…officials see high risk with coming of oil, economic growth

GUYANA has commenced work in the formulation of a draft National Cybersecurity Strategy to help combat the threat of cybercrime.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications in collaboration with the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) began efforts towards such with the hosting of a stakeholder consultation.

It was hosted at the Arthur Chung Conference Center commencing with an opening ceremony and, later, roundtable consultations which will continue into the future. Participating in the formulation of the draft document are representatives of the local financial sector, the judiciary, telecommunications regulators and critical infrastructure operators in aviation, energy, ports and Government agencies responsible for national security, Information and communications technology (ICT), education and more.

Addressing the audience, NDMA Deputy General Manager, Francis Simmons said that cybersecurity is “serious business” and will take even more precedence as Guyana heads into a future of oil and gas. “For a nation on the cusp of economic greatness, Guyana will be the center of attention and attraction not only to those with good intentions but equally, or more so, to those who intend to scheme and cause disruption and chaos in our day to day lives as we engage more and more in electronic,” he said.

Through the Public Telecommunications, formed under the current Administration, he noted that work is being done to bring government services online, guided by a digital roadmap. Altogether it is intended to transform Guyana into a modern and well-protected electronic State.

At the opening ceremony, remarks came too from Cybersecurity Manager at NDMA, Muriana McPherson. She reminded that in 2016, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and OAS reported that the vast majority of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are not prepared to manage cybercrime.

With Guyana being named as having the fastest growing economy in the world, McPherson stated that Guyana must act now to finalise a cybersecurity strategy at the national level. In addition, with Guyana becoming increasingly dependent on the internet to provide services, she noted that government ministries/agencies are also at risk for cyberattacks which could prove detrimental. “With your continued commitment and support, I anticipate that this will be the beginning of a very dynamic, substantive conversation about strategies, policies and practices that will improve cybersecurity in Guyana,” she said

“The outcome of today’s stakeholder consultation, with the guidance of the OAS, will prepare the first draft for the National Cybersecurity Strategy. This strategy is of paramount importance to guide the implementation of appropriate technologies, tactics and practices that will foster confidence both locally and internationally in the use of locally provided e-services.”

Meanwhile, highlighting to the attendees what is expected of the consultation was Programme Officer of the OAS Cybersecurity Programme, Kerry-Ann Barrett. For some time, the Public Telecommunications has been engaging the OAS which is well knowledgeable in the area of cybersecurity.

Barrett said that the main matters stakeholders involved will have to deliberate on are the major cybersecurity challenges in the country; what should be the main objective of the strategy; the government’s role or responsibility in the strategy’s development and implementation and the role the private sector and civil society will play.

“It [the strategy] is something that can be done within six months to a year. It’s something that if we work dedicatedly –the OAS is committed to the process — and once it is that everyone participates and gives the information, the key questions will be [answered],” she said.

While noting that Guyana is still at an infant stage when it comes to cybersecurity, she commended the NDMA for its efforts and other companies of the private and public sectors for their attempts as well.
However, Barrett advised that once the document is published, all ministries must come on board to ensure that there are not weak links and the all expectations are met.

Prior to heading into the round table discussions, she also advised it is best to use local talent to develop needed software whenever possible and to invest in new and efficient technology along the way. Guyana enacted the Cybercrime Act in 2018 aimed at addressing cybercrime by creating offenses and providing for penalties, investigation and prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has developed its Cybercrime Unit to fight the form of crime using computer technology.
At the same time, the country continues to work along with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), OAS, IDB and the governments of United States, India, China and Israel to improve its capacity through training.