Gov't working to secure Jamaicans against cyber threats, says Chang

By Halshane Burke    

 

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang says the government is committed to protecting Jamaicans from cyber threats.

 

Dr. Chang says it is critically important that the nation is kept informed about the reality and the risk of cybercrimes through education and collaboration in the ongoing fight.

 

He stressed that the increased use of digital technology in criminal activity has placed additional pressures on the nation's law enforcement agencies which are charged with confronting these sophisticated forms of crime.

 

The National Security Minister says the government has prioritised education and training as foundational steps in safeguarding citizens against cyber risks. 

 

"We must also provide investment in cutting-edge technology. The government has done a number of initiatives to strengthen our law enforcement agencies. A prime example of the government's commitment in this regard is the increased budgetary allocation towards the strengthening of the nation's cyber infrastructure. The government is also committed to strengthening the cyber investigative capacity of the law enforcement arm," he said. 

 

According to Dr. Chang, the Pro-Cyber project - a partnership between the Ministry of National Security and the Jamaica Constabulary Force Communication, Forensic and Cyber Division - continues to bolster the Jamaica's cybercrime investigative capabilities through four key areas: training and development, technical equipment, software licensing, and workspace renovation. 

 

These initiatives, he said, will empower the country to confront evolving cyber threats and advancing cyber security capabilities.  

 

Dr. Chang was speaking Thursday at the Major Organised Crime Agency and the Mona School of Business and Management Public Lecture held at the University of the West Indies.