Title: Jamaica’s Cybersecurity Under Threat: 19 Million Attacks in First Half of 2023
Subhead: Cybercriminals target Jamaica in global wave of sophisticated attacks, experts warn
- Jamaica faces more than 19 million cyberattacks in the first half of 2023, according to recent data 1
- Frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks increasing, posing risks to critical infrastructure 2
- Cybercriminals use DDoS attacks, malware infections, and ransomware to target Jamaican organizations 2
Dr. Marion Bullock-DuCasse, President of the Jamaica Information Sciences Association (JISA), on the threats:
Local cybersecurity firms report surge in attacks
- Companies like CyberGuard and CybSafe report a surge in cyberattacks 1
- Reasons for increase: reliance on digital platforms, lack of cybersecurity awareness, outdated software and hardware 3
Sophisticated attacks on the rise
- Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like machine learning and AI to evade detection 3
- Major Jamaican bank’s firewall bypassed, leaving it vulnerable to data breaches 3
Dr. Bullock-DuCasse’s perspective:
- Attacks calculated and targeted, designed to exploit vulnerabilities and cause maximum damage 3
- Costs of not taking cybersecurity seriously include financial loss, reputation, and public trust 5
Cybersecurity experts urge action
- Jamaican government and organizations must invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and protocols 5
- Employees must be educated on best practices 5
Individuals and businesses must protect themselves
- Use strong passwords, install antivirus software, be wary of phishing scams 5