Kingston, Jamaica—Jamaica continues to face significant cybersecurity threats, according to a newly released report by Fortinet. The report reveals that the country was the target of a staggering four million attempted cyberattacks during the first half of 2024. In particular, February marked the highest level of cybercriminal activity.
“We are facing a constantly evolving cyber threat landscape; cybercriminals continue to specialize, using increasingly advanced and sophisticated recognition and evasion techniques, which has increased their probability of success,” stated Carlo Caloca, Fortinet’s regional sales manager for the English Caribbean.
To combat these sophisticated threats, Caloca emphasized the importance of enabling coordinated, actionable threat intelligence powered by real-time artificial intelligence across all security devices. “Proactively monitoring and analyzing cyber threats helps identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, which enables the timely implementation of remediation measures before any possible attempt of intrusion,” Caloca explained.
The report highlighted that 44 percent of all ransomware and wiper samples were aimed at industrial sectors. Alarmingly, even though there was a 70 percent drop in ransomware detections compared to the first half of 2023, the threat remains persistent. Cybercriminals have shifted from traditional mass distribution strategies to more focused attacks on sectors such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and the automotive industry.
Ronald Donaldson, Senior Major Account Manager at Fortinet Jamaica, explained the critical role of cybersecurity education and awareness within companies. “If we look at the most recent data from our reports, we can highlight the importance of updating cybersecurity platforms in Jamaica and the relevance of including education and awareness programs within companies’ business plans. Human error or carelessness continues to be the gateway for most cybersecurity breaches, especially through phishing campaigns that are easily avoidable if collaborators are trained in these risks, in addition to the proper updating and protection of all technological infrastructure,” Donaldson remarked.
Fortinet serves as a cybersecurity consultancy provider, aiding companies in implementing comprehensive digital security strategies. The company underscores the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence in cybersecurity to better protect business assets and safeguard user privacy.
As cyber threats continue to grow in complexity and intensity, Fortinet’s insights and recommendations serve as a vital resource for Jamaican businesses striving to shield themselves from potential cybersecurity breaches. With coordinated efforts and an emphasis on education and advanced threat detection technology, Jamaica can better navigate the treacherous waters of the digital world.
