IN observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) conducted its annual cybersecurity training sessions for public sector employees at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
This initiative aimed to enhance cybersecurity awareness and equip participants with essential skills to safeguard government networks amid increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
The training sessions gathered IT officers and public servants from various ministries, fostering collaboration to bolster cybersecurity resilience across Guyana’s ICT infrastructure.

The NDMA organised these sessions to elevate the government’s security posture and cultivate a culture of cybersecurity, recognising that effective defence mechanisms are vital for national security.
Participants engaged in expert-led presentations and interactive workshops, covering topics such as cyber threat detection, prevention strategies, and risk assessment methodologies. The sessions provided practical guidance on the latest policies and tools necessary for protecting critical digital assets.

The training was divided into two distinct sessions. The first targeted IT officers, focusing on cyber risk management and the implementation of various cybersecurity controls. Participants were encouraged to adopt a risk-based approach to their cybersecurity practices.
The second session catered to a broader audience of public sector workers, emphasising basic cyber hygiene and best practices.

Orson Smith, Deputy General Manager of Operations at NDMA, underscored the crucial role of all public servants in safeguarding government data.
Smith said: “Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it is a fundamental aspect of national security and public trust.”

He highlighted the necessity for continuous vigilance against evolving cyber threats and emphasised that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility across all departments.
The NDMA’s Cybersecurity Director, Muriana McPherson elaborated on the growing cyber risks facing Guyana’s digital infrastructure.
She warned that breaches in government networks could have severe implications for national security.

“When our critical systems are affected, the ripple effects can be devastating,” she noted, advocating for a unified approach to cybersecurity where every public sector employee plays a part in enhancing national security.
Discussions during the training included real-world scenarios and the latest social engineering tactics employed by cyber adversaries. Participants learned to recognise early signs of phishing, ransomware, and other malware attacks, reinforcing the importance of proactive measures in cybersecurity.

The NDMA’s commitment to fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness is evident in these training initiatives, which represent a significant step towards establishing a robust cybersecurity framework in Guyana.
By empowering public servants with knowledge and resources to protect government networks, NDMA reaffirms its dedication to securing the nation’s digital assets and ensuring a safe digital future for all citizens.