KINGSTON, Jamaica – On Monday, November 10th The Organization of American States (OAS) launched a course in Kingston, Jamaica, titled “Cyber Incident Investigation and Analysis,” which aims to teach cyber crime investigators and incident response teams basic and intermediate techniques in cyber investigation.
The course, organized by the Cyber Security Program of the OAS, and which will conclude on Wednesday, aims to provide attendees not only a theoretical understanding of cyber crime incident investigation, but also practical training that will equip investigators with techniques of evidence gathering and maintenance and analysis incidents.
The OAS Secretary for Multidimensional Security, Adam Blackwell, explained that the Cyber Security Program has been actively promoting initiatives to strengthen the technical response capability of OAS member states to cyber security incidents. “We are pleased to be able to provide support to the Government of Jamaica for the improvement of their investigation capacities. Cyber security is a daunting task, requiring strong knowledge of investigation techniques. Criminals of all types – including those involved in organized crime – are increasingly turning to the internet for communication, money laundering, and a host of other operational needs. As they continue to take advantage of the internet, thus increases our need to have technicians and law enforcement officers skilled in the forensic examination of computer and networked systems. Jamaica has been a great partner to the OAS, tackling this challenge with great determination,” said Ambassador Blackwell.
Jamaica´s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Clifford Chambers, noted the growing threat posed by cyber crimes, and warned that “the cyber threat landscape is rapidly evolving with expanding vulnerabilities in computer hardware/software, android devices, smart phones, routers, firewalls, security policies and other threats.” “I am confident that this course will better empower the participants to advance their investigative posture and allow them to produce superior output to negate some of the threats posed by cyber criminals,” he concluded.
The OAS Representative to Jamaica, Jeanelle van GlaanenWeygel, who participated in the event’s opening ceremony, stated that “the OAS is pleased to support Jamaica to better equip its investigators with cyber security techniques. The availability of skilled human resources in cyber security is a critical step to advance the implementation of Jamaica’s national cyber security strategy.” She also mentioned that “this course is part of a larger OAS cyber security project being implemented in Jamaica.”
The British High Commissioner to Jamaica, David Fitton, representing a principal government supporter of the event, said “cyber security is a priority security issue for the UK. We have had a national cyber security strategy in place since 2011. Part of that strategy is to support capacity building in countries like Jamaica. We work through the OAS to provide funding for training seminars such as this one. Cyber security ignores national borders. So we are keen to help and share information with close partners such as Jamaica.”
The first day of the event is designed to provide attendees a general understanding of legal frameworks and cyber crime investigative practices by providing methodical recommendations on investigations related to digital evidence gathering, searches, seizures and arrests. The second day explains information gathering techniques, including reconnaissance objectives and researching networks. Finally, the third day focuses on network forensics tools and techniques, such as packet capture and analysis techniques.
This training is geared to officials directly responsible for national cyber incident response and investigation. Most participants come from the Communication Forensic and Cyber Unit (CFCU) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, but also include representatives of the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining (STEM) and the Jamaica Defense Force. This training is timely as several new officials recently joined the CFCU, serving to complement the knowledge that those new officials bring to the unit.
The course is a result of the constant and fruitful dialogue between the OAS and the Ministry of STEM and the Jamaica Constabulary Force for the development and adoption of a National Cyber Security Strategy in the country. On September 15 there was a validation workshop for Jamaica’s National Cyber Security Strategy, and this activity is a direct result of continued discussions and work between the OAS and the Government of Jamaica since then.
