Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, the Hon. Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, says that increasing reliance on technology is driving Jamaica’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity thrust and that females in particular must be encouraged to pursue careers in the cybersecurity sector, through technology training.
The State Minister made the remarks while speaking at the SheSecures Jamaica Award Ceremony on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the Banquet Hall, Office of the Prime Minister.
“By encouraging our females to do so, we can harness the unique talents and perspectives that women bring to the table, enhancing innovation and broadening the fields to foster positive change towards a more inclusive and equitable society,” Minister Cuthbert-Flynn said.
There have been over 19 million attempted cyberattacks recorded in Jamaica during the first half of 2023, and this, according to Minister Cuthbert-Flynn, indicates the “value that cybersecurity professionals play in safeguarding Jamaica’s digital infrastructure against ongoing and emerging threats”.
Meanwhile, the Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with oversight for Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, says effectively tackling cybercrime will require a fresh look at the legislation.
“This legislation will be needed to prescribe the framework for strengthening our digital infrastructure to protect our cyber assets,” the Senator said.
She further stated that the National Cyber Response Team is collaborating with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to review the current cybersecurity ecosystem in Jamaica and to recommend the introduction of stronger legislation where necessary.
She stated that legislation must move beyond merely identifying the types of cybercrimes to also ensure that it prescribes the protection of the country’s national cyberinfrastructure.
The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) walked away the overall winner while teams from the Major Organised Crime Agency (MOCA) finished second and third overall. The St. Elizabeth Technical High School won first, second, and third place in the High School category. Meanwhile, Lanique Green (MOCA) copped the top prize for Team of One highest score.
The SheSecures Jamaica Virtual Cyber Competition took place on (March 20-22, 2024), and attracted over one hundred (100) registrants resulting in eighty-four (84) actual participants.
SheSecures is a gender-based cybersecurity competition, developed within the framework of various gender and cybersecurity initiatives promoted by the OAS/CICTE, to foster diversity and encourage more women to pursue careers in the cybersecurity sector.
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