Underscoring “heavy focus” on cybercrime protection, Jamaican cybersecurity analyst Mario Sparks revealed plans to invest in a technology company here to train locals in the field in which he also plans to hire them.
“The newly-found oil has sparked almost a meteoric rise in the development of Guyana. But modernization comes with extreme and advanced technologies and those are used by citizens, governments, organisations, etcetera. All of this comes down essentially to data. Data is being transferred and everyone knows now that data is gold, and is even more valuable in many ways than fiat currency. You have to protect that data,” Sparks, founder of the multinational information technology firm Optimity Group, told the Stabroek News during an interview at the Marriott Hotel.
“Guyana is essentially greenfield… So we want to invest in setting up a security operations centre here in Guyana, which would be our redundant operating centre, and have it outfitted by Guyanese cyber analysts who we will train and invest in their certifications. We plan to have them deck our SOC… and as they grow, they are equipped to have their own start up, piggybacking on the experience and training acquired,” he added.
Sparks, who is also the chief executive officer of technology company MS Tech Solutions, was one of the 60 members of Jamai-ca’s private sector who recently visited Guyana. They were part of a trade delegation led by Jamai-ca’s Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill.
The private sectors of both countries said that they were exploring opportunities to deepen trade and investment ties on the back of this country’s lucrative oil and gas sector.
A computer engineer for over 30 years, Sparks said that many Caribbean companies and organisations do not realise that talent lies within the region, and they seek out technology services, such as cybercrime protection, from western nations. He posited that many of the large western firms subcontract companies in the region, like his, and from India and other countries, to provide those services.
Pointing to the demand for cybersecurity analysts globally, he said that Guyana can prepare for its incoming technological booms and equip persons with the skill sets needed to fill those vacancies. Once certified, those persons will be able to market their specialties globally.
Those plans, he posited, are what his company has. “We bring the expertise to secure what will drive Guyana’s modernization. Guyana isn’t simply building roads, bridges and four walls to set itself apart, it requires deep investment in technology and you simply cannot have technology as a stand-alone. You have to protect your technology and ensure that it is actually being used how it ought to be,” he reasoned.
“We want to take our model from Jamaica, bring it to Guyana and develop Guyanese expertise so they can use it to protect their own infrastructure. It is a win-win,” he added.
He contended that cybersecurity should be “a major concern for everyone, not just governments and organisations but individuals.
“We have to put solutions in place for people we interact with. It allows a suite of products to allow customers to sleep better at night and allows for them to have that peace of mind.”
Sparks said his firm offers a 24/7 cybersecurity centre and Jamaican analysts outfit it and “essentially watch for customer’s environments 24/7 and look for indicators of compromise. Abnormalities within those networks and whatever vulnerabilities are there and match those with ample protection measures”.
From the visit here, Sparks said, two telecommunications companies (telcos), have expressed interest in getting the services and have indicated partnership. “Guyana is in deficit and we have been speaking to the telcos and they need to offer those to their customers as to how we can essentially attach our series to their proxies …,” he said while indicating there are future discussions and meetings planned.
On the government side, he said that for future security purposes, he did not want to divulge too much information but underscored that he believed his company came at the right time.
“Guyana is a blank sheet of paper. And because of everything that is happening now: roads, pipes, bridges, what follows that… what will keep it, is technology; the hospitals, schools …every company uses technology. We are poised because the tech that is needed to operate these businesses have to be rendered now. We came at the right time when the plans are being drawn. We believe it will be a fruitful engagement,” he said.
Guyana has a centre that monitors cybersecurity attacks in the Guyana National Computer Incident Response Team (GNCIRT). It was established in 2013 under the PPP. On its website it said that the team initially functioned as a unit within the Ministry of Home Affairs until September 30, 2016 but is now under the purview of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in the Office of the Prime Minister.
It states that while the primary role of CIRT.GY is to provide computer incident management, it also serves as a “national point of contact on cybersecurity issues for international agencies and the government of Guyana.” It also develops incident management capabilities, provides incident management technical expertise, promotes cybersecurity issues and awareness nationally and supports domestic, regional and international collaboration with other agencies on issues related to cybersecurity.
“Just as firefighters in the real world focus on extinguishing fires and not pursuing or prosecuting arsonists, CIRT.GY functions as digital firefighters,” the website said. It added that it is not law enforcement, or an intelligence gathering agency.
On its website, Sparks’ firm says: “The Optimity Group of Companies empowers those to undergo a digital transformation as we optimise the quality of life through technology. We provide a wide array of quality products and services throughout the Caribbean and Canada. Our industries include: Information Technology, Retail, Finance, Entertainment, Hospitality, Healthcare and more. We provide carefully curated solutions through our companies MS Tech Solutions, Purple Team and Smart Living.”
