In the second instalment of our Expert Insights series on cyber threats and security for 2026, 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 2025; the changes in phishing attacks thanks to AI; how attacks during a natural disaster can be better managed; 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.

As the Caribbean region marches toward full digital integration, it is under more pressure than ever. In early 2026, the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven threats and the region’s unique physical vulnerabilities has created a complex security environment that demands more than just technical fixes but also requires a cultural shift in resilience.

For example, ransomware has evolved from a “spray and pray” tactic to becoming more targeted, with attacks being tailored specifically for small economies. Further, cognisant of the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters in particular, there is a growing awareness that attackers could use the chaos following a disaster to deploy ransomware or launch phishing campaigns disguised as relief aid, and thus the need for greater preparedness in anticipation of adverse weather conditions

These scenarios are among the ways in which cyberthreats have evolved in the region, on which our Podcast guest share will further insights. At the same time, there is also an  imperative for greater vigilance and proactive measures by individuals, organisations and governments to manage the potential if compromised.  

 

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, including Security+, Pentest+, CySA+, SecurityX, OSWP, CET, and is a 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 conversation

Similar to the other security experts, this conversation with Obika is sobering. AI-facilitated attacks are on the rise in the region, which again emphasises the sophistication of the incidents being experienced.

Although there can be a sense that all hope is lost, that is not necessarily the case, but a mind shift is necessary. The key is developing resilience—and a fighting spirit—to do what is necessary in the face of an often-unseen adversary who may have access to considerably more resources than you have. Hence, the objective of your efforts should be to ensure a speedy and full recovery should a cyber incident be experienced.

Below are key questions posed to Obika that drove our conversation.

  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. AI has eliminated the traditional “red flags” of phishing (bad grammar, awkward phrasing). How are Caribbean organisations supposed to train employees to spot attacks when the lures are now perfectly written in local dialects or Patois?
  3. According to recent reports, only 13% of leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean have high confidence in their nation’s ability to protect critical infrastructure. Why is the confidence level so significantly lower here compared to other regions?
  4. We’ve seen a shift toward “tailored” ransomware attacks that specifically target smaller Caribbean economies. How have attackers adjusted their ransom demands and tactics to match the limited budgets of regional public services?
  5. “Hurricane-Cyber” event (a cyberattack occurring during a natural disaster) is a nightmare scenario. Why is the current practice regarding tabletop exercises to simulate phishing and ransomware specifically during the “recovery window” of a storm?
  6. Should these tabletop drills be national, or is there a move toward CARICOM-wide “Cyber-Hurricane” simulations to test how one island might support another’s digital recovery?
  7. With AI tools able to scrape social media and LinkedIn at scale, how are we seeing “Spear Phishing” evolve into more automated, yet highly personal, attacks against regional CEOs and government officials?
  8. The updated CARICOM Cybersecurity Cybercrime Action Plan 2025 was launched late last year. What are the most significant shifts in this new plan compared to previous iterations, particularly regarding the move from “security” to “resilience”?
  9. How is CARICOM IMPACS (Implementation Agency for Crime and Security) currently operationalizing this plan to ensure it isn’t just a policy document, but a functional shield for the region’s digital transformation?
  10. What might be three (3) key things organisations should be doing in 2026 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;  DC Studio (Freepik);  Thinkhubstudio (Freepik);  DC Studio (Freepik)

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

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez