JAMAICA LOST OVER 100M BECAUSE A CYBER CRIMES

The country has lost more that J$100 million last year due to cyber-crimes.

The figure was released on Thursday during a meeting of the National Security Council.

It received a presentation on cyber security from head of the Computer Incident Response Team, Dr. Moniphia Hewling.

According to a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, Hewling gave some insights regarding vulnerabilities facing Jamaica.

She highlighted the need for persons or entities to report cyber crimes.

Hewling indicated that Jamaica has seen a rise in consumers, businesses and even government agencies being fleeced of hundreds of millions of dollars and emphasised that everyone is at risk.

She said this highlights the need for policies and holding persons accountable to good cyber practices.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who is Chairman of the National Security Council, has decided to raise the issue with the Cabinet to ensure that resources are allocated to increase the country’s capacity to deal with cyber threats.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s meeting of the National Security Council was also updated on the progress of a programme of polygraphing members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Polygraph examinations and enhanced vetting of JCF personnel in Area 1 and the Marine Division continues with close to 200 officers being tested.

This effort is supported by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency.

The initiative operates in conjunction with the polygraphing and vetting of potential recruits to the JCF.

This has also been extended to the Department of Correctional Services with the last batch of recruits being tested prior to selection for training.

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