Government Employees Being Trained in Cybersecurity

The Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology, through its Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT), will be training 80 Government information and communications technology (ICT) experts over the next two days.

Sponsored by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO) and the Ministry, the training workshop is aimed at enhancing the education of these ICT professionals in basic cyber standards that should be adopted.

Senior Advisor to the Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Trevor Forrest, speaking at the opening of the workshop in Kingston, said that one of the imperatives of the Government is to create a knowledge-based society, which involves the increased use of technology.

“This increased use of technology not only brings increased opportunities for economic development and growth, but also increased opportunities for cybercrime,” he noted.

Mr. Forrest said that as criminals get more exposed, there will be a rise in cases, including identity and credit card information theft. “This is the reason cybersecurity and cyber standards are of such great importance, and also the reason for the workshop,” he explained.

He pointed out that Jamaica has already started taking major steps to fight against cyberthreats, including launching the cybersecurity strategy; building and developing capacity; bolstering technical measures; creating the legal and regulatory framework as well as raising public awareness.

The Senior Advisor reminded that Cyber Security Awareness Month was observed in October, with the Government undertaking activities to promote public awareness.