National Cyber Security Strategy 2020-2023 is Launched!

The Ministry of National Security in partnership with the Public Utilities Commission has launched Belize’s first national cyber security strategy.  According to the ministry, the drafting of the Cybercrime Bill 2020 came out of the strategy’s development process.  They also carried out consultations to strengthen the preparation and response to cyber security threats facing Belize. In 2016, there were roughly six hundred incidents reported; fast forward to 2018, there were over nine hundred reports of cyber-related crimes.  The strategy says that the Police Information Technology and Cyber Unit has investigated cases of phishing, credit card and ATM fraud, as well as other crimes that involve electronic evidence, including drug trafficking.  The unit has also noted reports of cyber bullying, revenge porn and identity theft.  Today, the ministry and its partners held a virtual launch of the national cyber security strategy. Here’s that story.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

The Ministry of National Security launched a plan that outlines how Belize will improve the security and resilience of its cyber infrastructure and services. The National Cyber Security Strategy 2020-2023 was led by the Ministry and PUC, with the support of a task force made up of civil society, private sector, and other interest groups.

George Lovell

George Lovell, C.E.O., Ministry of National Security

“We needed to have a strategy that was led from a policy. So, we looked at putting together a task force which we did to look at all the things that were needed and the task force that we put together was sort of one of whole of society engaged. The strategy took a few years. It didn’t happen overnight.”

The National Security Council Secretariat says that the strategy is needed as the country, government and its people, continue to expand services and activities online.

Nicole Haylock

Nicole Haylock, Deputy Coordinator, National Security Council Secretariat

“Given the fact that the world is modernizing and we need the internet, we need cyberspace to do business and for even social development. We looked at the context and say let’s start with the basics. So, the three strategic pillars of the National Cyber Security Strategy includes: legal framework, Incident Response and building capacity in the work place education awareness.”

These three key areas seek to build Belize’s capacity to better address cyber security threats. Each area outlines activities that address gaps such as the capability to identify and respond to cyber incidents, as well as awareness of threats and tools needed fight these crimes. The plan helps to guide policy and legislation needed to prepare or respond to a threat.

Etienne Sharp

Etienne Sharp, Belize Association of ICT Professionals

“There are so many different aspects of cyber security. It shouldn’t be something that should necessarily scare you but the same way you have a security protocol for yourself how you get in and out of your house; you lock your window, your door – it’s the same way you need to have a similar protocol online. We generally take things for granted and it is not until something seriously happens that we look back and see that my phone was hacked and my pictures are gone and I am being held at ransom because some of those pictures were compromising.”

Tackling cyber crimes isn’t always easy.  Globally, only a small percentage is investigated and an even smaller number is prosecuted. Often times these crimes are committed by organized groups – but locally we don’t know enough and how to protect ourselves from cybercrimes.

Debra Adamson

Debra Adamson, AdamsCon IT & Security Consulting Services Limited

“It is very important in Belize because most of the population has not been exposed to cyber security awareness. They don’t know the threats. They don’t know what to do if they are a victim of cyber crime. And until the strategy was put in place and the bill was passed through the government here – there were no laws to protect people or for law enforcement to use to help mitigate the issue.”

A key component will be training for education awareness supported by the UK:

Claire Evans

Claire Evans, British High Commissioner

“Moving forward, Belize has become part of the get-safe online ambassador scheme designed to create an empowered network of individuals now including thirty Belizeans who will be trained to help carry forward the cyber safety message.”

Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.