for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CSRI) are offering education. You can even check out this cybersecurity course in Nepal if you’re thinking of getting into the field. These courses help people learn real-world skills, not just theory.

Small Businesses at Risk

Most small businesses in Nepal don’t use strong passwords. Many never update their software. According to a Freedom Forum Nepal report in 2023, this makes them easy targets for hackers. And the truth is, they usually don’t realize it until it’s too late.

The government did launch the Digital Nepal Framework in 2019. It helped get people online, but cybersecurity wasn’t its main focus. Experts say that part still needs serious attention.

Cybersecurity Can’t Wait

In 2024, The Kathmandu Post reported that cybersecurity job demand grew by 40% in just two years. That’s a massive jump.

Institutions like CSRI, ICT Frame, UpSkills Nepal, and Cyber Security Help Nepal are stepping in. Their training covers everything, from ethical hacking and digital safety to incident response. These aren’t just techy theory classes either. Many offer hands-on practice and real tools.

And anyone, yes, even without a tech background, can get started with a basic cybersecurity course in Nepal.

So, what’s next?

If Nepal wants to keep moving forward digitally, we can’t ignore cybersecurity. It’s not just about blocking hackers. It’s about protecting people, businesses, and trust.

What needs to happen now:

• More support from the government
• Better training options across provinces
• Awareness programs for everyday users
• Stronger security rules for small businesses

We’ve made progress. But we’re not there yet.

Final Thoughts

Nepal is growing fast online. But cybercrime is growing just as fast, maybe faster. We’ve already seen what happens when systems aren’t protected. Now’s the time to act.

Training matters. Awareness matters. And together, through institutions like CSRI, Cyber Security Help Nepal, ICT Frame, and others, including UpSkills Nepal, we can get ahead of the risks.

Because the internet should be a place to grow, not something to fear.