DAIC & DHTA urge private sector to build resilience by enhancing security

The Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce (DAIC) and the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) urges the private sector to enhance security of digital and physical infrastructure to build their resilience. This was encouraged at the second session of a Three-part Business Continuity and Resilience Series hosted on Wednesday, June 16^th, 2021.

Security industry entrepreneurs Mr. Edward Ravalliere of Protection One Inc. and Mr. Khimo Astaphan of Platinum Security shared best practices of physical infrastructure security for the private sector. The presenters encouraged businesses to invest in licensed and trained security personnel for better protection as security officers provide a sense of security to both staff and patrons and also aid in everyday customer service and loss prevention. Ensuring the needs of the security officers are met to encourage more efficient support was noted as essential. The importance of a robust security surveillance system which guards against breaches in security and the need to ensure that buildings or premises are always properly illuminated which serves as a strong deterrent were highlighted.

Mr. Craig Nesty of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) presented on best practices for digital security risk management, managing digital security risks and how private sector companies can utilize digital infrastructure to reduce risk. The Private Sector was encouraged to develop or hire capacity, patch systems, ensure there are workable and routine backups of data, and use of point solutions for anti-phishing and secure browsing. Mr. Nesty referenced Robert S. Mueller, III who said that there are two types of companies, those who know they have been hacked and those who don’t. As such, adopting the best practices shared at the webinar are essential in securing businesses workforce, workloads, and workplaces.

Representatives from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, Inspector Fixton Henderson and Constable Jeremy LeBlanc shared their considerations for the Private Sector in enhancing their digital and physical security infrastructure. Inspector Henderson shared guidelines to reduce the ease of entry for intruders, to limit business loss, and responding to a burglary. Constable LeBlanc advised of best practices including investing in reliable business continuity software to help with risk management. Additionally, he noted the importance of ensuring regular backups and use of effective cyber security measures including the use of VPNs and data recovery software in improving effectiveness and mitigating risk.

DAIC and DHTA reminds the business community of the final session to be held on Wednesday June 30^th which focuses on Leveraging Partnerships in Dominica for Optimal Disaster Risk Management. Mrs. Nikima Royer Jno-Baptiste – DAIC Director and CEO of Digicel Dominica, Ms. Francine Baron – CEO of CREAD, and Mr. Mandela Christian – Programme Officer at the Office of Disaster Management will share on this topic aimed at strengthening partnership locally and globally to increase our resilience.

The Private Sector and Stakeholders are invited to register to attend this session at bit.ly/2Sk2azX. For more information, contact DAIC at 1(767)449-1962.