Jamaica strengthening cybersecurity to mitigate threats

As the Government intensifies investments in the development of a digital economy locally to drive national development, robust security measures are being put in place to mitigate the threat of cybercrime, says National Security Minister, Dr Horace Chang.

Speaking at the Global Services Association of Jamaica (GSAJ) President's Breakfast Forum in Montego Bay today, Chang noted that the global cyber-threat landscape continues to evolve with more sophisticated cyberattacks such as ransomware, supply chain attacks, and State-sponsored cyber espionage.

As such, he said, the Government is actively strengthening the national cybersecurity infrastructure and investing in response capabilities.

“You will recall that last year Senator Dana Morris Dixon was appointed Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Skills and Digital Transformation,” Chang said.

“Given her expertise in this area, Senator Morris Dixon is providing guidance and support to our cybersecurity development, to ensure that we have the requisite skills and the agility to respond and take advantage of the rapidly changing digital environment of the fourth industrial revolution.”

Chang, who is also deputy prime minister, further pointed out that the Data Protection Act, passed in 2020, has been in force since December 1, 2023, providing a necessary safeguard and operating framework for handling personal information.

The legislation has prompted companies to adjust how they “collect, store, manage, disclose, and dispose of personal information” to ensure compliance.

“The Government is already making the necessary investments in these areas and has positioned our law-enforcement agencies to provide leadership and support through research, innovation, specialised training, as we pursue national economic development while guaranteeing your cybersecurity,” Dr Chang underscored.

Looking ahead, he said the public and private sectors must now take a proactive approach to mitigating risks, leveraging advanced technologies, and adapting to the evolving threat landscape and regulatory environment.

The GSAJ President's Breakfast Forum, which focused on security threats to the global services sector, featured panel discussions involving representatives from the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division, the Office of the Information Commissioner and more.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.