G.O.B. Certified in Information Security Management

The Government of Belize has received a certification from the International Organization for Standardization for meeting the universal requirements of information security management.   The yearlong program commenced in August 2014 and saw the staff of the Central Information Technology Office undertaking training in protecting and securing sensitive government information from cyber crimes.  According to Director Michelle Longsworth, the certification supports government’s goal to encourage greater accountability and transparency.

Michelle Longsworth, Director, Central Info. Tech. Office

“The journey to achieving ISO certification began in August 2014, following a strategic decision by management to adopt the Information Security Management System, ISMS.  ISMS’ goal is to protect and secure government’s information, consequently mitigating efforts aimed at defrauding the Government of Belize.  The ISMS also supports government’s overarching goal by promoting higher accountability and transparency on the CITO’s network.  Management’s commitment towards this ISO Certification was demonstrated through the induction of a sensitized staff understanding what is information security management system, what is information and why information like any other asset should be protected.  It was important for us to understand that we are living in an information age where information is a powerful tool that can be used for good and bad.  The training paved the way for the appointment of an information security committee whose responsibilities are to review and supervise the information security policy and objective and security guidelines, decide on the entire information security measures and supervise information security events.”

Present at the award ceremony were Taiwanese Ambassador Benjamin Ho and Financial Secretary Joseph Waight.