Cyberattacks on the rise in Trinidad

This morning I woke up and the first thing I saw when I checked my notifications was that NIB was closed for the rest of the year because they were dealing with a ransomware attack. The notice they put out indicated that they were working with TT-CSIRT (Trinidad and Tobago Cyber Security Incident Response Team) under the Ministry of National Security. In the press they indicate they are working with external technology partners. These attacks highlight vulnerabilities in cyber security within Trinidad and Tobago. These attacks cause disruption and can be sources of data exposure and misuse.

One thing we can all agree upon is that we have a big problem that needs an all of society response. This includes collaboration between government agencies, businesses, individuals, and cybersecurity experts. There has been no shortage of voices calling for these attacks to be taken seriously and steps taken to address the situation. Several voices in the tech space have been leading the calls for action. I am no expert on cybersecurity but I would like to share something that I think would help and that I have written on before - the need for more ethical hackers in Trinidad and Tobago.

At an individual level there is no shortage of resources available for us to educate ourselves on the matter. When I related the incident to my friend Bard, he suggested some possible approaches to the problem. Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure: Government and businesses should allocate resources to strengthen cyber defenses and implement robust security protocols. Raising awareness: Educational campaigns can help individuals understand cyber threats and adopt safe online practices. Developing national cyber security strategies: Trinidad and Tobago can establish a comprehensive cyber security framework to create a resilient digital environment. International cooperation: Collaborating with other countries and cyber security organizations can provide valuable resources and expertise in combating cybercrime.

This wave of attacks and the attention the problem is getting should not be ignored. It is a big problem but if we do little now then it could become a bigger problem in the future and we will look back and say we should have done better in the earlier stages when it was a big problem but not so big a problem. Bard tells me it is important to stay informed about developments in this case and follow updates from NIB and official sources. We can also take individual steps to improve our own cybersecurity, such as using strong passwords, being cautious about opening suspicious emails, and backing up our data regularly. By working together, we can address cyber threats and create a safer digital space for everyone in Trinidad and Tobago.

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