Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the need for cyber security within Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean is paramount in light of current global security threats.
Speaking at the launch of the Caribbean’s first Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC), Overwatch, at the Brix Hotel earlier today, Dr Rowley said protection against cyber-attacks is important for Caribbean businesses.
The project is the result of a collaboration between Precision Cybertechnologies and Digital Solutions and the Inter-American Development Bank’s IDB Lab.
“Our beloved nation must take pride in the inauguration of the Overwatch Cyber Security Operations Centre, a veritable beacon of innovation, security and technological advancement.
“This event is most timely as the rapid advancement of digital technology…has increased our vulnerability to threats of cyber attacks.
“In response, our country must make more secure and concerted efforts to protect our sensitive information…from being compromised.
“Several attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, posing significant risks to our economies, our privacy and our overall national security.
“I have taken note of the vulnerabilities in our Caribbean island economies as these have put many governments at the mercy of this new form of terrorism which signals the critical instances which require more robust countermeasures.
“Our goal is to build a digitally empowered society, where every business can thrive in a secure, efficient and innovative environment.”
Dr Rowley said government has introduced the Cybersecurity Tax Allowance (CITA) to incentivise companies to invest in cybersecurity measures to protect their businesses – the tax break allows for up to $500,000 in cybersecurity measures.
Additionally, he said the Ministry of Digital Transformation has completed a series of consultations on the launch of an app for the government’s iGovTT website.
“Overwatch, which represents a collaboration between Precision Cybertechnologies and Digital Solutions and the Inter-American Development Bank’s IDB Lab, underscores the international recognitionand support for our efforts to enhance cybersecurity in the Caribbean.
“This is the first SOC in our region and marks a pivotal milestone in our country’s and the region’s cybersecurity and infrastructure.”
Dr Rowley said this SOC is designed to support businesses within the English-speaking Caribbean and perhaps even further within the region.
Dr Rowley said the launch of this SOC signals the beginning of a safer digital future.
“Cybersecurity is our collective responsibility and we must work together…in promoting a safe online environment. Today as we celebrate the launch of Overwatch, we are also celebrating a vision of a safer, more secure future…a future where businesses can thrive without the constant fear of cyber attacks, where our citizens can enjoy the benefits of digital innovation without compromising their privacy and where governments can operate with the confidence that our critical infrastructure is protected and secure.”
Chairman of Precision Cybertechnologies Richard Smith said this SOC will bring enhance cybersecurity to the region.
“It is with tremendous pride that I stand here today [for] the launch of the Caribbean’s first Cyber Security Operations Centre (SOC), Overwatch.
“The deployment of this SOC marks a significant milestone in our journey and sets a new benchmark for cyber security excellence in the region.”
Also present at the launch were Minister of Public Administration and Digital Transformation Hassel Bacchus, Minister of Rural Development and Local Government Faris Al-Rawi, Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon, Country Head for the IDB in Trinidad and Tobago Carina Cockburn, and other specially invited guests.
The SOC will be able to provide real-time monitoring to empower both large organizations and MSMEs with the tools and insights needed to protect companies’ digital assets and safeguard their information.
Some of the services offered include vulnerability and risk assessments, managed security programs,incidence response and mediation, 24/7 monitoring, hardware and software solutions, as well as a range of digital solutions and products.
Services offered are also targeted to be within the price range of small and medium-sized businesses.
For more information, visit Precision Cybertechnologies and Digital Solutions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/precisioncybertt
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