15 February 2017
Islanders are being asked to give their views on the Government of Jersey’s first Island-wide cyber security strategy. The public consultation, which begins today (15 February 2017), is open to all Islanders and will run until 29 March 2017.
Cyber security strategy consultation
Cyber security has been identified in a number of independent reports as essential for Jersey’s continued success as an international financial services centre and for achieving its digital aspirations. Greater cyber resilience will also benefit businesses and Islanders by helping to keep them safe online whilst ensuring that Jersey continues to be seen as a stable and attractive place to live and do business, in both the physical and digital worlds.
The proposed cyber security strategy will cover five key areas
- Government By continuously securing Government’s information
- Critical national infrastructure By strengthening the critical national infrastructure’s cyber resilience
- Business By working in partnership with the private sector to encourage and incentivise improved cyber security across the Island’s businesses
- Legislation and international engagement By ensuring that appropriate legislation is in place on-Island and by engaging with the international community to enhance cooperation
- Citizens By raising awareness, building cyber skills, knowledge and capability to help ensure that people in Jersey are secure online
The consultation document, which is available online or in hard copy, looks at whether the Government’s approach to protecting Jersey’s cyberspace is sound, fit for purpose and ultimately enhances the Island’s reputation as an attractive place to do business.
The consultation also invites comments on: Jersey’s goal of having its entire working population trained in basic cyber security; establishing an on-island entity that will provide a response in case of a cyber-attack; organisation of Island-wide cyber security exercises and other events.
The Chief Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said “While digital technology holds enormous potential to develop our economy and improve the lives of Islanders, we must also acknowledge that it can bring certain risks too. In today’s digitally connected world, cyber security has become a prerequisite for a strong society and a thriving economy, especially within the financial and digital sectors.
“If Jersey is to continue to evolve as a competitive, future-focussed digital jurisdiction, then we will need to develop and adapt our cyber security approach. This must be done in a way that enables Jersey to benefit from emerging opportunities, such as considerations around data protection.
“We recognise that achieving absolute cyber security is not a reasonable goal for any jurisdiction. Therefore, we will direct our efforts wisely and protect the Island’s most important informational and infrastructure assets. This approach will enable us to ensure that Jersey remains a safe place in which to live and do business.
“Where appropriate, we will also seek to find joint solutions with Guernsey. Our jurisdictions share vital infrastructure, and in the weeks ahead I look forward to agreeing with my Guernsey counterpart a memorandum of understanding that will define the areas in which we can work together.
“I would like to thank Senator Philip Ozouf, whose determined leadership of the Digital Policy Unit played a large part in the development of the cyber security strategy. It stands as a testament to the determination and commitment he brought to strengthening our Island’s economy.”
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