The National Security Ministry acknowledges a “cyber incident” impacting the website of JamaicaEye, a vital national closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance program established in 2018 to combat crime. While ensuring no compromise to video footage, concerns are raised about potential data exfiltration from individuals registering with JamaicaEye. Reports indicate that the website was defaced, with cybersecurity expert Gavin Dennis identifying a web shell left by hackers, highlighting the malicious scripts that enable further compromise of web servers. Attempts to access the website display an error message, indicating the severity of the cyber threat.
The Ministry clarifies that the compromised website is not connected to the central infrastructure of the surveillance system, alleviating concerns about the integrity of the core CCTV network. A collaborative effort involving experts from the ministry, Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency is underway to investigate the incident. This cyber threat comes on the heels of another attack, as Mayberry Investment Limited confirmed being a victim of a ransomware cyberattack on June 6. In response, the private company advises clients to monitor accounts, report suspicious activities to financial institutions, and change passwords across all operated accounts.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident underscores the vulnerability of critical national infrastructure to cyber threats, emphasizing the importance of robust cybersecurity measures. The government’s proactive response and collaboration with law enforcement agencies reflect a concerted effort to address and mitigate the impact of the cyber incident. The broader context of recent cyber threats heightens awareness of the need for increased cybersecurity vigilance both within public institutions and private entities, as the potential consequences of such attacks extend beyond individual organizations to impact national security.
