In the second installment of our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2025, Obika Gellineau of Fujitsu Caribbean joins us once again. During this conversation, Obika shares his thoughts on, among other things: the changes in the threat landscape that have occurred since our last conversation in 2024; the cybersecurity job market and the expertise that is being demanded; the link between digital sovereignty and cybersecurity; and three things organisations should be doing in 2025 to improve their network/IT security.

 

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

When individuals, organisations or countries experience a cyberattack, the impact can be devastating. Financial loss, reputational damage, the disruption of critical infrastructure and essential services, and even a threat to national security are among the range of consequences that can be experienced.

Although across the Caribbean region, increased awareness of cyber threats and the need for improved cybersecurity have been observed, the threat actors tend to be several steps ahead. Constant vigilance is thus critical, not only of our systems and networks but also to monitor trends and how the threat landscape is evolving.

This podcast episode is the second instalment for 2025 in our longstanding Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security. Our guest is based in Trinidad and Tobago and so offers a different perspective of that market and cyber threats and security across the wider Caribbean.

 

Introducing our guest

Obika Gellineau

Obika Gellineau is a seasoned cybersecurity professional who is currently serving as a Security Consultant at Fujitsu Caribbean, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Fujitsu Group, the global ICT equipment and services firm. He has over a decade of experience in information technology audit, digital forensics, threat intelligence, penetration testing and cybersecurity program development.

Obika has worked in both the public and private sectors, developing and maintaining their security programmes. He holds multiple certifications such as Security+, Pentest+, CySA+, SecurityX, OSWP, CET and Certified Cryptocurrency Auditor.

Obika is actively involved in regional cyber resilience efforts, serving with the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Trinidad and Tobago Chapter. A regular speaker and writer, he shares expert insights through platforms like the ICT Pulse Podcast, Medium and LinkedIn.

 

Insights into our conversations

Although the cyber threat landscape does not necessarily change drastically from year to year, a threat that Obika cited as becoming more prominent in the region over the past year is ‘smishing’. Similar to phishing, which is a type of social engineering attack delivered via email, in smishing, text messages are used to deceive people into disclosing personal information or downloading malware.

However, in addition to being another threat vector against which we must be vigilant, smishing has essentially widened the potential victim base – from internet users (for contact via email), to now include mobile phone users (for contact via text/short messaging service). Hence, questions ought to be asked about how security-aware and digitally literate our citizens are, especially those who are becoming increasingly exposed and vulnerable to the growing suite of digital threats.

Below are key questions that guided our conversation with Obika.  

  1. To start, can you give us a quick recap of what has been going on in Trinidad and Tobago and/or the wider Caribbean region, with regard to cybersecurity threats and incidents?
  2. Have you observed any changes in the posture of Caribbean organisations in managing risk, reputation, and business continuity in how they approach cybersecurity?
  3. You recently changed jobs. What have you been observing in the security job market, especially with respect to supply and demand, and the expertise employers are requesting?
  4. There seem to be growing reports of burnout and the extreme pressure security professionals are facing. Are you seeing evidence of this in your circle?
  5. There has been a lot of talk about digital sovereignty in the Caribbean region, and it has been acknowledged that digital sovereignty and cybersecurity are closely intertwined. How would you explain the difference, and why must cybersecurity also be addressed if digital sovereignty is being implemented?
  6. In trying to reframe the conversation on cybersecurity and why organisations need to invest in cybersecurity and keep up to date, more may need to be said about the impact of an incident. Do you have any insight into the cost or loss, or impact on Caribbean organisations?
  7. With the growing integration of AI in our everyday lives, what security concerns might you have?
  8. What might be three (3) key things organisations should be doing in 2025 to improve their network/IT security?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

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:  O Gellineau;  Gerd Altmann (Pixabay);  Freepik;  Franz Bachinger (Pixabay)

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez