Over 5.4 million cyber attacks recorded in first quarter—Wheatley

According to Jamaica Observer (General News), KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, has reiterated his call for stronger cyber-security measures across the country, noting that over 5.4 million attempts to breach Jamaica’s digital systems were recorded in the first quarter of this year. His call for greater awareness comes as his ministry launched its National Cybersecurity Awareness Month at a post- Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday. Wheatley noted that the number of attacks increased from 12 million in 2022 to 43 million in 2024 and over 49 million last year. “The truth is that we cannot pretend the threat is small. We have to prepare ourselves as a real target. Government agencies have been hit by ransomware. Institutions have seen key systems go dark for days. A breach on a major government digital platform exposed the personal informat