As part of its mission to ensure that Guyanese citizens, particularly the youth, are prepared to face the growing challenges of the digital world responsibly and securely, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in a release on Friday, announced the official launching of its 2024 “Cyber Road Show”.
The roadshow which aims to ensure that students and citizens alike understand the importance of protecting themselves online, especially in a rapidly advancing digital world, kicked off with visits to the Friendship and Covent Garden secondary schools on the East Bank of Demerara, along with La Bonne Intention Secondary School and Anns Grove Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara. At each school, staff of NDMA’s Cybersecurity Division engaged students in discussions about online safety and cybersecurity best practices.
According to the release, with Cybersecurity Month being observed under the theme “Secure Our World”, NDMA is committed to focussing on collaboration with public officers and the general public. Throughout October, the Authority plans to visit several other schools in Georgetown and Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) to promote the message that cybersecurity is essential to everyone in their digital lives, and is a shared responsibility.
NDMA’s Cybersecurity Director, Muriana McPherson, emphasised that Cybersecurity Month comes as a timely reminder of the importance of online safety, stressing that maintaining good cyber hygiene should be a year-round effort. “With the use of technology becoming more prevalent in everyday life, and the average technology user getting younger each day, it is vital to engage schools and teach students about safe internet use.”
She said that as digital tools become a critical part of daily life for both educational and personal use, students need to be equipped with the knowledge to navigate the internet securely. “With increasing access to devices such as mobile phones and other digital devices that connect to the internet, the percentage of teens worldwide who are now active internet users continues to soar. This highlights the importance of educating young people on safe practices in the digital space.”
During the sessions on Thursday, October 10, two assistant ICT engineers within the Cybersecurity Division, Chrison Jack, and Rovin Scarce, held interactive sessions with the students on ways to spot and mitigate online threats; identify and report cyber-grooming; as well as tips for staying safe online.
