online financial services, as well as the deployment of viruses, botnets, and various email scams such as phishing14. It is becoming increasingly evident that organized international gangs are behind most Internet scams and that cybercrimes’ estimated cost is more than that of cocaine, heroin and marijuana trafficking put together15. Criminal gangs have recognized that their exposure is less when they perpetrate cybercrimes with high profits as opposed to other traditional forms of organized crimes. Jamaica’s National Security Policy therefore identifies cybercrimes as Tier 1- Clear and present danger, with a high impact and high probability of occurrence.16. Another area often targeted by cybercriminals is critical infrastructure. The critical infrastructure national landscape is the bed rock of daily operations. The disruption of same has the potential to reduce the flow of essential goods and services, impede or impair important economic and financial operations, and fundamentally shut down the country. Therefore, limiting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure by applying relevant security standards, while at the same time assessing the risks, will reduce the options available to criminals to attack these systems. CYBER INCIDENTS IN JAMAICA In Jamaica the emerging trend indicates an increase in cyber incidents. Figure I below shows cybercrimes for the years 2011 and 2012, while Figure II shows cybercrimes for the period January – August 2014. Figure III reflects cyber activities reported to the police for the years 2011 and 2012 but are not offences under the Cybercrimes Act. In examining our cyber security approach, national security issues cannot be ignored. Therefore the necessary support needed for the police, intelligence and other national security services to, among other things, ensure the maintenance of law and order, to deter, mitigate and protect against significant external or internal threats, is critical. It will involve ensuring that vital infrastructure is bolstered and resilience is built into our social and economic systems so that they can withstand threats17. FACING THE CHALLENGE The Government is aware that facing the challenge will be difficult. The inherent nature of cybercrime makes it a new paradigm for law enforcement agencies. It is recognized that there are existing deficiencies in our capacity, processes and technology to properly investigate and prosecute these crimes. Additionally, it is recognized that the trans-border nature of cybercrime requires international cooperation to assist in the prosecution, mitigation and recovery efforts. In this vein, it is recognized that the academic community and private sector are critical stakeholders in securing our cyberspace and must play a significant role in advancing these efforts. 14. 15. 16. 17. 11 http://www.interpol.int/Crime-areas/Cybercrime/Cybercrime Norton Cybercrime Report 2011 A New Approach: National Security Policy for Jamaica, 2014, Pg. 10 Ibid. 7 National Cyber Security Strategy Government of Jamaica