The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune. 

ON Wednesday, January 5, reports surfaced that the University of The Bahamas had fallen victim to a ransomware attack, crippling its network and disrupting online services.

This unfortunate event is a stark reminder that no organisation — public or private — is immune to cyber threats. Sadly, this could be the fate of many companies in The Bahamas if proactive measures are not taken to strengthen cybersecurity defences. 

We live in an island nation surrounded by an ocean filled with natural predators — sharks, barracudas, and other marine threats. Yet, we do not remove them from the waters to feel safe when we swim. Instead, we take the necessary precautions: we stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and use protective gear when needed. The same principle applies to the digital world. Cyber threats exist, and we cannot eliminate them. But we can, and must, take measures to protect ourselves. 

Businesses, large or small, must ask critical questions.

• Have your employees been trained on cybersecurity awareness? 

• Do you have a cybersecurity policy in place? 

• Are you adhering to them?

• Have you conducted a security assessment to understand your vulnerabilities? 

• Do you fully grasp your security posture? 

Cybersecurity is not a feature that can be added later. It must be embedded into the core of business operations from the outset. 

Organisations that fail to implement robust security measures risk financial losses, repetitional damage, and operational disruptions. 

While it is distressing to see businesses and institutions suffer from cyberattacks, we must acknowledge that the responsibility to safeguard our digital assets lies with us. 

Cyber resilience is not optional; it is essential for survival in today’s interconnected world. 

SHERVIN EVANS

Cybersecurity Professional

Nassau,

February 5, 2025.