Activities to Promote Safer Online Practices During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Several activities have been planned for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM) 2026, which will be observed in October under the theme ‘One Nation, Cyber Strong’.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on September 24, Director of the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Division, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling, said the month-long observance is intended to raise awareness of cyberthreat, encourage safer online behaviour and strengthen Jamaica’s cyber resilience.

“October is one month when government, industry, schools, households and all Jamaicans lean in to raise cybersecurity awareness. The 2026 campaign intends to convert this attention into behaviour change, while putting focus on the talent pipeline and testing national cyber readiness,” he said.

Activities will include weekly lectures, immersive sessions and webinars focused on strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), phishing awareness and keeping software updated.

A major highlight will be the Cyber Careers Symposium at the Festo Auditorium, Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) on October 13.

The event will bring together students, educators, employers and cybersecurity professionals to explore career opportunities in the sector through recruitment activities, CV clinics, mentoring sessions and panel discussions on education, certifications and workforce development.

Another key feature will be CyberXjm26, Jamaica’s national cybersecurity exercise, scheduled for October 28 and 29.

The exercise will test the country’s ability to respond to, and coordinate during a major cyber incident, bringing together participants from government agencies, academia, critical infrastructure entities and private-sector organisations.

Lieutenant Colonel Sterling said the exercise will include four competition tracks targeting schools, universities, cybersecurity enthusiasts and professional incident-response teams.

The month’s activities will culminate with the National Cybersecurity Awareness Day (NCAD26) National Cyber Exposé at The Mico University College Gymnasium on October 29.

The event will feature exhibits, demonstrations and interactive showcases highlighting Jamaica’s cybersecurity progress, current capabilities and future priorities.

It will also commemorate more than a decade of Jamaica’s national cyber incident-response capability by recognising founding contributors and volunteers who have supported the country’s cybersecurity efforts.

Throughout October, members of the public will also be invited to participate in a Staying Safe Online social media blitz, featuring cybersecurity tips, educational content, interactive activities and giveaways promoting safer online behaviour.

The CIRT Division is encouraging Jamaicans to participate in the month’s activities and adopt safe online practices as part of the collective effort to build a more secure and resilient digital environment.