Technology Minister Requests Audit of all Gov’t Websites

Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, has requested that a comprehensive audit and assessment plan be prepared and implemented to determine the current state of vulnerability of all government websites.

Making his contribution to the 2016/17 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on  June 21, Dr. Wheatley explained that over the past two years numerous government websites have seen an increase in the number of cyber attacks, including defacements, denial of service and more recently spear phishing and ransomware.

“In some cases, critical systems have been taken offline in an effort to protect us against malicious threats. This level of vulnerability is not acceptable,” the Minister emphasised.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wheatley said by this time next year, the Government will table a new Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act, which will repeal the 16-year-old Telecoms Act.

“We have talked about it long enough. This administration will make it happen. A key component outcome of this new Act will be the creation of a Single ICT Regulator,” he noted.

The Minister also informed that the Government intends to table a Data Protection Act, which is aimed at protecting personal information in cyberspace.

“With increased use of technology and the use of electronic methods of storing data, we must ensure that the personal information of the people of Jamaica is safe and secure. The protection of our information is a right, not a privilege,” Dr. Wheatley said.