Jamaica has recently grabbed the top position in cybersecurity in the Caribbean on the Global Cybersecurity Index, according to a report produced by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The Index featured 134 member states who responded to questions based on the core areas of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA).
The survey, which was conducted in 2016 through an online platform, also measured the efforts taken by all the 193 member states to improve their cybersecurity structure by working on legislations, projects and programs, cooperation, and capacity building.
Though Dr. Andrew Wheatley, the Minister for Science, Energy, and Technology, was optimist about the rewards and recognition, and the efforts of the Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT), MOCA and Communications Forensics and Cybercrimes Unit (CFCU), he said that more efforts are needed to maintain the stature and show consistent improvement.
The cybersecurity scenario in Jamaica has changed a lot in the recent times, but the government is eyeing opportunities to improve its public education system. Commenting on the situation, Wheatley said, “There is room for capacity building and cooperation between the public and private sector at all levels but we remain committed to meeting all international standards and best practices.”