Puerto Rico Takes a Unified Approach to Combat Cybersecurity Threats in Finance Sector

Puerto Rico’s Innovation and Technology Service (Prits) has launched an initiative called the Puerto Rico Cyber Force, aimed at increasing measures to prevent and mitigate cyberattacks. This alliance brings together local government, federal authorities, and nonprofit organizations to combat cybersecurity threats.

The Puerto Rico Cyber Force

The Puerto Rico Cyber Force is a collaboration between:

Prits
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Puerto Rico Department of Public Safety (DSP)
Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)
Obsidis Consortia, a nonprofit organization

The group will conduct: + Cybersecurity training sessions + Exercises to explore and mitigate vulnerabilities in information systems + Support and advice on cybersecurity + Bring cybersecurity awareness messages to the public

Goals of the Initiative

The focus of the collaboration is:

Prevention of cyberattacks
Development of a support plan for incident response
Maintaining a constant exchange of information

Quote from Nannette Martínez, Executive Director of Prits

“The Puerto Rico Cyber Force is an effort that seeks to train and engage citizens on a voluntary basis in matters related to cybersecurity. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with both state and federal security entities in the prevention, exchange of information, response, and recovery of attacks to increase resilience and decrease vulnerabilities in Puerto Rico’s government systems.”

Quote from FBI Agent in Charge Joseph González

“The FBI’s cyber mission is to impose risk and consequences on cybercriminals, through our unique combination of authorities, capabilities, and collaborative relationships such as this one. The Puerto Rico Cyber Force is an example of how much can be accomplished when working as a team.”

Quote from CISA Representative Nigay Oliveras

“We will provide them with all the support they need, both in the process of training citizens and in any incident prevention initiative, both in government and the private sector. Cybersecurity must be addressed holistically and in collaboration with citizens.”

The Puerto Rico Cyber Force is Open to Anyone Interested

Anyone interested in joining the Puerto Rico Cyber Force can do so through Obsidis Consortia, a nonprofit organization that seeks to develop information technology professionals, students, and enthusiasts in information security and privacy promotion.

Prits has also revamped the government’s website, PR.gov, which consolidates all digital services provided by the island’s central government. The website offers information on public policies, government programs, and application processes, among other topics.

Conclusion

The Puerto Rico Cyber Force initiative comes as a response to the growing concern over cybersecurity threats in the finance sector. According to experts, cyberattacks can have devastating consequences on financial institutions and individuals alike. By joining forces, the group aims to strengthen its capacity to address the constant cybersecurity threat in Puerto Rico.