Cyber Security, Human Capital the weakest link

“Cyber Security: Human Capital is the weakest link in ” was the title of the research presented by Digital Guru, Pt Shiva Janak Maharaj at the “National Security in the Caribbean: Emerging Threats, Dynamics & Challenges” International Conference on June 14th at the Trinidad Hilton. The event was hosted by University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in collaboration with the Ministry of the National Security of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Pt. Maharaj quantified the cost of revenue lost globally by cyber-crimes and identified the shifts in the tactics of today’s cyber-criminals. These criminals have a preference for “Social Engineering” (manipulating people (the human)to perform an action or divulge information) as their number one way to beat the cyber security system.

Digital Guru, Pt. Shiva J. Maharaj M.A., B.Ed.

Numerous heads of the packed audience nodded in agreement as Pt. Maharaj revealed how many of the everyday practices of people on their computers and mobile devices can result in a breach of their privacy and loss of their personal and company information and data. He analysed steps taken by other countries to minimise such occurrences, namely promoting cyber security awareness nationally and developing digital competencies from a young age.

Pt. Shiva J. Maharaj highlighted the cyber security initiatives of himself and his company ICT Expertz Limited in both areas here in Trinidad and Tobago. In February of 2016, ICT Expertz Limited placed Trinidad and Tobago on the map of countries that promote safe and responsible Internet use as they formed the local committee and participated in the global observance of Safer Internet Day (SID). Understanding the value of corporate data and the vulnerability of this data in the hands of employees, ICT Expertz also partnered with International cyber security agencies to deliver corporate cyber security awareness programs for end-users. Through this program, they offer free cyber safety readiness assessment,  identifying cyber security gaps specific to the end-users and provide training to bridge these Human skill gaps.

Many countries such as India, United Kingdom, Australia and the United States have recognised the negative impact of cyber security breaches, as well as the positive impact of a competent digital nation on socioeconomic growth. These countries have invested in the education of their Human Capital by developing frameworks and programs that strengthen digital competencies. Content such as e-safety and digital citizenship are integrated and taught to kids and adults in all geographical areas from the rural to the urban areas. ICT Expertz Limited also leads in this regard as they were the first to bring to Trinidad and Tobago a formal Digital Literacy program with a UK based qualification which begins from age 7 to adult in making our country more digitally literate and competent.

To be a part of any of the initiatives of ICT Expertz Limited to make yourself and your organisation more cyber safe contact our head office at (868) 692 – ICTE(4283) or email Pt. Maharaj directly at Shiva@DigitalGuru.Tips