Caribbean Life published an article on March 21, 2014, about Jamaica getting help from the OAS in developing a National Cyber Security Strategy. Here’s a quick summary just for you.
The Organization of American States (OAS) reports it is helping Jamaica to develop A National Cyber Security Strategy. The Washington-based hemispheric body said its Inter-American Counter-Terrorism Committee (CICTE) concluded a three-day visit to Jamaica as part of the government’s technical assistance for the strategy. The OAS said CICTE’s Cyber Security Program would coordinate the initiative in collaboration with Jamaica’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining.
Key points:
- OAS security specialists led the Jamaica visit, with participation from Commonwealth members, the OAS said. It said expert advice was given on different approaches that can be taken in developing and implementing the national strategy.
- It said the three-day activity is part of a broader offer of assistance aimed at helping Jamaica develop its national cyber security strategy, and “will continue with adequate follow-up support to facilitate the expedient development and strategy adoption.”
- Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Science Energy and Mining, Julian Robinson, said the Jamaican government recognizes Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as one of the most significant enablers for achieving its dream of economic and social growth. Robinson further stated that Portia Simpson Miller administration has embarked on various cyber security initiatives, including strengthening cybercrime legislation.
- The CICTE Cyber Security Program is the product of a 2004 OAS General Assembly decision to adopt a Comprehensive Inter-American Cyber Security Strategy.
- “The organization was mandated to develop its member states’ cyber security capabilities with a focus on setting up Computer Security and Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), to raise awareness of the importance of cyber issues and the creation of a cyber security culture; and support the development of cyber security policy frameworks,” the OAS said.
- As such, the program has assisted 19 member states as of 2013, including many in the Caribbean, by working closely with governments to establish national CSIRTs.
Reference: caribbeanlifenews.com
Contributed by: Sabrina Shim, from Jamaica. Sabrina is a member of the WISC Discord group. Learn more about WISC (Women in InfoSec Caribbean) at wiscaribbean.org. WISC is a non-profit initiative supporting Caribbean women and girls to develop a career in Information Security.