Govt eyes improving cybersecurity across the island

Over the years, cybersecurity has become a major issue not only in Antigua and Barbuda but around the world.

In many instances, hackers have left families and businesses picking back up the pieces of their lives due to online financial scams or them gaining access to personal information to orchestrate other fraud related activities.

And while, the fight is on to improve cybersecurity channels across the world, some Caribbean islands like Antigua and Barbuda have been a bit behind.

That however seems to be changing. According to Minister of ICTs (Information Communication Technologies) Melford Nicholas.

“Well, later on this year, and I’m thinking about September, we will be completing the cycle of establishing our own CERT, which is the Computer Emergency Response Teams within the Ministry of ICT itself, but that CERT will be responsible for overseeing the cybersecurity function in all government departments and once they are fully established and in tune with their own work, we will move to establish a national CERT  that will be working with other organizations outside of the central government to include the statutory bodies and companies like the telecommunications operators.

“Because the thing about cybersecurity is that the attacks could come from anywhere and we have had certain cyber attacks, some targeting specific industry players like the gaming operators and it has had the effect of rendering networks of at least one operator crippled and inoperable for a period of time.So, cybersecurity is everybody’s business, but we are doing that. I’m satisfied that we have the intellectual leadership to get to the front of that line,” Nicholas stated.

Ironically while, Minister Nicholas touched on this topic, Antigua and Barbuda is hosting a two-day workshop with the law enforcement from around the region focusing on the subject.

The event began at the John E. St Luce Finance and Conference Centre on Tuesday.

The Caribbean Law Enforcement Leaders’ Cybersecurity Symposium will run from July 8-9.

It is being hosted by the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS) in collaboration with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

It will enhance cross-jurisdictional cooperation and information sharing, provide expert analysis of emerging cybercrime trends and investigative responses and facilitate direct dialogue between law enforcement, policy makers, regional registries, and judicial stakeholders.

Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin made the proposal for hosting after receiving the request from ARIN and CAJS.

It was approved by Cabinet.