As cloud adoption continues to accelerate across industries, securing cloud environments remains a top priority for businesses worldwide. However, in 2025, organisations face increasingly sophisticated threats, evolving regulatory requirements, and complex multi-cloud environments. Staying ahead requires understanding emerging trends and implementing proactive strategies. Below are the important cloud security trends to watch for this year.

1. AI, machine learning and quantum computing

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and quantum computing are transforming cloud security by enabling real-time threat detection, more powerful predictive analytics, and automated responses to incidents. Security tools powered by AI can identify unusual behaviour patterns across cloud environments, detect vulnerabilities, and neutralise threats before they escalate.

As cloud environments grow more complex, AI and machine learning, in particular, will be in each layer of the cloud system, from the server through to the customer service. They will thus become indispensable for managing and mitigating security risks at scale whilst also simultaneously reducing the degree of human intervention required to manage cloud environments.

2. Zero trust security

The Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) model, which operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” is becoming a cornerstone of cloud security strategies. With the rise of remote work and hybrid cloud models, traditional perimeter-based security is no longer sufficient Zero Trust ensures that every user, device, and application is continuously verified, reducing the attack surface in cloud environments.

The use of multi-factor authentication, authenticating devices, and continuously monitoring users and devices not only reduces the chances of networks being compromised, but more importantly, the ZTA model also tends to contain potential breaches before they cause significant damage by isolating threats and preventing attackers from moving laterally within networks. Hence, this cybersecurity model is expected to be widely implemented in 2025.

3. Cloud-native security solutions

As organisations embrace cloud-native technologies like containers, Kubernetes, and serverless computing, security strategies are evolving to protect these modern architectures. Cloud-native development enables organisations to realise all the benefits of cloud computing; deployment speed, scalability, agility, manageability, and the ability to run across environments. Cloud-native security tools are specifically designed to monitor, manage, and secure workloads across dynamic cloud infrastructures.

Further, serverless development, where software code can be executed without the need for servers, appears to be on the rise. AWS Lambda and Azure Functions especially are gaining more traction in the market, as they help developers and cloud architects simplify different processes and limit infrastructural complexities.

4. Passwordless authentication

Although passwords may still have a role in the digital space, increasingly, they are offering less resistance in a world of AI, machine learning and quantum computing. As a result, there is a growing focus on eliminating the use of traditional passwords and replacing them with secure alternatives like biometrics, hardware tokens, one-time passwords, smart carts, or security or cryptographic keys.

Passwordless authentication can make the login process more secure and user-friendly by eliminating the need to remember long passwords or the answers to security questions, When coupled with ZTA, it can strengthen network defences considerably against increasingly sophisticated threat actors.

5. Data privacy and sovereignty regulations in sharper focus

Data privacy laws and regulations are becoming more stringent globally, with countries introducing laws governing data sovereignty and cloud data residency. Increasingly, countries are requiring data pertinent to their citizens to stay within their borders Further, citizens, in particular, are realising that they have the power to demand that their data be handled ethically and transparently.

Failing to comply with evolving data regulations can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, and restricted market access. Hence, organisations must ensure compliance while managing data across different geographic cloud regions.

In 2025, expect to see a greater emphasis on consumer rights, the need for stricter consent requirements, and the integration of AI and data protection frameworks.

Closing thoughts

The cloud is the backbone of modern digital transformation, and security cannot be an afterthought. In 2025, and to a considerable degree, the security landscape will be shaped by innovation, adversarial advancements, and a growing need for robust frameworks. However, by being more proactive and developing informed strategies, organisations would be in a better position to secure their cloud environments, protect sensitive data, and build trust in an increasingly cloud-dependent world.

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At a time when credit card fraud is high, tap-to-pay (contactless) credit cards can seem like a blessing. First, you do not need to enter your personal identification number (PIN) with every charge, for which you might not enjoy any privacy whilst doing so. Second, and perhaps more importantly, you alone handle your card, limiting the potential for surreptitious misdeeds to occur in someone else’s hands, such as the cashier, who (depending on the individual or the store) is expected to take your card to swipe or insert into the card machine before you enter your PIN.

However, in recent weeks, some stores in Jamaica are no longer allowing customers to tap their credit cards or bank cards, reportedly due to an upsurge in fraud that has been occurring Thus, customers are expected to enter their PIN to authorise transactions.

How and why fraud is occurring, which in many instances seems to be due to lost or stolen credit cards, may require a separate exploration. The bigger issue may be the fact that the benefits of having contactless credit cards will not be enjoyed if that capability is not used.

How do contactless cards work?

A contactless card, also known as a “tap-to-pay” card, is a type of payment card equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology. When you tap or hold your card against the payment terminal, the NFC/RFID chip on your card transmits the necessary payment information to the payment terminal wirelessly, such as the card number, a one-time code, and other transaction details the bank needs to authenticate and execute the transaction.

Contactless cards were introduced to address several needs of both consumers and merchants, and have several advantages, including the following:

• Speed. Contactless payments allow for quick transactions, which could reduce checkout time.
• Ease of use. These cards do not require additional steps such as selecting payment choices from a keypad or entering a PIN.
• Improved card longevity. Unlike other cards with a magnetic stripe that must be swiped or those with a chip that must be inserted into a terminal and can deteriorate due to wear and tear, contactless cards are unlikely to become faulty over time.
• Increased hygiene. Contactless cards reduce the need for physical contact with public surfaces, such as a keypad or card reading terminal, which would have been especially applicable during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would also be relevant for other public health concerns, such as during flu season.
• Widespread adoption. Contactless terminals have been widely adopted, especially in more developed countries, to the point where chip and swipe payment options may not be as available. So for those travelling internationally, cards with tap-to-pay capabilities could be highly beneficial.

Having said this, some drawbacks of contactless cards should also be noted:

• Transaction limits. Contactless payments may have a transaction limit, which can vary, usually depending on the issuing institution. For larger purchases, you may still need to use a card with a chip or magnetic stripe or enter a PIN.
• Security risks. Contactless cards can be used without a PIN or signature, which can lead to unauthorised purchases if the card is lost or stolen, and may be the source of much of the recent fraud that has been reported in Jamaica.
• Limited use. Contactless cards may not be accepted at all (or even most) merchants, thus limiting their effectiveness and utility.
• Device security. Hackers can modify the NFC tags on smart devices, enabling the transfer of users’ private data to an unauthorised device.

Customers versus merchants

To be fair, contactless cards are still relatively new in the Caribbean region. Although they might have been available for around 10 years, it is only in the last few years – most likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic – that the issuance of cards with RFID/NFC technology has become the norm. Further, it is perhaps even more recently that merchants are being outfitted with card terminals that can facilitate contactless transactions. It may thus mean that consumers and merchants may not yet be as aware or as savvy as they ought to be when managing or interacting with these or other advanced technologies and ways to mitigate possible risks.

For example, card owners ought to manage their cards responsibly. Ideally, cards should be kept in a secure wallet or cardholder and never left unattended. It is also prudent not to allow others to handle your cards, as indicated earlier.

Second, card owners should be monitoring their transactions. Most Caribbean banks have online banking facilities, and the larger institutions may even have a mobile application. Hence, get into the habit of regularly reviewing your account transactions for any unfamiliar or unauthorised charges. Further, consider setting up transaction alerts, if the facility is available so that you can receive notifications of your card activity in real-time. Additionally, be prepared to report any lost or stolen cards or suspicious activity on your accounts to your financial institution as soon as possible.

Finally, it is strongly recommended that good digital hygiene, be implemented, such as using strong passwords for your online accounts and ensuring that you are using a secure network when going online to check your bank accounts. Strong passwords have been getting longer and tend to include special (non-alphanumeric) characters. Further, keep up to date on common scams and never provide personal or account information in response to unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls.

These practices will help card owners, at the very least, to be more vigilant, to manage their cards more responsibly, and to reduce their exposure to potential fraud.

However, merchants are also in a predicament. When card fraud occurs, it is usually the merchants who lose. Goods have been sold in good faith, but when fraudulent transactions are later identified, and the charges are reversed, merchants would have lost both their goods and revenue. Further, if these types of transactions occur (too) regularly, merchants could be blacklisted and possibly lose their privileges with credit companies, such as Visa and Mastercard.

The question thus is, “How to mitigate that risk?”

Managing the risk

An option that offers some rigour is to require customers to directly authorise the charges made, such as by entering a PIN. Further, to add another layer of security is to cross-check the name on the card with that on a government-issued identification (ID) card. So, customers would need to show an ID card and enter their PIN to authorise a transaction.  

Clearly, it does appear that we are taking a step backwards from tap-to-pay to entering PINs and showing IDs. However, card fraud is occurring, and on the rise generally, and more so in the Caribbean region. Further, the technologies used to facilitate contactless payments have not eliminated the risks to merchants. As a result, they may need to be more proactive and even restrictive in the types of payments they are prepared to accept.

Hence, although contactless payments might be here to stay, the Caribbean region may not be ready for their universal and almost exclusive adoption.

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Tech companies, often at the forefront of innovation, can paradoxically experience significant challenges with staff morale. This issue can impede creativity, productivity, and long-term success. This issue was highlighted in an article published in the Bahamas last week in which a local tech Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was encouraging fellow businesses that have the means “to use Christmas bonuses to boost staff morale this year, and to continue to retain staff”.

The CEO, whose company developed a platform “to fill the digital solutions void for human resources professionals”, highlighted that other businesses might be giving bonuses to help retain skilled staff whilst putting those that do not at a disadvantage.  He was thus encouraging a digital approach to performance review (such as his product), which can facilitate the requisite evaluation and calculate the incentives and bonuses to be awarded.

Although the CEO may have meant well in suggesting that businesses use Christmas bonuses as a means of boosting staff morale, generally, the contributing factors to staff morale can be complex and nuanced. In other words, money may not solve this issue, but might just act as a temporary fix.

In this article, we highlight some of the causes of low morale, especially in the tech space, and some effective strategies that can be implemented to create environments where employees thrive.

Reason #1:  High workload and burnout

The tech industry is notorious for its demanding work culture, characterised by tight deadlines and long hours. In startups and small businesses especially, the teams are small, with the members wearing many hats. Although the work might be exciting, in those situations, a lot of personal sacrifices often need to be made, which can lead to mental health challenges, strained personal relationships and deep fatigue. Over time, such pressures can lead to burnout, leaving employees feeling exhausted and undervalued.

Reason #2:  Lack of career growth opportunities

Skilled and ambitious individuals are often an asset to employers. They are willing to engage in continuous learning to remain relevant and on the cutting edge, and often, they are also eager for career advancement. However, in small and even medium-sized organisations, the scope for promotion can be limited to non-existent in the Caribbean region in particular.  Although salary increases might help (for a while), employees may still feel stagnant and demotivated, which can still result in low staff morale – even though are being paid above the industry norm.

Reason #3:  Poor leadership and communication

Although an individual might thrive in the hardscrabble of starting a business and trying to build it from the ground up, once it becomes more established and is in the process of building out the organisation, a different dynamic often comes into play. The informal, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants approach that allowed the start-up to be agile, responsive and gain a foothold in the market, needs to give way to procedures and structures that allow team members to work together efficiently and effectively.

Ineffective management, unclear expectations, and lack of feedback can cause employees to become frustrated. Further, if there is a lack of open communication the disconnect between staff and leadership becomes exacerbated, which once again, can result in low staff morale.

Reason #4:  Toxic work culture

Coupled with the previous point, a toxic work culture is a factor that is overlooked, as it may not be obvious, such as a gross disregard for staff welfare that could justify government intervention, such as through the labour ministry or the police. Instead, it may be evident through the following examples.

• Inconsistently applied policies
• Favouritism
• Expecting employees to constantly work outside of working hours and disregarding the importance of personal time
• Not taking a strong stance and following through when claims of sexual harassment, threats or bullying have been made
• Fostering an overly competitive environment.

In other words, a toxic work culture can create a hostile work environment, which in turn can erode trust and camaraderie among employees and a high staff turnover.

Reason #5:  Inadequate recognition and rewards

To some degree, this reason speaks to remuneration. Employees like to feel that they are being well compensated for their efforts. However, money is not the only way. People like to know that their hard work is being recognised. A failure to acknowledge their contribution and impact on the organisation can make employees feel unappreciated, leading to disengagement.

Reason #6:  Misalignment with company vision

Finally, and especially among startups and small businesses, leaders do not clearly communicate the organisation’s visions, mission or goals. In many instances, these crucial overarching structures are absent and, to some degree, may only exist in the minds of business owners or leaders. However, if employees do not see how their roles contribute to the company’s purpose, they may struggle to understand how their work fits into that bigger picture.

Key strategies to improve staff morale

For each of the above reasons for low staff morale, highly prescriptive solutions can be provided. However, two crucial themes tend to be at the heart of most interventions: strong leadership and valuing employees.

Many of the staff-related problems experienced in businesses can be attributed to poor leadership. In the start-up space, the skills and grit needed to thrive can become a detriment when a venture needs to grow and mature into a stable business.

Leaders are also the ones who create a positive work culture and establish and foster policies in an organisation. It would also be important to consider investing in leadership training to address deficiencies that might exist and to increase leaders’ and managers’ awareness of their responsibilities and how to spot and properly address contentions that might be emerging.

In tandem with leadership, employees must be valued. Though salary is an important consideration, maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is perhaps even more critical. Individuals want to know that they, as people, in addition to their work, matter. So organisations ought to strive to be fair with their employees, in the hope that they will be productive and happy.

Finally, it is important to highlight that for a variety of reasons, it may be necessary for employees to leave an organisation. Should that be likely, especially when organisations do not have the scope or capacity to facilitate the continued professional development or career advancement of bright and ambitious employees, that reality ought to be acknowledged. Once again, strong leadership and valuing the employees – even letting them go – will be crucial in navigating those difficult situations.

In summary, low staff morale in organisations, and more so tech companies, is not an insurmountable problem. The root causes must be addressed, and thoughtful strategies implemented.  Organisations ought to foster a workplace culture that supports employee satisfaction and productivity whilst also allowing their vision, mission and goals to be realised. The key is often balance and fairness to achieve a win-win situation for parties.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in business that has been reshaping how companies operate, interact with customers, and manage resources. While its adoption brings significant advantages, it also presents challenges that need careful consideration.

Over the past several months, business leaders have been excited about AI’s potential in the workplace. Without a doubt, there are several often repeated benefits of using AI, including the following:

• Increased efficiency and productivity. AI can process large volumes of data and perform repetitive tasks faster and more accurately than humans, which can result in significant time savings thus allowing businesses to allocate team members to more strategic and creative activities.
• Cost savings. By automating routine tasks through AI-powered systems, such as chatbots and automated data analysis tools, companies can reduce their labour costs. Effectively, these platforms can replace or supplement human roles at a fraction of the cost.
• 24/7 availability. Unlike human employees, AI systems can work around the clock without fatigue or any special benefits or compensation. Such systems are particularly beneficial for customer service and potentially other customer-facing activities, where chatbots can handle inquiries anytime, enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Improved accuracy and reduced errors. AI excels in tasks requiring precision, such as data entry, financial forecasting, and quality control. Their use would minimise human error, resulting in improved decision-making and a reduction in costly mistakes.
• Scalability. Finally, AI systems can easily scale to meet increased demands. For example, AI algorithms can analyse millions of transactions in real time, which would be impossible for a human team to achieve, costly and require considerable planning and coordination.

However, some concerns have recently been raised about whether organisations might be going overboard with how they are using or intend to use AI.

Scenario 1:  An AI travel influencer

Last month, the National Tourist Board of Germany launched an AI travel influencer, called Emma, to help promote the country.  In having Emma on the team, who by the way has an Instagram account, the Tourist Board would have a travel ambassador that would be available 24/7, have access to a huge reserve of facts and data, and would be cheaper than human travel influencers.

Although Emma’s launch experienced some technical difficulties, critics also argued that the content did not generate an emotional connection that would cause people to spend their hard-earned money to travel. Further, and as expected, human travel influencers felt their livelihood was being threatened. However, they were also of the view that using AI did not produce authentic experiences and genuine storytelling, which human travel influencers bring to the table.

Scenario 2:  An AI book publisher

Spines, an online book publishing platform, recently announced that in 2025, it plans to publish up to 8,000 books next year using AI. The company intends to charge authors between USD 1,200 and USD 5,000 “to have their books edited, proofread, formatted, designed and distributed with the help of AI” (Source: The Guardian).

As expected, some authors and independent book publishers were vociferous in their reaction to this initiative, accusing the company of just wanting to pump out books and not being prepared to give attention to the craft of writing.  On the other hand, Spines is of the view that its platform will empower authors: allowing more of them to get published and to do so without having to directly access or pay for individually all of the services required in the lead-up to getting a book published. Ultimately, the company wants to help 1 million authors get published.

Finally, and just a point of note. Spines is not the only entity using AI in book publishing. Microsoft has launched a new book imprint, 8080 Books, with the goal of accelerating the publishing process and getting books to market faster than traditional publishers. The company has entered into an agreement with HarperCollins for the latter to supply book titles with which Microsoft can train its AI model.

The value of scarcity

These two scenarios are just a few of the ways AI is being used to potentially disrupt traditional industries – though the full results are yet to be seen. Nevertheless, AI and, by extension technology, are making some significant inroads into areas that perhaps had been considered human-centric and human-driven. For example, Emma might need some work to ensure the technology operates well and the content connects better with viewers; but those are fixable problems.

However, an emerging concern based on the book publishing scenario is that ‘more is not always better’. If book publishers start pumping out a million books each, we, the reading public, will be inundated with books – many of which are likely to be poor quality, making it considerably more difficult to find the real gems in the sea of new publications.

Having said this, it could be successfully argued that traditional book publishers have had way too much power over which authors get published. Numerous now-famous authors have shared stories about having their manuscripts rejected by well-known publishing houses before they finally got accepted, usually by a small, independent publisher. However, although there might be a case for greater equity, potentially being overwhelmed by poor-quality books is disconcerting.

Being statistically average

AI travel influencers may be especially appealing to Caribbean countries, many of which count tourism among the largest contributors to their economy. Moreover, being able to stretch a country’s marketing and promotion budgets further by leveraging AI could be quite compelling.

However, an important question that needs to be asked is, “Could an AI help us to be unique?” “More compelling?”

One of the challenges with most of the publicly available AI platforms is that the advice or insights they tend to share are statistical norms or around the average, as was discussed in a recent ICT Pulse Podcast episode on whether you would let AI make all of your decisions. Further, although to the individual user, the AI recommendation or AI-generated content may appear novel and insightful, if more people ask the same question, they are likely to receive similar answers – which, of course, will no longer seem unique.

Hence, if Caribbean countries used AI in their tourism promotional effort, they could end up with similar content and/or a similar aesthetic – especially since most are selling sun, sea and sand, and if the same AI platform is used.

In summary and as noted earlier, AI is and will continue to have an impact on virtually all industries and sectors, even those considered sacred cows and impervious to technology. However, the decision to use AI to replace certain roles or functions in business is not one to be taken lightly. Although AI offers unparalleled benefits, there are also well-known challenges such as high initial costs, job displacement and ethical concerns, as well as other adverse consequences that are likely to only emerge when it is being used. Hence businesses and organisations ought to carefully the pros and cons, to ensure they are adopting AI responsibly to balance innovation with humanity.

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In the race for growth and market dominance, businesses often lose sight of their unique strengths. Although aiming for widespread appeal and increased market share can be a rewarding strategy, it is not always sustainable.

Further, businesses are often encouraged to pivot and evolve to keep up with technology, with examples such as Kodak, Blackberry, and Blockbuster used as casualties of companies not being innovative and prepared to keep up with the times. However, with a little research, one would realise that companies such as Kodak and Blackberry still exist and are still operating – but are no longer the household names that they used to be. They, among many other once-dominant tech companies, in particular, have embraced the power of niche markets after their mainstream appeal declined.

A lesson from the past: Kodak

Kodak was once synonymous with photography, holding a dominant position in the film and camera industry. However, the company’s failure to adapt to the digital revolution led to its decline. After filing for bankruptcy in 2012, Kodak shifted its focus to niche markets like specialised printing technologies, professional imaging solutions, and even scientific research.

Today, Kodak caters to industries like healthcare (with radiography and diagnostic imaging) and cinema (offering high-quality film for movie production). By narrowing its scope, Kodak found profitability in areas where its expertise remains unmatched.

A lesson from the past: Blackberry

BlackBerry once reigned supreme in the mobile phone market, known for its iconic physical keyboards and secure messaging platform. But as Apple and Android devices gained popularity, BlackBerry’s market share plummeted.

Rather than trying to compete in the saturated smartphone market, BlackBerry pivoted to become a leader in cybersecurity and enterprise software – which was always its strength. Its products now cater to organisations needing secure communication and data protection. This niche focus has allowed BlackBerry to thrive in a specialised segment, leaving the general consumer market behind.

A lesson from the past: IBM

From the mid-1950s, IBM was synonymous with computing, leading the market in hardware, personal computers, and mainframe systems. However, as competition in hardware intensified with the rise of companies such as Apple and Dell, IBM shifted its strategy.

Today, IBM focuses on enterprise solutions, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. Its flagship AI platform, Watson, was widely used in healthcare, finance, and customer service for predictive analytics and decision-making, and Watson’s successor, Watsonx, is IBM’s cloud-based commercial generative AI and scientific data platform.

A lesson from the past: Nokia

Finally, Nokia was once a global leader in mobile phones, dominating the market in the early 2000s. However, the company failed to keep up with the smartphone revolution led by Apple and Android devices. After selling its phone business to Microsoft, Nokia reinvented itself.

Today, Nokia is a key player in telecommunications network infrastructure and advanced technologies, particularly in 5G. Its expertise in network solutions has made it a critical partner for governments and businesses looking to build next-generation communication systems.

Why being niche works

From the above examples, and there are still more, these businesses have been able to survive – and even thrive – by stopping being ‘all things to all people’. Often, the change was triggered externally by market forces, but in many instances, these businesses ended up going back to basics and (in many ways) the niche field in which they began.

Invariably, these businesses were able to tap into the deep and specialised expertise they possessed, such as in photography and imaging in the case of Kodak, and enterprise security in the case of Blackberry. Moreover, among their diehard customer base – those who knew the value of what they offered and not just mass consumers – there would be strong customer loyalty as their products addressed specific pain points. Further, in focusing on a specific segment of the market, niche businesses tend to face less competition and can command premium prices by offering highly specialised solutions.

It should thus come as no surprise that niche businesses may be more equipped to be seen as authentic and trustworthy and are able to build genuine relationships with their customers. in turn, this relationship with their customers and their specialised focus can help buffer them from market-wide trends that can be volatile, allowing them to be more stable and resilient.

Finally, in having a narrow focus, niche businesses can make more efficient use of resources. For example, in terms of product or service offerings, the business can offer a limited number of off-the-shelf products and services, but with the option for customised solutions or specialised builds being fulfilled separately and at a premium. If catering to mass consumers, a business may need to offer a broader range of products or services, all of which would need to be manufactured or maintained and offered at competitive prices, which could lead to much more waste in the long run.

Being niche may mean managing expectations

While the allure of growth and mass-market dominance can be tempting, it is not the only path to success. Carving out a niche market and catering to a specific audience can lead to long-term stability and success. Interestingly, companies that once dominated entire industries, such as those previously highlighted, have leveraged their deep and specialist expertise and were able to revitalise their business, thus assuring their long-term sustainability.

In today’s competitive landscape, standing out is not about being everywhere: it is about being indispensable to the right audience. Whether your business is a startup or an established company, finding your niche and serving it exceptionally well might just be the smarter, more fulfilling way forward.

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In an increasingly digital and decentralised world, trustless systems are revolutionising the way we conduct transactions, share data, and interact online. Built on innovative technologies like blockchain, these systems promise efficiency, security, and transparency.

Across the Caribbean region, we are continually being confronted with matters related to trust and trustless systems. For example, Jamaica has been in the process of rolling out its National Identification System (NIDS), which should have in place the attendant security measures to limit tampering and provide authoritative verification. Further implementation is at a stage where the first batch of the associated physical identification card, which should include biometric data, is being issued. On the other hand, in Guyana, members of the country’s Elections Commission have been advocating for the implementation of biometrics by way of electronic fingerprint technology to identify voters at elections. However, arguments are being raised about the constitutionality of such measures.

However, the increased integration of trustless systems does not appear to have resolved fundamental trust-related issues, and arguably, may even have exacerbated them in some instances. In this article, we outline what trustless systems are, some advantages and disadvantages associated with their use, and more importantly, some of the complexities and points of friction between trustless systems and the concept of trust.

Trustless systems 101

At their core, trustless systems are frameworks that eliminate the need for intermediaries or centralised authorities to establish trust between parties. Instead, they rely on cryptographic protocols, consensus mechanisms, and decentralised networks to ensure the validity and security of transactions. Hence key characteristics include:

• Decentralisation. No single entity controls the system; decision-making and validation are distributed across the network.
• Transparency. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, ensuring visibility and accountability.
• Immutability. Once a transaction is added to the ledger, it cannot be altered, reducing the risk of fraud.
• Automation. Self-executing agreements with predefined rules, such as smart contracts, automate processes, further reducing reliance on intermediaries or external intervention.

For example, in a traditional financial transaction, a bank or payment processor acts as an intermediary to verify and facilitate the exchange. In a trustless system like Bitcoin, the blockchain, which is an immutable, decentralised ledger, replaces the intermediary. Every transaction is verified by a network of nodes using cryptographic algorithms, ensuring accuracy and eliminating the need for a central authority.

Pros and cons of trustless systems

Without a doubt, there has been considerable excitement associated with trustless systems, especially with the upsurge in cybercrime and malicious actors who steal or otherwise manipulate data. Key benefits of trustless systems include the following:

• Increased security. As decentralised and cryptographically secured networks, trustless systems are less vulnerable to hacks and fraud compared to centralised systems.
• Increased transparency: Thanks to the public nature of trustless ledgers, all participants can verify transactions, which in turn fosters accountability.
• Greater inclusiveness. Trustless systems facilitate global participation by allowing individuals without access to traditional financial systems to access such platforms and conduct secure transactions.
• Censorship resistance. No single entity can control or block transactions. The rules of the system tend to require consensus or unanimity, ensuring a freer and more open system.
• Cost-effectiveness. Finally, in removing the intermediaries, as highlighted in the banking example, trustless systems tend to have reduced transaction fees and operational costs.

Conversely, there are challenges associated with the use of trustless systems, some of which are outlined below.

1. Scalability issues. Many trustless systems, especially blockchain-based ones, struggle with slow transaction speeds and limited capacity as networks grow.
2. High energy consumption. Consensus mechanisms like proof-of-work (PoW) consume significant amounts of energy, raising environmental concerns.
3. Irreversibility: Although immutability is a strength of trustless systems, it can also be a drawback. Mistaken or fraudulent transactions cannot be reversed, posing risks to users.
4. Regulatory uncertainty. The decentralised and often anonymous nature of these systems can lead to conflicts with existing laws and regulations. Further, such systems remove sole control or oversight from regulators, which tends to be at variance with existing rules.
5. User unfriendliness. Finally, for non-technical users, understanding and interacting with trustless systems can be challenging, which can hinder take-up and adoption.

Trust versus trustless

Although organisations appreciate the value and benefits trustless systems offer, a critical point of contention centres around the automated nature of these configurations and the loss of control that is experienced. Trustless systems work well due to the limited interventions permitted based on the predefined rules established. However, we often want the flexibility to cater to the exceptions, which, if implemented, can water down the strictures necessary to operate successfully in a trustless environment.

Similarly, humans can sometimes have a desire to short-circuit a process in the name of efficiency. However, if such discretion is permitted in what should be a trustless environment, the rules and structures would be undermined.

To that end, and as an example, blockchain-adjacent systems have been developed that contact some features of the technology but not all. For example, these systems may use a distributed ledger but not in a fully decentralised and public network, or transactions are not being made on a public ledger.

Further, when the ‘human element’ is considered, trustless systems can be unforgiving of human mistakes and frailties. For example, mistakes in a transaction, such as sending money to the wrong address or misconfiguring a smart contract cannot typically be reversed. Or, if by chance private keys are lost, it often means permanent loss of access to one’s digital assets.

We also need to be mindful that social engineering and scams can still occur in trustless systems, as the human tendency to trust individuals can be exploited. Scammers can still trick users into revealing their private keys or other sensitive information, and bad actors can impersonate trusted developers or community members to push malicious updates or proposals. In essence, the absence of intermediaries does not prevent human-targeted fraud.

Final thoughts

Although trustless systems are reshaping the way we think about trust in the digital age, challenges still exist, some of which are inherent to the technology itself. However, the human element can also undermine the strengths – even human intermediaries are removed from the equation. Humans still want flexibility and control.

For trustless systems to achieve mainstream success, they must not only excel technologically but also address the human factors that influence trust, adoption, and functionality. However, as the technology matures, trustless systems may still become the backbone of a more open and equitable digital future.

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The social media landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Although some of these changes have been driven by technological advancements, changes in user behaviour and expectations continue to reshape the platforms and how we use them.

Further, social media is big business. According to Statista, social media advertising spending is projected to reach USD 219.8 billion in 2024 and USD 255.8 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.86%.

It is thus crucial for businesses, organisations and individuals to keep up with the latest trends. Below are the top five social media trends likely to dominate in 2025.

1. The rise of AI-powered social media

Although artificial intelligence (AI) has been all the rage since the start of 2023 and has been permeating all areas of business, it is expected that in 2025, it will be more deeply integrated and leveraged in the marketing space. Currently, AI has been used primarily for targeted advertising and content recommendations, but going forward and regarding social media, it will be the force behind:

• Personalised experiences, such as curating highly personalised content feeds so that users see what they’re most interested in.
• Enhanced user experience, such as through AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide instant customer support and answer queries efficiently.
• Automated content creation tools, by generating high-quality images, videos, and text.

2. Continued short-form video dominance

Short-form video content is not new. It was made popular on TikTok, and all of the major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc.) have adopted some version of it. However, in 2025, the format will become even more dominant to attract and keep a younger audience and essentially reshaping how people consume content.

To that end, brands will also be leveraging short-form videos to tell engaging stories and connect more deeply with their audience. Further, expect to see innovative video formats from users, such as vertical videos, short-form documentaries, and interactive stories.

3. The power of social commerce

The deeper integration of shopping and social media has been occurring for some time but has been limited in scope. However, social media platforms will be incorporating more shopping features, allowing users to discover and purchase products directly, resulting in a more seamless shopping experience.

Further, influencer marketing in the social media space will not be waning in 2025. Instead, it is projected that influencers will continue to shape consumer behaviour, promoting products and services to their followers, and if the social commerce effect can come fully to fruition, live shopping events and seamless sales could result.

4. Increased community-driven platforms

Although online communities have always existed, in the social media space, they seemed to be fragmented and less organised. However, as users try to find more ways to enjoy community online and not just entertainment, growth in niche communities is anticipated. In other words, users will seek out and join online communities based on shared interests and passions.

In a similar vein but capitalising on the desire for community, brands are also expected to jump on this bandwagon by encouraging user-generated content, discussions and co-creation. Consumer or user involvement will thus become even more integral in shaping brand reputation and driving engagement.

5. Greater privacy and data security concerns

Finally, although data privacy has been a growing concern over the past several years, it is anticipated to become an even greater consideration in the coming years. Worldwide, stricter data privacy regulations are coming into force, which will affect how organisations collect and use user data.

Furthermore, organisations will need to be transparent about their data practices to build trust with their audience. At the same time, users are becoming more aware of their rights and the need to manage their data more prudently. Hence, as their digital literacy improves, users are likely to become more cautious about sharing personal information online and adopt privacy-focused settings.

These trends are likely to be evident in 2025. By being proactive and staying ahead, organisations and businesses can maximize their social media presence and achieve their digital marketing goals.

Image credit:  Freepik

The digital nomad lifestyle is often relegated to daydreams: something you wish you could do but seems complicated and fraught with risk to actually do it. However, a growing number of professionals are taking the plunge and travelling farther and wider than ever before.

The Information Age has brought so many opportunities, one of which is the ability to work from any location. However, to do so well requires more than having a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection. We outline some important steps to take should you wish to have the digital nomad experience.

1.  Determine whether your job will allow you to work remotely

The first matter of business is to determine whether your employer or your role allows you to work remotely. If you are a frontline worker and a key aspect of your role is engaging directly with the clients in person, it may be difficult to. Operate remotely when this is key to your to your role. On the other hand, if you are ensconced at the office and interacting primarily with your colleagues, it may be possible to justify being out of the office for a stint as a digital nomad.

In many instances, it may be possible to negotiate or rearrange your schedule to allow you to be absent from the office for an extended period. However, it is also going to be important to determine and agree with your superiors or team members about possible interim arrangements or contingencies that may need to be put in place.

2.  Determine your requirements

Although your bucket list of locations you might wish to visit or work from may be long, the constraints or requirements of your work may have some impact on the locations you can realistically consider. Matters related to internet availability, quality, speed and cost, as well as other factors, such as the availability of co-working spaces, may be important criteria when evaluating one location against another.

Another factor that may narrow down your choice is time zone considerations. For example, if you need to interact with your office or with clients at specific or regular times, you may wish to limit the time zone difference you would have to juggle so that you can establish a workable routine in your remote location.

Further, also consider your personal requirements to feel comfortable and safe in your new location, which may include any specific amenities or services that are essential versus those that might be desirable. For example, if you are not someone who cooks often or does not like to cook, it may be crucial that eating out is affordable and that several options are available.

In summary, determine your non-negotiables as these will need to be prioritised and should influence the shortlist of countries from which your final selection will be made.

3.  Consider your at-home commitments

If you are working as a digital nomad for the first time or intermittently, the odds are that you will have a home base to which you will be returning. In your absence from that home base, there may still be commitments that you need to fulfil, such as paying your car note, paying your mortgage or rent, paying taxes or making suitable arrangements for the care of a pet.

In considering your at-home commitments, you are trying to ensure that there is some continuity to things that need to be attended to in your absence so that you will not necessarily be unduly disadvantaged upon your return. In the Caribbean region, where it still may not be possible to conduct all business online or remotely, it may be prudent to also have a family member or trusted friend to help when you are away.

4.  Decide your budget

Deciding your budget is going to be critical because often, are will not be allowed to be employed locally in your destination country. Generally, as a digital nomad, you are expected to be employed and/or able to support yourself financially whilst working remotely from the destination country.

Further, travel costs also need to be considered and budgeted for. In anticipation of the move, visas, travel insurance, and flights will need to be funded in addition to the expenses that will be incurred on the ground.

However, if you have at-home commitments that are financial, it may mean that you are unable to allocate your full income to support your life and lifestyle whilst based remotely. It is thus a good idea to know how much funds you may have available to finance your experience, as this may also affect the list of countries or your options going forward.

In understanding your budget, you may also be able to identify and implement options to either supplement your income or free up additional funds that can go towards your trip. For example, you may sub-let your home or rent out your vehicle whilst you are away, which would free up more funds to use when away from base.

5.  Research destination options and associated logistics

Although your initial list of destinations may be long, the requirements and constraints you previously identified should provide some criteria against which to assess the suitability of cities or countries on your list. It would now be time to fine-tune your shortlist and delve more deeply into what it would take to relocate. For example,

• Do the immigration requirements seem unduly onerous or lengthy?
• How plentiful are accommodations?
• Would suitable accommodations be within your budget?
• What is the cost of living?
• Are the desirable amenities and services available at reasonable prices?
• How easy or expensive is it to move around?
• How easy would it be to use your existing credit (or debit) cards when living remotely?
• Do you need a (separate) travel credit (or debit) card?
• What is there to do during my downtime?

Ultimately, it is about understanding not only the budget that might be necessary but also trying to understand the logistical and other factors that will contribute to you having an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

6.  Decide on the likely length of your stay

Deciding on the length of your stay abroad will most likely depend on several factors, such as the immigration requirements and cost, your own finances and budget, and whatever commitments you have at home. Generally, and from an immigration perspective, the shortest digital nomad visa or permit is around 30 days, whilst some countries offer visas for up to 10 years.

7.  Make a plan

Finally, adopting a digital nomad lifestyle, certainly initially, requires lots of preparation and planning, as you will need to organise your at-home, travel and on-the-ground remote arrangements. Typically, you may start organising and making the necessary arrangements at least three to six months prior to when you intend to travel to ensure that all of the arrangements are in place to facilitate a smooth and seamless experience.

Image credit: Freepik

In our increasingly digital world, There has been an emphasis on individuals becoming more digitally literate. However, improving cyber literacy is more important than ever.

To be clear, cyber literacy’s focus is primarily on online safety, security, and responsible usage. On the other hand, digital literacy covers a broader set of skills, including the effective and critical use of digital tools, technologies, and online resources. Hence, cyber literacy could be seen as a specialised subset of digital literacy.

In light of the breaches that have occurred in Barbados over the last few years, and more recently at the Barbados Revenue Authority, it should not come as a surprise that the country’s Minister of Industry, Innovation, Science, and Technology, Marsha Caddle, expressed concern about citizens poor understanding of digital safety:

“I think most important [to] the cyber hygiene of your institution and of the country, is the people. What are the steps, what are the practices that individuals and organisations take every day to make sure that your last line of defence, the people who are using the software working in the institutions understand the risks and do not take unnecessary risks with information…

“There is this notion that the Internet is a place where knowledge happens, and so I will click on something and I will start to understand… not realising that that is one of the easiest ways to get access to things people should not have access to…”

Source:  Barbados Today

The views the Minister expressed on people’s attitude to the internet and data security are not unique to Barbados. Although we all use the internet and enjoy the benefits of having such access, many of us are woefully ignorant about the associated risks and dangers and, more importantly, the steps we, personally, can take to reduce our risk and exposure. We outline six, which, if followed, would greatly boost your cyber literacy

1. Understand basic cybersecurity concepts

A great first step to becoming cyber literate is familiarising yourself with essential cybersecurity concepts. These foundational practices are not new, as experts have been advocating their use and adoption for several years. However, by understanding and implementing them, you will be well on your way to a safer online experience.

• Password hygiene. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider a reputable password manager. Ideally, passwords should be long – the longer, the better, and a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and characters. Further, passwords should not be repeated and should not be simple and readily recognisable words.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA). Although enabling 2FA might be a bother – an additional step before you can fully access your account, it adds an additional layer of security beyond your password.
• Data encryption. Encryption helps keep your data secure when it is stored or transmitted.
• Antivirus and anti-malware software. Regularly updating security software is critical for protecting your devices, and it is also important to run a full scan of your devices regularly to ensure you are aware of any vulnerabilities that have been identified.

2. Be aware of social engineering attacks

Social engineering is one of the most common types of cyber threats, relying on human psychology rather than software vulnerabilities. Phishing emails, phone scams, and other social engineering techniques aim to trick people into divulging personal information.

• Recognise phishing emails and messages. Look out for emails with odd sender addresses, poor grammar, urgent demands, or concerning matters of which you are not aware. Always verify before clicking links or sharing information.
• Verify sources. When contacted by someone claiming to be from a reputable organisation, contact the organisation directly to confirm. Also, when questionable emails are received, checking the sender’s email address may give you some clues as to the source. If unsure, independently research the organisation and contact it directly.

3. Stay informed on privacy and data protection

To effectively manage your digital footprint, it is important to know what data you share online and how it is used. It is thus crucial to stay informed on privacy issues and your rights as the owner of your personal data and content, so you can make conscious decisions about the information you share.

• Read privacy policies. Often, we are eager to access the services we want and so accept the terms of service and privacy policy without reviewing them. However, privacy policies help you understand how companies use your data, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the terms of any services you use.
• Control permissions. Regularly review permissions on mobile apps and social media accounts to limit data access. Disable access to unnecessary information like location or contacts.
• Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when necessary. If you’re using public Wi-Fi or a network where you are uncertain of the security that is in place, a VPN adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for others to access your data.

4. Manage digital health and information literacy

Cyber literacy goes beyond technical skills; it includes understanding how to engage with information online responsibly. Awareness of possible traps and pitfalls is key.

• Practice information verification. With the rise of fake news and misinformation, double-check facts before sharing. Use reliable sources and cross-reference information.
• Understand algorithms. Social media platforms use algorithms to suggest content to keep you engaged and on the platform for as long as possible. Being aware of this can help you moderate your exposure, avoid confirmation bias and broaden your perspective.

5. Practice safe digital communication

Communicating online involves risks, especially when sharing sensitive information. Social media platforms, in particular, can give us a false sense of security, and we may divulge matters to our network or followers that we otherwise would not do.

• Be cautious with personal data. Avoid sharing sensitive information like your social security number or financial details over email or text.
• Use secure communication platforms. Opt for messaging platforms with end-to-end encryption, like Signal or WhatsApp, for personal conversations.
• Understand the risks of social sharing. Social media can make you more vulnerable to identity theft or other threats if you overshare personal information, such as your birth date, address or even your location in real-time.

6. Keep up with technology and security trends

Finally, it is crucial to keep in mind that the digital landscape is constantly evolving. The onus is on you to keep abreast of the changes, the ways you could be affected and how to better protect yourself. By staying informed, you will be better prepared to handle emerging threats.

• Follow reputable cybersecurity sources: Websites like the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and government sites like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), regularly update about current threats.
• Participate in cybersecurity training: Many online courses, often free, are available on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning. Many of these courses are not intensive and will not result in certification but will help you to deepen your understanding and keep your skills up to date.

To wrap up…

Whether for personal use or professional security, a strong foundation in cyber literacy helps protect against data breaches, identity theft, and misinformation. However, improving your cyber literacy is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and adaptability. Remember, the more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to navigate and enjoy all that the digital world has to offer… safely.

Image credit:  onlyyouqj (Freepik)

Cybersecurity and the state and health of our digital systems and networks have been rising in importance globally as well as in the Caribbean region. Across the region, debilitating cyberattacks have occurred, resulting in the continuing consensus that countries’ security posture is still underdeveloped.

Although there are several practical steps organisations can implement to strengthen their networks and to make them more resilient to incidents, ideally, the government ought to ensure that the enabling environment also emphasises digital security with adequate measures have been implemented. Currently, some effort has been made to develop a framework to assess the cybersecurity readiness of countries. In this snapshot, we are examining the results from the latest Global Cybersecurity Index, which includes the following 16 Caribbean/Caribbean Community countries:

Methodology

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has developed the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) to monitor the cybersecurity measures implemented across the five work areas of the ITU Global Cybersecurity Agenda (GCA). The GCA, which was launched in 2007, provides a framework for international cooperation, efficiency and collaboration, which is built upon the following strategic pillars:

1. Legal Measures
2. Technical & Procedural Measures
3. Organizational Structures
4. Capacity Building
5. International Cooperation

Using these five pillars, the GCI is a composite index of indicators, which collectively represents a country’s level of cybersecurity commitments. Exhibit 1 outlines the scope of each of the pillars.

The data used for scoring was collected via a GCI questionnaire administered to the countries, which had to be supplemented by evidence to substantiate their responses and ensure accuracy. The GCI score for each country is assigned a score between 0 and 100, with each pillar weighted at 20 points. As a composite weighted index, each indicator, sub-indicator and micro-indicator is assigned a weight given the relative importance to the indicator group.

In addition to the GCI scores, the ITU has created a tiered system through which to consider country performance. Countries are grouped according to their total GCI score, as shown in Exhibit 2.

Country performance

Across the 16 Caribbean/CARICOM countries included in the assessment, the best-performing countries were the Dominican Republic, which scored 75.67 out of 100 and was followed by Cuba (72.73) and Jamaica (58.20), as shown in Exhibit 3. At the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-scoring countries were (surprisingly!), Antigua and Barbuda, which scored 17.89 out of 100, and thereafter, Grenada (20.15) and Dominica (22.83).

In examining the scores more closely, Caribbean countries generally scored the highest for the Legal Measures Pillar, virtually all of them have some cybersecurity and/or cybercrime legislation in place. However, countries generally scored the lowest for the Technical Measures Pillar, as few of them have established technical institutions, such as Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs), or have adopted standards and frameworks addressing cybersecurity and cybercrime.

In Exhibit 4, which presents the scores countries received by pillar, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Dominica, Haiti, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines all scored zero (0) for the Technical Measures pillar. Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada and Dominica also scored 0 for the Organisation Measures Pillar, which suggests that there is little to no coordination across institutions on cybersecurity and cybercrime-related policies and strategies.

On the other hand, and to varying degrees, countries have been undertaking capacity development activities to improve the cadre of trained security professionals, especially in the public service, and may also have conducted public education and awareness campaigns.  Similarly, most countries have either established or engaged in partnerships and cooperation and information-sharing arrangements, which would have been favourably considered under the Cooperation Measures Pillar.

In categorising countries by performance tiers, most of the Caribbean countries examined fell between Tier 3 and Tier 4, as shown in Exhibit 5, which suggests that there is some government commitment to cybersecurity and moderate measures had been implemented in at least one pillar (for Tier 4) or multiple pillars (for Tier 3).

To be categorised as Tier 5, which was the case with Antigua and Barbuda, it suggests that generally accepted cybersecurity measures were achieved for at least one indicator and/or sub-indicator, but the measures were inadequate to address most of the requirements under any one pillar.

Discussion of findings

The GCI is a useful tool as it provides some insight into the cybersecurity and cybercrime posture of Caribbean countries, specifically, their cybersecurity commitments and capabilities. As the scores and the tier performance reflect, the countries in the region are still deficient in certain areas, especially:

• Having active CIRTs (Technical Measures Pillar)
• Engaging with a regional CIRT (Technical Measures Pillar)
• Establishing frameworks to adopt cybersecurity standards (Technical Measures Pillar)
• Having national cybersecurity strategies (Organisational Measures Pillar)
• Having cybersecurity agencies (Organisational Measures Pillar)
• Establishing and implementing child online protection strategies (Organisational Measures Pillar).

However, it ought to be noted that the above measures and all of those examined to determine a country’s GCI, are unlikely to deter threat actors. Instead, they will make counties more resilient when incidents occur as more comprehensive frameworks and systems would have been implemented, and countries would more easily be able to access national, regional and international support to expedite their recovery.

Image credit:   Brian Penny (Pixabay)