PHILIPSBURG--Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten (BTP) is issuing an urgent warning to businesses and organisations across the country to remain on high alert amid a surge in ransomware attacks throughout the Caribbean region.
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks users from accessing their systems or data until a ransom is paid. It has quickly become a favoured tool among organised cybercriminals, particularly targeting sectors with limited cybersecurity infrastructure.
Recent incidents across the region, including in industries such as hospitality, finance and government, demonstrate the growing scale and sophistication of these attacks.
One recent example occurred in Curaçao, where a ransomware attack crippled the Tax Office. The incident severely disrupted services and raised concerns about data breaches and extended operational downtime. This case highlights how even critical government systems are not immune to cyber threats.
“Ransomware continues to be one of the most pressing and disruptive cybersecurity threats facing our region,” said BTP Interim Director Judianne Labega-Hoeve. “Given the increasing sophistication of these attacks and the significant operational and financial risks involved, it is imperative that businesses in St. Maarten adopt a proactive and strategic approach to cybersecurity. Strengthening cyber defences is no longer optional, it is essential to ensure business continuity and safeguard critical data and systems.”
In light of the escalating threat, BTP urges all organisations in St. Maarten to adopt key cybersecurity best practices. These include regularly backing up data and storing backups offline, keeping all software and systems up to date with the latest security patches, and using strong, unique passwords combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Additionally, staff should be trained to identify phishing emails and suspicious links, while access to sensitive data and systems should be limited to essential personnel only.
Organisations are also encouraged to install and maintain reliable antivirus and anti-malware software, and to develop and maintain a clear incident response plan to effectively manage potential cyber emergencies.
BTP is also encouraging businesses to consult IT professionals and cybersecurity experts to assess their current digital protections and to implement effective technical and organisational measures to better secure their operations.
For more information on how to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, visit BTP’s official website
