Good morning all,
I firstly want to extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Government of Bermuda to our visiting cybersecurity experts from the International Telecommunications Union, Mr Pablo Ochoa, and Mr. Marwan Rached.
I am extremely pleased that we are able to move forward with this workshop which was postponed owing to the COVID 19 pandemic. The workshop will assist us in the further development of our capability to respond to cyber threats at the national level.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the private and public sector stakeholders who have been invaluable in providing their expertise and advice. I am pleased that they have all committed to this workshop.
As the Minister of National Security, I lead a group of departments that are responsible for the elements of safety and defence that are well known and understood throughout the community.
Cyber threats can have a devastating impact on individuals, the Government, and Bermuda. As part of Bermuda’s Cybersecurity Strategy, approved by Cabinet in 2018, the workshops and exercises held this week will help us ensure that we are prepared to identify and respond to cyber threats to our critical national infrastructure both within the Government and the private sector.
As many of you will know, local legislation governing cyber security standards, reporting guidelines and enforcement functions have been discussed for several years. I am pleased to advise that we have issued drafting instructions for both cybersecurity legislation and cybercrime legislation.
I hasten to add, the work has just begun.
I will now depart from the normal script that one might expect during an opening address like this and talk candidly about why we are here.
Cyber threats have been, and continue to be, one of the highest security risks that threaten all segments of society.
We are all at risk from ever more sophisticated attacks owing to our reliance on technology. Adequate cybersecurity capabilities and preparedness is essential for our economic success and prosperity in the digital economy.
As you begin the deliberations and information sessions this morning, I want to leave you all with this thought.
The work carried out this week will help us to mitigate the risks and threats. These threats will not go away, and we must remain vigilant and agile to respond to them accordingly.
Thank you.