The Guernsey Cyber Security Centre will offer guidance to individuals, businesses and organisations, monitor vulnerabilities in public networks, provide advice and coordination during cyber incidents, and organise training and awareness.
It will operate from a new Cyber Operations Centre in St Peter Port under the oversight of Home Affairs, and will serve the whole Bailiwick.
‘GCSC is being established at the request of the States with the remit of preparing, protecting and defending the Bailiwick of Guernsey from cyber threats,’ said Matt Palmer, director of the Jersey centre who has taken on a pan-island role.
‘With a small team based here in St Peter Port, our purpose is to help strengthen resilience and protect islanders against increasing cyber threats to essential services, the wider economy, and the community. As a “critical friend”, rather than a regulator or law enforcement function, we are already supporting organisations across the Bailiwick with cyber incidents and advice.’
Home Affairs president Marc Leadbeater said the new centre marked an important step forward in protecting Guernsey.
‘No one is immune from cyber attacks, which affect businesses, public services and households.
‘As geopolitical risks rise and new technologies such as artificial intelligence present both risks and opportunities to Guernsey, it is right that we have a dedicated capability working to keep the community safe from cyber threats,’ he said.
‘GCSC will serve every part of our community, from government and critical infrastructure providers through to local businesses, charities and individual islanders, and I would encourage all those it is set up to support to engage with it and make use of the expertise it brings.
‘I’m grateful to everyone whose work has made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the difference GCSC will make to Guernsey’s economy and to the wellbeing of islanders in the years ahead.’
It is staging a launch event at the Old Government House Hotel on Tuesday 9 June from 8.30am.
It will feature author and investigative journalist Geoff White, whose latest book, Rinsed, examines technology’s impact on money laundering, as well as a session with social engineering specialist James Linton, known for hoaxing senior White House officials.
Attendees will also hear from GCSC director Matt Palmer and cyber crisis communications expert Lynne Capie.
Tickets are available here.
You need to be logged in to comment.