The Caribbean is significantly enhancing its preparedness to confront escalating cyber security threats that pose a risk to essential services and economic stability. This strengthened resolve is being driven by collaborative initiatives spearheaded by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and supported by regional and international partners.
The Growing Threat Landscape
The region’s increasing reliance on digital technologies for everything from e-governance to e-commerce has created a larger digital footprint, thereby expanding vulnerabilities to sophisticated cyberattacks. Recent news highlights a steady rise in cyber threats across the Caribbean, with ransomware, viruses, phishing, and major computer failures becoming increasingly common and impactful. These attacks have led to significant consequences, including prolonged downtime, loss of critical business data, damage to customer relations, reputational harm, and substantial financial losses, with global average costs for data breaches reaching millions of dollars. Experts warn that the Caribbean remains significantly behind other regions in cybersecurity preparedness, leaving critical national infrastructure—such as electricity grids, telecommunications, and water systems—vulnerable.
Strategic Initiatives for Enhanced Preparedness
To counter these evolving challenges, the Caribbean has launched an updated Regional Cybersecurity Strategy and Action Plan. This strategy emphasizes improving detection capabilities, fostering information sharing, and enabling a coordinated response across member states. A core component of this plan involves the implementation of national and regional Cyber Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) designed to share threat intelligence effectively. Secretary General of the CTU, Rodney Taylor, stated that the priority is to “be able to see the threat that is coming and not wait for it to happen”.
Furthermore, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has introduced a modernized regional action plan, the Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan (CCSCAP 2025). This updated plan builds upon its five existing pillars by adding a sixth focused on Incident Response, aiming to ensure coordinated regional capability to protect critical infrastructure and maintain the continuity of essential services during major cyber events. The CCSCAP is designed to guide member states in developing robust national and regional cybersecurity frameworks, harmonizing cybercrime legislation, and reinforcing digital trust across the Community.
Regional Collaboration and Partnerships
A cornerstone of the Caribbean’s enhanced cybersecurity posture is robust regional collaboration. The CTU is actively partnering with the Caribbean Cyber Security Agency (ACCYB) in French Guiana to bolster the region’s capacity. This partnership is further exemplified by events like the Caribbean Cybersecurity Congress, which brings together experts and decision-makers to share strategies and promote regional cooperation.
Beyond intra-regional efforts, international partnerships are proving crucial. The United States, through initiatives like the William J. Perry Center and the U.S. Department of Defense Southern Command, has been hosting cybersecurity seminars to build regional capacity and safeguard critical infrastructure. Similarly, the EU-LAC Digital Alliance facilitates high-level policy dialogues and joint initiatives on cybersecurity between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean. The CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) also plays a vital role, engaging in intelligence sharing and supporting the CCSCAP.
Fostering a Culture of Cybersecurity
Addressing the digital threat requires more than just technical measures; it necessitates fostering a widespread culture of cybersecurity awareness. The CARICOM Cyber Security and Cybercrime Action Plan highlights the need for public awareness and building sustainable capacity. Experts stress that cybersecurity is no longer solely the responsibility of IT departments but a business priority, a workforce issue, and a personal responsibility for every employee. This means empowering the entire workforce to understand, detect, and prevent digital threats through training and awareness campaigns. Developing this cybersecurity culture is seen as integral to safeguarding the region’s digital future and economic resilience.
The ongoing efforts by various Caribbean entities, supported by international partners, signal a strong commitment to fortifying the region against the growing tide of cyber threats. These coordinated strategies and collaborative actions are critical steps towards ensuring a secure and prosperous digital landscape for the Caribbean.