Securys, JBDC provide SMEs with data privacy training

Global data privacy firm Securys, through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), is training and providing technical assistance in data protection to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The first of these sessions took place during JBDC’s Digital Jamaica Summit and Showcase held on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel. This was followed by a private session for the JBDC’s senior leadership on Friday, September 13, 2024.

As a part of their MoU, which was signed in June of this year, Securys will continue to train MSMEs in a series of sessions arranged by the JBDC.

“Our participation in Digital Jamaica was the first of many and shows our commitment to making data privacy the superpower of small businesses,” said Junior Darrell, Securys Head of Commercial Operations. “Our MoU is aimed at delivering data protection education, advocacy and solutions tailored for the MSME sector to ensure accessibility and affordability. We are thrilled with the work of the JBDC and believe they are best positioned to help us achieve these goals.”

Head of Practice at Securys, Andre Palmer, who led the data protection session at Digital Jamaica, said: “A rudimentary survey reveals that the vast majority of MSMEs still do not know much about the Data Protection Act (DPA). The ones that do know about it perceive it to be an expensive and cumbersome compliance burden. This indicates that quite a bit still needs to be done where targeted training and sensitisation is concerned.”

Palmer added that MSMEs must take the steps to learn about the Data Protection Act as ignorance of the law cannot be mounted as a successful defense. He noted that resources are easily accessible via the Office of the Information Commissioner’s website.

“Entities are also encouraged to take advantage of the training and technical assistance that will be made available through the JBDC’s MoU with Securys,” he continued.

In addition, Darrell says Securys is working strategically with various associations to not only educate organisations about the DPA, but also advocate for changes in the Act itself and its enforcement. While many organisations may view compliance as a burden, Palmer says data privacy should be treated as a business transformation activity. He said, “Done right, data privacy compliance can create significant competitive advantage for the organisation, which will result in greater efficiency and, ultimately, increased revenues and profitability.”

Securys intends to continue spreading information and awareness about data privacy. The company believes that privacy matters because people matter. They are a specialist consultancy focused on the human side of data privacy and information security. Securys uses its global experience with cybersecurity, data protection, regulation and governance to create bespoke, practical approaches to helping organisations of all sizes protect themselves and their stakeholders.