Global data privacy firm Securys recently delivered on its commitment to provide training and technical assistance in data protection to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with its participation in the JBDCʼs Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase.

The event was held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Securys pledged its assistance to MSMES through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked in June with the JBDC. As a part of their MoU, Securys will train MSMEs in a series of sessions arranged by the JBDC.

“Our participation in Digital Jamaica was the first of many and shows our commitment to making data privacy the superpower of small businesses,ˮ said Securys Head of Commercial Operations Junior Darrell.

“Our MoU is aimed at delivering data protection education, advocacy and solutions tailored for the MSME sector to ensure accessibility and affordability. We are thrilled with the work of the JBDC and believe they are best positioned to help us achieve these goals,ˮ he added.

Following Digital Jamaica Summit, the Securys team met with the JBDC’s senior leadership in a private session on Friday, September 13, 2024.

Not enough information

Head of Practice at Securys Andre Palmer, who led the data protection session at Digital Jamaica, pointed out that, “A rudimentary survey reveals that the vast majority of MSMEs still do not know much about the Data Protection Act (DPA). The ones that do know about it perceive it to be an expensive and cumbersome compliance burden. This indicates that quite a bit still needs to be done where targeted training and sensitisation is concerned.ˮ

With this in mind, Palmer urged MSMEs to endeavour to learn about the Data Protection Act, as ignorance of the law cannot be mounted as a successful legal defence. On this note he highlighted that resources are easily accessible on the Office of the Information Commissionerʼs website.

“Entities are also encouraged to take advantage of the training and technical assistance that will be made available through the JBDCʼs MoU with Securys,ˮ he continued.

Beyond data privacy education

In the meantime, while Securys is working with various associations to educate them about the DPA, it also advocates for changes to the Act and its enforcement.

Palmer explained, too, that although many organisations view compliance as a burden, data privacy should be treated as a business transformation activity.

“Done right, data privacy compliance can create significant competitive advantage for the organisation, which will result in greater efficiency and, ultimately, increased revenues and profitability,ˮ the Securys head of practice stated.

As Securys continues spreading information and awareness about data privacy, the specialist consultancy firm is focused on the human side of data privacy and information security. Securys uses its global experience with cybersecurity, data protection, regulation and governance to create customised, practical approaches to helping organisations of all sizes to protect themselves and their stakeholders.