Local businesses are embracing technology as a way to make their services more efficient and competitive. With more businesses integrating technology into their operations though, cyber security is now a huge focus.
This was made clear at a technology conference organised on Thursday by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) in collaboration with the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI).
At the conference, several business leaders underscored the need for more Guyanese firms to integrate technology into their day-to-day operations.
GCCI’s Treasurer Orson Ferguson told fellow business leaders and students at the conference that technology is needed more than ever before to help local businesses become more competitive amid the influx of international firms.
“Unless local businesses become more and more competitive, we are going to get eaten up by our global competitors,” Ferguson emphasised.
But even as companies leverage technology, he said they should be wary of protecting the data garnered and generated. As such, Ferguson said a focus on cyber security was crucial too.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips agreed.
According to him, the government is mainstreaming technology in the delivery of services but cyber security has not been forgotten.
“In Guyana, our focus on cyber security is evident in our attempts to enact transformative legislation.
“The Data Protection Act of 2023 and the Digital Identity Card Act of 2023 seek to protect personal data and privacy rights while empowering people,” the Prime Minister said.
He reminded the gathering that Guyana’s transforming landscape makes persons more vulnerable to data breaches. As such, stakeholders must all take the necessary steps to protect their data while leveraging the myriad of benefits technology provides.
The Prime Minister also told the gathering that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a crucial part of the government’s efforts to fortify security and combat various types of crimes including cybercrimes.
