Cybersecurity impacts many actors within the public domain, including policymakers, the private sector, law enforcement, academia, and civil society; therefore, a multi-stakeholder approach was used in the development of this Strategy. Cybersecurity risks1 in this regard should therefore be analyzed within a broader context that also encompasses legal, economic, and social factors, contributing to a better management of cybersecurity threats and decision-making. Technology is changing exponentially every day, and the threats surrounding these technologies are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As our connectivity and dependence on Internet-based platforms and services increase, so do our vulnerabilities and exposure to cyber threats. While this growth has brought numerous opportunities for many nations, cyber threats have equally evolved in recent years. This reality, therefore, requires the development of public policies that seek to ensure an open and safe Internet for all.
Developed through a multi-stakeholder approach, through the establishment of an Inter-institutional Cybersecurity Task Force, the National Cybersecurity Strategy of Belize seeks to establish a vision to enhance the cybersecurity posture of Belize. Considering existing national plans and the level of connectivity of the nation, a tiered approach was used to develop concrete and measurable actions that can be taken to advance the capability of the nation to address cyber threats. As such, in the development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the level of connectivity to the Internet, as well as, the volume of cybercrimes that are committed in Belize were considered. These variables were also used to determine the scope of the problem, existing cybersecurity gaps, capacities, and opportunities for public-private synergies in Belize.
In terms of connectivity, there has been a steady growth in the level of Internet penetration and connectivity. 2 The more connected people become the more avenues are open for cyberattacks. As of 2018, the Internet penetration rate of Belize was recorded as being over 50% of the population, an increase of over 40% since 2000. With respect to cybercrime, the Police Information Technology and Cyber Unit (PITCU) the Belize Police Department (BPD) manages the investigations of cyber-related crimes, as well as, those felonies that involve electronic evidence. The PITCU has investigated cases of phishing, credit card, and ATM fraud, as well as, other crimes that involve electronic evidence, including drug trafficking. They have also received reports of cyberbullying, revenge porn, and identity theft. The PITCU holds a partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation, which facilitates the international reporting and investigation of cases of child pornography.
