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The Government of Jamaica, through the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT), is stepping up efforts to protect citizens from rising cyber threats by promoting responsible online behavior and stronger data protection practices.
Speaking at a Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, Lieutenant Colonel Godphey Sterling, Director of JaCIRT, emphasized Jamaica’s vulnerability to cybercrime and urged citizens to play an active role in national cyber resilience.
“Cybercrime, if it were a nation, would be the third largest economy in the world,” Sterling warned. “For Jamaica, with more than three million daily internet connections—most from mobile devices—our exposure is significant. Weak passwords, careless data handling, and oversharing make us attractive targets.”
According to JaCIRT, three major risks affect Jamaicans:
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Compromised Credentials: Using work emails or passwords on unsecured sites exposes entire organizations.
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Poor Data Protection: Unsecured data transfers and inadequate workplace safeguards increase risks.
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Oversharing Online: Excessive personal information and smart device use heighten vulnerability to breaches.
Sterling encouraged citizens to practice strong “cyber hygiene”, including updating devices, segmenting home Wi-Fi, and strengthening passwords. He also stressed the importance of reporting cyber incidents to national authorities, noting, “We at the CIRT cannot manage what we cannot measure. Low reporting is our biggest challenge.”
Through ongoing awareness campaigns, JaCIRT continues to guide Jamaicans toward safer digital habits, urging all users—individuals and businesses alike—to remain alert and proactive in securing their data.