THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, and Justice Yonette Cummings will participate in a Regional Cybercrime Workshop for Judges and Judicial Officers in Sao Paulo, Brazil from August 26th – 28th.According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), they have been invited by the United States Embassy here, and the Department of Justice. The Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistant Training will cover costs for travel and accommodation.

Shalimar Ali-Hack and Yonnette Cummings will join three other legal officials who are currently attending a similar workshop in Miami, United States of America. This too, has been sponsored by the Justice Department.

The need for legislation to address and prosecute those who commit cybercrimes was highlighted by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, when he opened a workshop on the same issue, on August 12, at the Pegasus Hotel.

The two day event, facilitated with assistance from the Organisation of American States (OAS), was described by the Ministry of Public Security Permanent Secretary Angela Johnson as important because of the rising threat being posed by those who have Cybercrime as their “modus operandi” in committing their illegal actions.

It is the responsibility of the authorities, she said, to implement strategies to deter these illegal activities. Johnson offered the assurance on behalf of the Ministry of Public Security and the Government, that measures are being taken to ensure Guyana is equipped to deal with these threats.

Over the past years, several ministries, agencies and business entities have been affected by computer hackers and phishing attacks on their networks. This has resulted in the loss of millions of dollars and information.