Jamaica’s Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) Division announced plans for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCAM) 2026, scheduled for October under the theme ‘One Nation, Cyber Strong’. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Godphey Sterling outlined the month-long campaign during a JIS Think Tank on September 24, emphasizing goals to convert public attention into behavioral change, strengthen national cyber resilience, and support the local cybersecurity talent pipeline.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2026 Objectives
The 2026 campaign targets government bodies, private industries, educational institutions, and individual households across Jamaica. According to Lieutenant Colonel Sterling, the initiative aims to raise awareness of cyberthreat, encourage safer online habits, and test national cyber readiness through structured public and private sector engagement. Alongside the Jamaican observance, the global Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative—led annually in October by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—urges individuals and businesses to build consistent daily habits that make life difficult for cybercriminals.
Workshops, Career Symposiums, and Training Events
Throughout October 2026, the CIRT Division will host weekly lectures, immersive sessions, and webinars focusing on core digital hygiene practices. Key topics include strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), phishing awareness, and keeping software updated.
A central highlight of the month is the Cyber Careers Symposium, scheduled for October 13 at the Festo Auditorium within the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU). The symposium connects students, educators, employers, and cybersecurity professionals through:
- Targeted recruitment activities
- CV clinics
- Professional mentoring sessions
- Panel discussions addressing education, certifications, and workforce development
National Cyber Exercise (CyberXjm26)
Jamaica’s national cybersecurity exercise, designated as CyberXjm26, will take place on October 28 and 29. The simulation tests the nation’s ability to respond to, and coordinate during a major cyber incident. Participants include representatives from government agencies, academia, critical infrastructure entities, and private-sector organizations.
Lieutenant Colonel Sterling confirmed that CyberXjm26 features four competition tracks designed for schools, universities, cybersecurity enthusiasts, and professional incident-response teams.
Exposé and Milestone Recognition
The month concludes with National Cybersecurity Awareness Day (NCAD26) and the National Cyber Exposé, hosted at The Mico University College Gymnasium on October 29. The event showcases interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and displays highlighting Jamaica’s cybersecurity progress and future priorities.
The exposé also commemorates more than a decade of national cyber incident-response capabilities in Jamaica, recognizing founding contributors and volunteers who supported the country’s cybersecurity efforts. A Staying Safe Online social media blitz will also run throughout October, featuring educational tips, interactive activities, and public giveaways.
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