Kathmandu, June 11 -- Last month's blackout of 13 government websites sparked a much-needed debate around cybersecurity in Nepal. Under the shadow of the blackout, the government made a push for systems around digital tax collection and payment gateways. While these services would help nudge Nepal towards a long overdue digital revolution, they also open up Nepali cyberspace to increased risk. Past cyber-attacks on websites in Nepal have primarily been motivated by mischief but as more sensitive data finds space on digital servers, these motivations might change.

As Nepal goes digital, vital questions around the safety of information arise. How safe is Nepal's cyberspace seems to be a question with difficult answers. While there has been...