Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of a significant development in the advancement of Bermuda’s national cybersecurity capabilities through our partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Mr. Speaker, the Cybersecurity Act 2024 established a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to strengthen Bermuda’s resilience in the face of increasing cyber threats. Among its core provisions is the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NCIRT), mandated to monitor threats, issue early warnings, and coordinate incident responses across Government and the private sector. The Act also places the responsibility for the operationalisation and maintenance of the NCIRT squarely with the National Cybersecurity Unit within the Ministry of National Security.
Mr. Speaker, in line with these statutory requirements, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry has formally engaged the International Telecommunication Union to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support for the implementation of Bermuda’s NCIRT. This engagement directly supports the operational mandates outlined in the Act and ensures that our implementation meets globally recognised standards, including those promoted by the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index and the CARICOM Cybersecurity Action Plan.
Mr. Speaker, it is anticipated that this project began on July 1st, 2025, and is expected to span 12 to 18 months, during which time the ITU will provide both in-country and remote support. The ITU’s assistance includes:
i. Development of the NCIRT’s public-facing website, which will provide real-time threat information, awareness resources, and incident reporting tools to Government, businesses, and members of the public;
ii. Configuration and integration of a Threat Intelligence Platform, which will enable the proactive detection, analysis, and mitigation of cyber threats targeting Bermuda;
iii. Advanced training and mentorship for Bermuda’s Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) personnel, ensuring they possess the technical proficiency and operational readiness to respond effectively to cybersecurity events.
Mr. Speaker, I am especially pleased to report that this initiative is being delivered at no cost to the Government of Bermuda. The engagement is part of the ITU’s technical assistance programme for small island developing states and reflects Bermuda’s active participation in international cyber capacity-building forums. As such, this partnership represents a strategic investment in Bermuda’s national security infrastructure without imposing any financial burden on the taxpayer.
This initiative is more than technical support. It is a critical step in building the foundational institutions necessary to protect Bermuda’s economy, public services, and national interests in an increasingly digital world. Through this partnership, we are not only meeting our obligations under the Cybersecurity Act 2024, but also ensuring that Bermuda remains in lockstep with international standards for cyber incident response and resilience.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to assure this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda that cybersecurity remains a top national priority. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our defenses. The establishment of the NCIRT and the capacity-building support provided by the ITU are key pillars of a more secure, resilient, and responsive Bermuda.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.