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Government Moving To Protect Technology Infrastructure

By: , June 26, 2015

The Key Point:

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining State Minister, Hon. Julian Robinson, says the Government, through the Ministry, is moving to institute measures that will further safeguard the technology infrastructure of key public and private sector institutions against cyber-crimes.
Government Moving To Protect Technology Infrastructure
Photo: Dave Reid
Science, Technology, Energy and Mining State Minister, Hon. Julian Robinson (right), and a Director of the training and development firm, EduCentres Information Services Limited, Richard Shaw, peruse a copy of the United States-based Data Warehouse Institute’s (TDWI) business principles and practices manual, titled ‘Charting the Path to Business Intelligence Success’, being used in EduCentre’s week-long training seminar, from June 24 to July 1, at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston. The seminar, whose participants were addressed by Mr. Robinson on Thursday (June 25), is focusing on Business Intelligence, Big Data, and Analytics.

The Facts

  • Mr. Robinson pointed out that cyber-crime is an “evolving threat” that the administration is cognizant of, and is addressing, proactively.
  • In addition, he said work is also being done with critical financial institutions, pointing out that “many persons are motivated (to engage in cyber-crime) by the prospect of financial gain.”

The Full Story

Science, Technology, Energy and Mining State Minister, Hon. Julian Robinson, says the Government, through the Ministry, is moving to institute measures that will further safeguard the technology infrastructure of key public and private sector institutions against cyber-crimes.

Speaking at a business data, intelligence, and analytics workshop, hosted by training and development firm, EduCentres Information Service Limited, at the Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston, on June 25, Mr. Robinson pointed out that cyber-crime is an “evolving threat” that the administration is cognizant of, and is addressing, proactively.

“We are looking at what we call ‘critical’ agencies that (we believe) persons would have an interest in, and we are ensuring that, at least, in the first instance, there are standards that meet world class requirements, that can deal with the issue of cyber-crime and cyber-security,” he said, citing the Port Authority of Jamaica as one such entity.

In addition, he said work is also being done with critical financial institutions, pointing out that “many persons are motivated (to engage in cyber-crime) by the prospect of financial gain.”

Mr. Robinson said the administration has already initiated several cyber-security measures, particularly over the last year, “when, for whatever reason, Jamaica was the target of about three or four different incidents that we have had to deal with.”

These measures include: amendments to the Cyber-Security Act, which is awaiting Parliament’s approval; formation of a Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT), which will be formally launched shortly; and implementation of a public awareness campaign in July.

Noting that developed countries such as the United States and Canada are “struggling” to deal with ever-present cyber-crimes, Mr. Robinson argued that, “it is harder for smaller countries, like Jamaica, with our (financial and human resource) constraints,”

“We are not folding our hands…and are being proactive, as a Government. This is an issue that, as a country, we have to continuously deal with,” the State Minister said.

Last Updated: June 26, 2015

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