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Premier Hon. G. Wayne Panton confirms that Government remains committed to continuing to adopt a strategic, risk-based approach to cybersecurity for the protection of data entrusted to us, as well as for the safeguarding of the digital services relied on by our citizens and the businesses that choose to operate from our jurisdiction. All this relies on effective cybersecurity and for maintaining our international reputation in this field.

“It is essential that we continue on our path of prioritising and taking a risk-based approach. If we are in any doubt, about the importance of this, we only need look at the increased prevalence of publicly reported, significant and disruptive cyber-attacks, which have targeted at both public and private sector organisations around the world,” he said.

“A collaborative effort between the public and our critical private sector entities is essential to keep the jurisdiction safe and counter any cyber threats that we may face in the future.  Whilst we have largely kept the cyber threats at bay, the pace and scale of cyber-attacks show no sign of abating.

“Given this context, I have approved an exercise to conduct a National Cyber Risk Assessment for the Cayman Islands jurisdiction.  This will be the first time, we have conducted such a broad and important assessment across Government, critical statutory authorities, government companies and private sector entities. The outcome of this exercise will inform our national cybersecurity strategy and provide a baseline upon which we can objectively measure our cybersecurity maturity across our jurisdiction. It will also enable us to determine what investments are necessary over time to maintain an appropriate level of cybersecurity.

“I would like to thank H.E. the Governor, Mr. Roper for his full support for this initiative.

The Honorable Minister Mr. Andre Ebanks’ Ministry of Investment, Innovation and Social Development will lead this initiative, with its already established Cyber Security Unit.  The Chief Information Security Officer Ms. Pamela Greene will lead this exercise and her team will include resources from the UK Government’s Home Office.  The UK Government agencies have world-class cybersecurity expertise, which will support us on this important initiative.

“In the coming weeks, officials will reach out to private sector entities that fall within the scope of this assessment.  I take this opportunity to personally ask that you participate in this exercise for the benefit of the Cayman Islands and to ensure that our path to continued success is safe-guarded from of cyber threats.”