KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Dr Andrew Wheatley, has requested that the websites of all Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) undergo security audits in an effort to determine their level of exposure to cyber attacks.

Dr Wheatley said in a news release from his ministry that: “Over the past two years, several government websites have seen an increase in the number of cyber attacks including defacements and denial of service.”

He said the high level of vulnerability is not acceptable.

“As a government, we must be more proactive in our approach to mitigating these cyber threats. Accordingly, I have requested that a comprehensive audit and assessment plan be prepared and immediately implemented to determine the vulnerability levels of all government websites, so that the appropriate measures may be implemented to address any and all existing gaps,” he said.

The minister noted that in addition to the security audit, the Government, through the Office of the Chief Information Officer, has formulated minimum security guidelines for adoption by all MDAs.

The release said that as part of the efforts to address cyber security issues, Dr Wheatley highlighted that a major component of the Government’s Cyber Security Strategy includes a public awareness campaign.

He pointed out that through a public/private partnership with members of the financial sector and other stakeholders, a cyber security public awareness programme will be launched soon.

This, he said, will serve to heighten the public’s awareness to cybercrimes and cyber threats and the importance of practicing safe online habits.

“This public awareness campaign will be far-reaching and extend to public spaces, schools, offices and online,” Dr Wheatley added.

“The Government will make every effort to ensure that every Jamaican citizen and business knows and understands the risks of cybercrimes and cyber threats and is educated on the best ways to protect themselves against these activities,” Minister Wheatley insisted.