Minister of Industry Innovation Science and Technology, Davidson Ishmael, during his address at the closing ceremony for the Regional Security System’s Cyber Security Course.
As Barbados continues to make significant advancements in securing its cyber domain, the island has recently developed a National Cyber Security Strategy.
This announcement was made by Minister of Industry Innovation Science and Technology, Davidson Ishmael, during his address at the closing ceremony for the Regional Security System’s Cyber Security Course, which was recently held at the RSS Training Institute.
Minister Ishmael explained that the Strategy would guide how cyber security is treated in Barbados and noted that “it places a heavy emphasis on local, regional and international partnerships to ensure that we have a well-rounded and effective approach to both proactive and reactive initiatives within the cyber security domain.”
He also disclosed that the Barbados Government was currently in the final stages of implementing a National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), which would be responsible for monitoring, detecting and responding to any potential cyber threats within the island.
“We recognise the significance of securing our systems and data and the CERT will play an essential role in accomplishing this objective. With its proficient personnel, advanced technology and expeditious response capabilities, the CERT will furnish us with the dependable mechanism for addressing cyber threats and assuring that our systems remain safeguarded and secure at all times, the Minister outlined.
He further disclosed that the Cyber Crimes Bill, which will replace the Computer Misuse Act, and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill, have also been approved.
Minister Ishmael reaffirmed the Barbados government’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of cyber security. He pointed out that as the digital world continued to evolve, cyber threats were also advancing, and stressed that it was therefore necessary for law enforcement officials and policy makers to stay “constantly in the mode of adaptation relative to the latest threats”.
