Financial Crime World

Jamaica’s War Against Financial Crimes: Technology Takes Center Stage

A New Era in Combating Financial Crimes

In an effort to combat the growing threat of financial crimes in Jamaica, the Major Organised Crime & Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) Cyber Forensic Lab has been at the forefront of harnessing technology to prevent and investigate these offenses. Established in 2012, the lab’s primary function was to investigate cybercrimes and conduct digital forensics investigations.

Evolution of MOCA’s Cyber Forensics and Risk Management Unit

Since its merger with the Anti-Corruption Branch in 2014, MOCA’s Cyber Forensics and Risk Management Unit has expanded its scope of responsibilities, adapting to new threats and challenges. The unit now conducts cyber defense, cybersecurity incident response, and post-mortem analysis of attacks such as ransomware, business email compromise (BEC), and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS.

Key Areas of Focus

The Cyber Forensics and Risk Management Unit has integrated four key areas:

  • Cyber Forensics: forensic examination of digital media, recovery of deleted data, and presentation of expert evidence in court.
  • Security Operations: monitoring network traffic anomalies, generating cyber insights, and providing early warnings against impending cyber attacks.
  • Malware Investigation: quarantining and reverse engineering malware, uncovering stealthy malware, and determining its origin and potential impact.
  • Big Data Analytics: using predictive analysis techniques to aid in preventing and detecting criminal activities such as murder, shootings, and gang-related activities.

Daily Operations

The unit’s daily operations revolve around these key focus areas:

Cyber Forensics

  • Forensic examination of digital media
  • Recovery of deleted data
  • Presentation of expert evidence in court

Security Operations Centre (SOC)

  • Monitoring network traffic anomalies
  • Generating cyber insights
  • Providing early warnings against impending cyber attacks

Malware Investigation Lab

  • Quarantining and reverse engineering malware
  • Uncovering stealthy malware
  • Determining its origin and potential impact

Big Data Fusion Centre and Analytics

  • Using predictive analysis techniques to aid in preventing and detecting criminal activities
  • Preventing and detecting crimes such as murder, shootings, and gang-related activities

Additional Cybersecurity Activities

The unit also conducts various cybersecurity activities, including:

  • Cyber Threat Intelligence: gathering and analyzing threat data to prevent cyber attacks.
  • Vulnerability Assessment: identifying vulnerabilities in systems and applications to prevent exploitation.
  • Penetration Testing: simulating cyber attacks on systems and networks to identify weaknesses.

Conclusion

MOCA’s Cyber Forensics and Risk Management Unit has been at the forefront of combating financial crimes in Jamaica, utilizing technology to stay one step ahead of criminals. By integrating key areas such as Cyber Forensics, Security Operations, Malware Investigation, and Big Data Analytics, the unit has enabled MOCA to prevent financial crimes and protect Jamaica’s financial system.