Trinidad and Tobago Urged to Prioritize Cybersecurity, Minister Stresses Importance of Public Awaren
The Minister of Digital Transformation in Trinidad and Tobago, Hassel Bacchus, has issued a fervent call for heightened cybersecurity measures, emphasizing the critical role of public awareness in combating the rising tide of cyber attacks. In an exclusive interview with Guardian Media, Bacchus underscored that cybersecurity is not merely an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) issue but a matter of corporate risks affecting various sectors. Recent months have witnessed major cyber attacks targeting prominent entities such as TSTT, PriceSmart, Courts, and even the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, leading to the exposure of thousands of individuals' personal information, including on the dark web. The breach at TSTT, occurring on October 9, even exposed Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley's personal information.
Minister Bacchus, in his appeal, outlined the government's proactive approach, evaluating the security posture of all ministries, divisions, and agencies against industry standards. He stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy, including educational programs, sensitization efforts, and government incentives for businesses to adhere to necessary security measures. Bacchus disclosed a 45% global increase in ransomware attacks this year and acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago's vulnerability to this global problem. The minister highlighted a $500,000 allocation in the 2024 budget to employ skilled individuals to address digital security risks. Moreover, the government is actively working on legislation to make it more challenging for hackers to infiltrate cybersecurity spaces. While not directly addressing recent hacks, Bacchus emphasized the importance of learning from such incidents and adapting security measures accordingly. He concluded by expressing satisfaction at the heightened public awareness of cybersecurity, indicating a positive shift in the country's approach to protecting both corporate and personal information.
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