NASSAU, The Bahamas --- Officials from key government ministries and corporations began meeting with stakeholders from the private sector Thursday during the start of a two-day workshop on cyber-security that is expected to lead to the development of a National Cyber Security Strategy for The Bahamas.Minister of National Security, Dr. the Hon. Bernard “BJ” Nottage, said the Government of The Bahamas recognizes Information Communications Technology as one of the most important enablers for the achievement of economic and social development and has embarked upon an initiative to articulate a National Cyber Security Strategy which will include the strengthening of cyber-crime legislation and the establishment of a National Computer Security Cyber Incident Response Team.
The Government, Dr. Nottage said, further realizes that enhanced cyber security and improved user confidence for trade and commerce on the Internet, play a pivotal role in stimulating economic activity.
“This Workshop (for the Development of a National Cyber Security Strategy) is important as we need a structured framework in terms of going forward; a structure within which to create the strategy,” Dr. Nottage said.
“We look forward to the expert advice to be shared at this workshop on various approaches that can be adopted in the development and implementation of the national strategy,” Dr. Nottage added.
Representatives from twenty key government ministries, corporations and/or departments are among the participants including those from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Customs, Data Processing Unit, Ministry of Finance; Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas; Department of Information Technology; Water and Sewerage Corporation; Road Traffic Department; Department of Statistics; Treasury; Ministry of Works; Airport Authority; Bahamas Telecommunications Company; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of Health, Bahamas Electricity Corporation; Office of the Attorney General; Bahamas National Geographic Information Systems and Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources.
Officials from the Organization of American States (OAS) are working with Bahamian officials to host the workshop.
“In The Bahamas today, most government ministries and agencies have an Internet presence; most large organizations have an Internet and social media presence, and these often are used for advertising and to get feedback on new and existing products. Some also give their customers the option of making online payments which all increases their vulnerability,” Dr. Nottage said.“If issues relating to cyber-crime are not dealt with, we are in danger of reversing all of the gains made by the investments in Information and Communications Technology. The public, government agencies and businesses are all at risk as digital crimes transcend all other categories of crime,” Dr. Nottage added.
Dr. Nottage said an important outcome of the workshop will be the formation of a National Cyber Crime Working Group that will facilitate the development of the National Cyber Security Strategy in consultation with stakeholder groups.The Working Group will be responsible for facilitating the development of the National Plan for Action (or Implementation Plan) for the Cyber Security Strategy; facilitate, guide and ensure the implementation of the National Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) which should include the creation of a mechanism for the conduct of cyber risk and vulnerability assessments and generating public education and awareness in the area of cyber security.
“I have every confidence that all members of the Working Group will provide their best service as the issues at hand and that this workshop will provide a good forum to further develop the necessary tools to enhance cyber security and to fight cyber-crime,” Dr. Nottage added.
