The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) is expanding its public education efforts aimed at combating cybercrime in Jamaica.

This is being done as the authorities seek to equip Jamaicans with the knowledge needed to identify and protect themselves against emerging digital threats. MOCA’s Director of Cyber Investigation and Risk Management, Dr. Patrick Linton, made the revelation last week, as he addressed the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall, St. James. 

He told the conference that increasing the use of digital technologies has been accompanied by a rise in cybercrime, including phishing schemes, business email compromise and cyberbullying. 

Dr Linton acknowledged that while Jamaica has made significant progress in reducing traditional crimes, cyber threats continue to evolve and require greater public awareness and vigilance, emphasising that MOCA intends to expand its public awareness initiatives and strengthen cybercrime education programmes in schools, universities and other community institutions.

Working with stakeholders

Dr Linton said the agency has been working closely with schools, communities and law enforcement partners to raise awareness about cyber threats and strengthen cyber resilience across the country, arguing that these efforts have contributed to a reduction in successful cyberattacks as more individuals and organisations become aware of online risks and the measures needed to protect themselves.

He, however, warned that the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to create new challenges, with cybercriminals finding more sophisticated ways to target individuals and institutions. Dr Linton declared, “We’re going to be seeing a proliferation of cyberattacks that are now associated with AI-perpetrated type cyberattacks, so we require persons to understand what’s happening,” saying greater public understanding of the evolving cyber landscape will be critical to reducing cybercrime and protecting citizens online.

“Our duty at MOCA is to work closely with communities to help reduce cyberattacks and prosecute them where crimes are committed under the applicable laws,” he said in conclusion.