Gov't guarding against cyber threats, says Chang

Minister of National Security, Dr Horace Chang, says the Government is committed to putting strategies in place in order to protect the country against cyber threats.

Chang noted that the development and use of new technologies, e-services and interconnected networks over the last few decades have seen a rise in cyberattacks, as cyber criminals take advantage of these advancements to commit crimes.

“We are cognisant of the associated increase in electronic financial crime. For instance, online banking has served as a tremendous convenience for businesses and individuals alike, but local financial institutions have disclosed considerable losses,” he pointed out.

Chang was delivering the keynote address at the University of the West Indies (UWI)/Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Cybersecurity Workshop on Wednesday at Up Park Camp in St Andrew.

Citing measures already put in place, he pointed to the development of a National Cybersecurity Strategy aimed at creating a more secure online space for Jamaicans.

“Within the Cybersecurity Strategy, there is strategic intent and focus on the key areas of legislation, capability and capacity building, private sector and government partnerships and a programme of cybersecurity education,” he said.

Chang further pointed to the work of the Cyber Incident Response Team, which is charged with detecting cyber threats and alerting the Government to such incidents.

“The team serves as our first line of defence and provides mitigation strategies should a compromise occur,” he said.

In addition, he noted that the Jamaica Constabulary Force’ Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch is dedicated to cybercrime investigations and meeting the increasing digital forensic demands of the police force.

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