Brown says JETS cyber breach highlights need for stronger protection

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Science, Technology and Digital Transformation Christopher Brown says the reported cybersecurity breach involving Jamaica Electronic Transfer System (JETS) Limited highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity protection and legislation. Brown, in a statement, said the potential exposure of customers’ personal and financial information raised concerns about data protection and the security of Jamaica’s critical financial infrastructure. While noting JETS’ assurance that its MultiLink and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment networks were not compromised, Brown said the possible exposure of customer names and debit card information remained a concern. READ:  Cyberattack on JETS exposes customer information; MultiLink and ACH networks unaffected He pointed out that the incident comes against the background of the Government’s disclosure that Jamaica recorded more than 49 million attempted cyberattacks in 2025 and another 5.4 million in the first quarter of 2026. Brown said that despite announcements about a national cybersecurity strategy and the establishment of a Cybersecurity Council, the country had yet to enact the proposed Cybersecurity Act. “We have heard repeated announcements about a national cybersecurity strategy and the establishment of a Cybersecurity Council. While these initiatives are important, we remain deeply concerned that the comprehensive legislative framework necessary to strengthen cybersecurity standards, institutional accountability and the protection of critical digital infrastructure remains absent,” Brown said. He argued that policy initiatives alone were insufficient to address the growing threats, and called on the Government to expedite the passage of the legislation. “Strategies, councils and policy announcements, however well-intentioned, cannot substitute for a robust and enforceable legislative framework. The Government must urgently accelerate the enactment of the Cybersecurity Act and provide a clear timetable for its passage,” he added. Brown also called on JETS and the relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, establish the full extent of any exposure of personal and financial information, and ensure affected customers were notified promptly and given appropriate protection. He further urged the Office of the Information Commissioner to ensure that the requirements of Jamaica’s existing Data Protection Act were fully observed. “As Jamaica accelerates its transition towards a digital economy, cybersecurity cannot remain an afterthought. The protection of citizens’ personal information, the integrity of our financial systems and public confidence in digital transactions must be treated as matters of national priority,” Brown said.