Jamaica was the target of four million attempted cyberattacks in the first half of 2024.
That’s according to Fortinet, a leading global cybersecurity company.
It released the data on Wednesday.
Mahiri Stewart has the details.
According to FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s official threat intelligence and research organization, Jamaica was the target of four million attempted cyberattacks in the first six months of the year.
February was the busiest month where cybercrimes were concerned.
Regional Sales Manager at Fortinet for the English Caribbean, Carlo Caloca, says the advances in technology made by cybercriminals have increased the likelihood of their success in carrying out their crimes.
Mr. Caloca suggests that Jamaican organisations focus on enabling actionable threat intelligence powered by artificial intelligence, AI.
He says by applying this to all security devices islandwide, it will help in detecting suspicious activity.
Fortinet’s report that 44% of ransomware was aimed at industrial sectors.
A 70% drop in ransomware detections was pinpointed compared to the first half of 2023.
Fortinet believes this is a worrying statistic.
The company says it shows that attackers are moving from a traditional mass distribution strategy to one that is more focused.
It says areas such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics were the biggest victims.
Mr. Caloca says by proactively monitoring and analysing cyber threats, it can help companies identify their most vulnerable areas.
Fortinet Jamaica’s Senior Major Account Manager, Ronald Donaldson, says the report shows the importance of updating the country’s cybersecurity platforms.
He says it also shines a light on the relevance of including education and cybersecurity awareness programmes for local businesses.
Mr. Donaldson cites human error as one of the biggest causes for cybersecurity breaches locally.
He says due to this, Jamaican businesses fall victim to phishing campaigns that are easily avoidable.
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