Worldwide, October is commemorated as Cyber Security Awareness Month. As part of our longstanding Expert Insight series on cyber threats and security, we get a truly regional perspective on the subject. With Dale Joseph, of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), we discuss, among other things: what has been going on in the wider Caribbean region, with regard to cybersecurity threats and incidents;  the priority areas of the CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan; the degree to which CARICOM IMPACS engages the private sector; and fostering more cybersecurity intelligence-sharing and collaboration in Caribbean countries.

 

This episode is also available on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music!!

It seems to be becoming even more rampant. Almost every week, a new cyber security incident is being reported at major organisations across the Caribbean region. Although over the past several years, there has been a growing awareness of cybercrimes, how breaches can occur and correspondingly, the need for even greater vigilance, it is unclear whether the recent incidents are due to the sophistication of the perpetrators or the still laidback posture of organisations.

Nevertheless, it emphasises the fact that work still needs to be done in getting both private and public sector organisations to improve their security posture. Ultimately, security should become part of their DNA. It should not be an activity that is grudgingly done or just to be struck off a checklist.

With October being recognised as Cyber Security Awareness Month, we thought it opportune to have a new instalment of our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security. However, in this episode, we will be getting a true regional perspective on this important subject.

 

Introducing our guest

Dale Joseph

Dale Joseph is the Cybercrime Policy Specialist at The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS). He has responsibility for several Cybercrime Investigation and Cybersecurity capacity building initiatives currently being executed by CARICOM IMPACS.

Dale is a Digital Forensic Expert with over 12 years of experience in High Technology Investigations in Trinidad and Tobago. He has over 25 years of law enforcement investigative experience and has been involved in numerous technology-based investigative projects.

Dale holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the University of Hertfordshire, London, England, a Master of Science degree in Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigations from the University College, Dublin, Ireland and several certifications in Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Online intelligence, and analytics. He is also a certified Digital Forensics Trainer and has conducted several workshops/seminars which have trained members of law enforcement, the private sector and Government entities.

 

Insights into our conversation

Off the bat, it was eye-opening the types of cyber incidents that are experienced in the region. In past Expert Insights instalments, our guests typically highlighted ransomware and malware as the main types of cyberattacks – which might be true, especially in organisations. However, Dale broadened the conversation, which in turn highlighted the types of attacks individuals have been experiencing and the type of vigilance that is now needed.

It was also interesting to learn about long-in-the-works projects that are coming to fruition, such as the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre and the Digital Forensic Management Platform. When successfully in operation such initiatives have the potential to improve sector intelligence and collaboration across the region, which are areas covered in our conversation, in addition to the following:

  1. Please explain what CARICOM IMPACS is, and the role it plays in the Caribbean.
  2. To start, tell us a little more about yourself and how you got into cyber and information security.
  3. Give us a quick recap of what has been going on in the wider Caribbean region, with regard to cybersecurity threats and incidents.
  4. To a considerable degree, the CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan guides the work of CARICOM IMPACS. What are the priority areas for intervention?
  5. The Action Plan has been in place since about 2016, how is progress being measured? And when is the Action Plan likely to be revised to ensure that it remains aligned with how cyber security and cybercrime have evolved?
  6. To what degree does CARICOM IMPACS engage the private sector?
  7. A common view seems to be that there is not a lot of intelligence-sharing and by extension, collaboration in countries. What have been your observations and is there anything CARICOM IMPACS can do to help address that issue?
  8. Within the next 12 to 18 months, will there be any milestones or initiatives at CARICOM IMPACS of which we should be aware?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

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Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select Links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful:

 

 

Images credit: CARICOM IMPACS; Pete Linforth (Pixabay);  PhotoMIX Company (Pexels);  Mati Mango (Pexels); CARICOM IMPACS

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez