Digicel and Symptai Consulting: Pioneering Cybersecurity in Jamaica
At the recent GOJ Digital Government Technology Showcase 2025, a moment captured in a quick photo spoke volumes about the future of cybersecurity in Jamaica. Deandre Harriott, Marketing Manager at Symptai Consulting Limited, shared a friendly snapshot with Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel. This encounter was more than just a photo op; it marked a significant partnership aimed at fortifying businesses against the rising tide of cyber threats.
Digicel Business has teamed up with Symptai Consulting to roll out comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for Jamaican businesses. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to position Digicel as the go-to partner for digital transformation in Jamaica. The company is not just about providing connectivity; it’s about ensuring that businesses can thrive securely in an increasingly digital landscape.
During the showcase, Digicel offered free consultation sessions, security awareness training, incident preparedness, and even dark web monitoring scans. These initiatives are crucial as they empower businesses to understand and mitigate the risks associated with digital transformation. As Stephen Murad aptly put it, “At Digicel, we are driving Jamaica’s digital evolution, establishing ourselves as a reliable partner for businesses adapting to emerging technologies.” His words resonate with the urgency of the current digital climate, where cyber threats like ransomware and phishing attacks are becoming alarmingly sophisticated.
Marlon Cooper, CEO of Symptai Consulting, echoed this sentiment during a panel discussion. He stressed the importance of adopting clear standards and guidelines for data privacy, especially for industries like banking, government, and healthcare. “As we continue to advance digitally, it is essential to embed key practices around data privacy and protection at the core of our transformation efforts,” Cooper emphasized. His call for concrete standards rather than mere guidelines highlights a critical gap in the current cybersecurity landscape.
Cooper’s insights are particularly relevant given that a staggering 63% of companies only allocate budget for cybersecurity after experiencing a breach. This reactive approach can be detrimental, especially when the stakes are high. “You cannot be granted a license to operate unless you meet these minimum standards,” he asserted, urging businesses to take proactive measures to protect sensitive data.
The partnership between Digicel and Symptai Consulting is not just about addressing current threats; it’s about building a resilient digital economy for the future. Digicel is committed to fostering strategic partnerships and investing in infrastructure that empowers both businesses and individuals.
In line with this commitment, Digicel is set to host the “Evolve Your Data Protection Seminar” on March 21 at the AC Marriott Hotel. The seminar, themed ‘Master the JDPA and Transform Your Defenses to Protect Your Business,’ will feature industry experts sharing invaluable insights on data protection strategies. This event promises to be a treasure trove of information for anyone looking to bolster their cybersecurity measures.
As Jamaica continues to embrace digital transformation, the question remains: Are we doing enough to protect our businesses and personal data from the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats? With partnerships like that of Digicel and Symptai Consulting, the future looks promising, but it requires collective effort and commitment from all sectors.