As Guyana’s oil and gas industry continues to grow, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has underscored the importance of cybersecurity as a crucial component of the nation’s defense strategy. In his message for Cybersecurity Month, he was keen to note that the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure demands robust measures to safeguard sensitive data and protect citizens from escalating cyber threats which have increased locally and further afield.
“Cybersecurity Month is the opportune time to reflect on the critical importance of safeguarding our digital infrastructure, ensuring data security, and protecting our citizens in an ever-evolving digital world,” stated Prime Minister Phillips.
Citing statistics from Forbes Advisor, he pointed out that cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy over US$10.5 trillion by 2025. “This staggering figure represents one of the greatest transfers of economic wealth in history, surpassing the global trade of all major illegal drugs combined,” he said.
He also noted IBM’s report that the average cost of a data breach was estimated at US$4.88 million in 2024, highlighting the severe financial, operational, and reputational impacts that cyber-attacks can have on businesses, governments, and individuals alike.
Prime Minister Phillips also emphasized that the consequences of inadequate cybersecurity go beyond financial losses, posing risks to national infrastructure stability, compromising the privacy of citizens, and eroding trust in digital systems.
The World Economic Forum has identified cyber-attacks as one of the top five risks to global stability, reinforcing the urgent need for nations to prioritize cybersecurity.
“Today, more than ever, cybersecurity stands as a cornerstone for our modern societies, economies, and national security frameworks,” he said. He urged the public to recognize that while technological advancements offer immense opportunities for development and growth, they also introduce new vulnerabilities that must be addressed with urgency.
Notably, the Prime Minister was pleased to note that Guyana is already taking proactive measures to enhance its cybersecurity readiness against these growing threats. In April, the Office of the Prime Minister, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), rolled out 43 new public sector policies under the Government’s National Cybersecurity Policy Framework. This comprehensive strategy is designed to secure the nation’s digital infrastructure, protect citizens, and support economic growth.
Prime Minister Phillips explained that this policy framework aligns with the government’s broader development goals, aiming to modernize public administration, improve service delivery, and ensure equitable access to digital resources for all Guyanese. It focuses on strengthening legal frameworks, building national cyber resilience, enhancing public awareness, and developing essential skills for a secure digital economy while fostering international cooperation to collectively combat cyber threats.
“Looking to the future, Guyana is embarking on several initiatives to bolster our digital defenses,” he added. “We are investing in advanced cybersecurity technologies to enhance our threat detection and response capabilities, ensuring that we stay ahead of potential risks and safeguard our digital assets.”
As Cybersecurity Month continues, Prime Minister Phillips called on all citizens, businesses, and institutions in Guyana to take cybersecurity seriously. He stressed that the digital future of the nation depends on collective vigilance, awareness, and collaboration, highlighting that the responsibility of securing cyberspace must be shared by everyone.
“Let us work together to build a safe, secure, and resilient digital environment,” he urged. “With determination, innovation, and collective effort, I am confident that we can make Guyana a model for cybersecurity.”
