“Cyber threats do not respect borders, and they certainly do not discriminate,” was the message delivered by Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security at its inaugural CyberSMART Conference.
“It is no longer a question of whether an attack will happen, but when. That is why cybersecurity awareness is a necessity, as it gives each of us an advantage,” the Permanent Secretary said during her welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the two-day Conference being held at the AC Hotel in Kingston on Tuesday (February 11).
The biennial conference which is being held under the theme: “Stay Safe in Cyberspace”, aims to highlight the dangers that exist online and offers practical solutions for protecting organisations and individuals alike.
Ambassador Stone Roofe noted that cybersecurity is not just a matter for tech experts, but is a concern for everyone including government officials, business leaders, educators or everyday internet users.
“We are all potential targets in an increasingly digital world. We can all attest to frequent attacks island-wide, ranging from financial institutions to medical systems and facilities. That is precisely why we are here today, because securing our cyberspace requires collective action,” the Permanent Secretary explained.
She added that the Government of Jamaica has taken significant steps to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity framework, noting that “our legislative landscape is evolving to address the complexities of modern cybercrime, with key instruments such as the Cybercrimes Act empowering law enforcement to track and prosecute offenders”.
The Permanent Secretary stated that the forthcoming National Cybersecurity Act will provide a robust legal foundation to govern the country’s digital ecosystem while reinforcing Jamaica’s commitment to a safer cyberspace.
She pointed out that beyond legislation, Jamaica continues to build resilience through the National Cybersecurity Strategy, a framework focused on securing critical infrastructure while preventing cybercrime and educating the public.
“At the heart of cybersecurity is not just technology, but people. We cannot rely solely on firewalls and encryption. We must also invest in education, awareness and human capacity,” Ambassador Stone Roofe emphasised.
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