Guardsman Group, the leading security solutions company in the Caribbean, has announced the launch of its new arm, Guardsman Cyber Intelligence (GCI), and the first Security Operations Centre (SOC)-as-a-Service. Guardsman Group says the launch represents a major advantage for the region’s businesses who will be able to access cutting-edge cyber security solutions from a Jamaican company.

Group Managing Director Vinay Walia expressed that Guardsman pioneered GCI in response to an observed increase in the sophistication of cyber-attacks posing significant risks to businesses.

“We have invested in software and hardware to provide a layer of protection and ensure that business’ sensitive information and systems are secure at all times. Our team will work closely with businesses to develop customised security strategies including threat intelligence, risk assessments, access controls and encryption; identifying potential vulnerabilities for data breaches, phishing scams, or malware attacks before they happen,”  he said.

Walia was speaking at the launch event, at the new Beryllium Limited headquarters located in downtown, Kingston.

GCI’s Ryan Sterling elaborated that the company’s customised suite of solutions includes Penetration Test & Red Teaming, Customer & Brand Protection, Managed Threat Detection & Response and Managed SIEM services.

“Penetration Test & Red Teaming will allow businesses to identify weaknesses in their cyber security infrastructure by simulating real-world cyber-attacks. Customer & Brand Protection will help businesses protect their customers’ data and brand reputation by monitoring and identifying potential threats to their online presence. Managed Threat Detection & Response will provide businesses with real-time monitoring and response capabilities to quickly identify and neutralise threats, while Managed SIEM will allow businesses to effectively manage their cyber security infrastructure by providing comprehensive security information and event management services,” he explained.

Within the context of a global cybercrime economic impact in excess of US$1 million per minute, Cyber security Consultant and Attorney-at-law, Dr. Corlane Barclay who was the keynote speaker, shared how far-reaching and costly cybercrime and security breaches extend. Data from global security reports provided insight into how dynamic the global cyber threat landscape is as users in cyberspace “experience thousands of password attacks and DDoS attacks per minute on average along with frequent phishing, supply chain and ransomware attacks.”

She further noted that Jamaica’s cyber threat landscape is largely a microcosm of global trends in ransomware, social engineering threats, threats against data, and malware. Insider threats and lottery scamming also continue to have a significant financial impact on victims”

Barclay shared that, “Jamaica currently ranks 106 in the world, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU’s) latest Global Cybersecurity Index, which begs the question of the extent of our readiness to meet the challenges of the cyber threat landscape.” She added, “To improve their cyber security posture, businesses need to adopt sound cyber security measures which extend beyond responding to security breaches by identifying critical assets and services and actively bolstering their resilience, implementing board level/C-suite accountability, executing ongoing education, training and awareness and making cyber hygiene practices operational practices”.

Guardsman Group Chairman, Kenneth S. Benjamin, in welcoming industry stakeholders and business leaders to the event said, “since our inception, Guardsman has always been a company that embraces innovative thinking. Our approach has always been to attentively listen to our customer’s needs and develop solutions that exceed their expectations. Our customers have been exceptional in inspiring us to look toward the future, explore new horizons, and evolve our offerings.”

The launch of Guardsman Cyber Intelligence marks an exciting new chapter in the history of the Guardsman Group. The company states that, with the opening of its SOC-as-a-Service, the GCI is well-positioned to provide businesses across the region with the highest level of cyber security protection available.

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