IN a proactive approach to tackling cybersecurity threats, Christopher Deen, the General Manager of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), has advised all Heads of Government Ministries and Agencies to promptly report any detected cybersecurity threats.

Mr. Deen emphasised the urgency of addressing these threats during the NDMA’s cybersecurity training for Heads of Public Sector Agencies, held at the Aurthur Chung Conference Centre on Thursday, October 5, 2023, which marked the official launch of Cybersecurity Month observed annually in October.
During his address, Deen stressed that cyber incidents should not be underestimated as they tend to escalate if not dealt with promptly.
He underscored the NDMA’s commitment to assisting government entities in handling such threats. “Please do not wait until the mold spreads throughout the entire organisation and the walls begin to crumble before you take action,” he cautioned. “NDMA would have heard from some of you; we would have engaged, provided technical support, and assisted you in the past, and we stand ready to do so now.”

He also highlighted the presence of NDMA’s dedicated Security Operations Centre (SOC), which offers round-the-clock technical assistance for cybersecurity matters. He encouraged all government agencies to leverage this valuable resource if they encounter cybersecurity threats within their organisations.

Furthermore, he expressed NDMA’s commitment to knowledge sharing, with a focus on enhancing internal capacity for ICT specialists within various entities. “NDMA is here to offer you a helping hand,” he declared. “We must work together to build this capacity in our country, in government, across Guyana.”

Mahendra Kissoon, NDMA’s Cyber Security Specialist, echoed the importance of collaboration in ensuring safe cyber spaces. He revealed that NDMA had detected and mitigated approximately 442 malware attacks at several government agencies in the first quarter of 2023, according to NDMA’s Security Operations Centre semiannual summary report for 2023.
Mr. Kissoon emphasised the need for immediate action in addressing cybersecurity issues to minimise potential damage. He encouraged attendees to report any cybersecurity concerns, allowing ICT specialists to provide their expertise in devising effective solutions. Stressing the relationship between security and risk reduction, Mr. Kissoon urged the group to implement necessary systems to mitigate threats and safeguard sensitive information.

As Guyana observes Cybersecurity Month, these proactive measures taken by the NDMA underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity awareness and resilience across government agencies.