Government monitoring cyber threats with firm, coordinated response – Minister Chang

As Jamaica becomes more digitally connected with the government rolling out e-services, the Government is reassuring the public that trust, awareness, and partnership are critical.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Horace Chang says the government has made adjustments to legislation, investments in technology, training and infrastructure and is monitoring the country’s cyberspace to safeguard the nation’s citizens and digital economy.

“We have revised the Cybercrimes Act to ensure it remains relevant and robust ... we passed the Data Protection Act that your personal information is handled with the utmost care and security,” Minister Chang explained.

As he addressed the audience on Wednesday (August 20) at the Ministry of National Security’s CyberSMART Community Campaign event held at the Glendevon Primary and Infant School, he outlined that “our agencies maintain active partnerships with international and regional partners such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), USAID, the Organization of American States (OAS) and CARICOM.”

In highlighting Jamaica’s transformative journey in responding to cyber threats, he noted that the government is strengthening reporting systems through the Jamaica Constabulary Force, to enable citizens to report incidents quickly and get help when and where it is needed.

Minister Chang further underscored the urgent need for a shift in how Jamaica approaches cybersecurity in an era of rapid digital transformation and made it clear that cybersecurity is no longer an abstract or distant matter.

“Cyberbullies are coming on stream which can damage your children permanently... you have to pay attention to these things,” he warned parents in attendance.

Launched to directly engage citizens through an immersive community-focused activity aimed at building cyber safety and resilience, the Security Minister used the occasion of the community activity to highlight that “in the first six months of this year (2025) more than 200 cyber incidents were reported,” and pointed out that “it affects every Jamaican household, every Jamaican business, and all the communities across our beloved country.”

“Cybersecurity begins at home... I encourage you: take what you learn here today and apply it in your daily lives. Practise safe online habits, protect your personal information and share these lessons with your children, neighbours, and friends,” was the stark reminder from the Security Minister.

Under the theme ‘Building CyberSMART Communities, One Community at a Time’ discussions at the community activity were centred on strengthening Jamaica’s cyber defences, fostering public-private collaboration, and ensuring that businesses and government entities are equipped to tackle emerging cyber threats.