RELIANCE

Sensitive personal information of Bangladeshi citizens—including national identity records, call histories, phone locations and financial data—is reportedly being offered for sale online, raising serious questions about data protection and the security of databases held by public and private institutions. Investigations have found sellers openly advertising access to sensitive information through Facebook, Telegram, WhatsApp and dedicated websites, with buyers allegedly able to obtain different categories of personal data in exchange for money. The information being offered reportedly includes National ID (NID) records, call detail records (CDRs), mobile phone locations, SMS lists, birth-registration records, passport information, tax identification numbers (TINs), IMEI details and mobile financial service statements. The reported availability of such information has raised concerns that the problem may extend beyond isolated online fraud and could involve a broader system for obtai...

Smartphones have become digital vaults for personal and financial information, making a strong screen lock one of the first lines of defence against unauthorised access. Beyond calls and photographs, modern phones store banking details, emails, social media accounts, private images, documents and other sensitive information. If a device is lost or stolen, the strength of its screen lock can determine how difficult it is for someone else to access that data. The choice between a password and a PIN, however, is not simply a question of which one is longer. Security also depends on how difficult the credential is to guess and whether users can maintain good security practices without resorting to unsafe shortcuts. A strong password is not always the most practical choice A long, complex password can provide strong protection, particularly when it is difficult to predict. But entering a complicated password every time a phone is unlocked can become inconvenient for many users. That in...

TECHNOLOGY DESK: Social media has become an integral part of modern life, serving as a platform for communication, professional networking and sharing everyday experiences. But information that appears harmless at first glance can sometimes create serious risks to personal privacy and security. A single post may not reveal much. However, when information from multiple posts, photographs and comments is combined, it can potentially provide others with a detailed picture of a person's identity, location, daily routine or financial activities. That is why users should think beyond what they are posting and consider who can access the information and how it could potentially be used . Government ID and Passport Images Photographs of national identity cards, passports, birth certificates and other official identification documents should generally not be posted publicly. Such documents can contain sensitive information, including names, dates of birth and identification numbers. Postin...

DHAKA: Infinix has expanded its smartphone lineup in Bangladesh with the arrival of the Hot 70 Pro 5G , a feature-rich handset aimed at consumers seeking high-speed connectivity, strong everyday performance and enhanced mobile entertainment. The new model combines a MediaTek 5G processor, a high-refresh-rate display, a Sony imaging sensor, AI-powered camera functions and a high-capacity battery. The company is positioning the device around the theme “Multi-Dimensional Satisfaction, Master’s Choice,” with an emphasis on performance, photography, design and endurance. Built for Speed and Everyday Performance The Hot 70 Pro 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 5G chipset, providing support for next-generation mobile connectivity alongside processing capabilities suited to everyday applications and demanding tasks. To maintain a smooth user experience over an extended period, Infinix has incorporated its 72-Month Fluency Technology . The company says the technology is intended t...

BANKURA, India: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has launched a fundraising campaign to collect ₹5 million to support Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, a 25-year-old man whose father died after an alleged assault in Bankura, West Bengal. The party says Hafiz and his father, Mafik, were attacked at their home after Hafiz raised concerns about the poor condition of a government school in their village. According to the CJP, several armed men entered Hafiz’s home in Karisunda village, under the Indas police station area of Bankura district, on August 13 and assaulted both him and his father. Hafiz reportedly suffered serious injuries to his neck, while his father sustained severe head injuries. Mafik died in hospital on August 15, the party said. The CJP has linked the alleged attack to Hafiz’s participation in its “Fix the School” campaign. The party said Hafiz had visited a local government school on August 13 as part of the initiative and highlighted what it described as serious deficiencies in th...

BARCELONA: Barcelona have shifted their attention to Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus after failing to secure their preferred target, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, as the Catalan club looks to strengthen its attack during the summer transfer window. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have agreed to release the Brazil international for around €10 million, plus additional performance-related terms . Jesus has reportedly travelled to Spain to undergo his medical as the final stages of the transfer move forward. Alvarez had been Barcelona’s primary attacking target throughout the summer. However, Atletico Madrid maintained that the Argentina international was not available for transfer, forcing Barcelona to explore alternative options. The move for Jesus now appears to provide Barcelona with an experienced attacking option at a considerably lower cost than the deal they had initially pursued for Alvarez. Jesus joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 and i...