FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 October 2024
Bahamas’ National CIRT Director Sametria McKinney Honoured for Advancing Global Cyber Security
NASSAU, The Bahamas—The National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS) proudly announces that its Director, Sametria McKinney, CISSP, has been recognised with the prestigious ISC2 Senior Professional Award for the Americas Region.
The ISC2 (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) is the world’s leading nonprofit member organisation for cybersecurity professionals. This award acknowledges her outstanding leadership and significant contributions to enhancing cybersecurity across The Bahamas and the Caribbean.
Being selected as one of only nine recipients from a highly competitive pool of over 150,000 certified professionals worldwide highlights the significance of her achievements and the calibre of talent she has stood out against. Ms McKinney received the award at the ISC2 Security Congress, held from 14-16 October 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Building Cyber Resilience Across The Bahamas and Caribbean
CIRT-BS is the government body responsible for coordinating responses to cybersecurity incidents, enhancing national cyber resilience, and providing cybersecurity support services to both public and private sector entities across The Bahamas. Notably, CIRT-BS has made The Bahamas the first country in the English-speaking Caribbean to secure membership in the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), the premier organisation and recognised global leader in incident response. It was also recognised by the U.S. Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy for its achievements in advancing cybersecurity efforts.
As Director of CIRT-BS, Ms McKinney has been instrumental in shaping the cybersecurity landscape in The Bahamas. She has led the development of key initiatives to bolster the nation’s defence against cyber threats, conducting national cybersecurity assessments and facilitating multi-agency collaborations to improve cyber resilience across public and private sectors.
This recognition by ISC2 underscores Ms McKinney’s pivotal role in advancing the cybersecurity profession and ensuring a safer and more secure cyber environment for The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. Upon receiving this award, Ms McKinney expressed, “Thank you so much for this incredible honour. I am truly humbled to accept this global award for professional services in cybersecurity.”
“I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to my talented team,” she continued. “This achievement reflects our collective dedication, hard work, and innovative spirit. Every member has played a vital role in advancing our mission.”
A Trailblazer in Bahamian Cybersecurity Leadership
Prior to her role at CIRT-BS, Ms McKinney served as Chief Information Security Officer at the Central Bank of The Bahamas, where she established its first-ever Information Security Department. Her efforts have positioned The Bahamas as a leader in cybersecurity within the region, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of cybersecurity preparedness and innovation.
The ISC2 Senior Professional Award is just one of her many accolades, as she also received the President’s Award for Public Service at the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) International Awards Gala in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 5 August 2023. This prestigious award honours individuals who have made significant contributions to the information security field through public service.
Ms McKinney’s dedication to building cyber resilience and competencies is a testament to her leadership and vision for a safer digital world. Her contributions to the field have also extended to the global stage, where she has been a speaker and advocate for cybersecurity awareness and education at both regional and international forums.
Collaboration is essential in building shared national cyber resilience. This recognition not only motivates CIRT-BS to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible but also reinforces its commitment to fostering a safer digital landscape.
For more information on CIRT-BS, to report a cybersecurity incident, or find CIRT-BS on social media, please visit www.cirt.bs/connect.
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS)
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
(Left) Sametria McKinney, CISSP, Director of the National Computer Incident Response Team of The Bahamas (CIRT-BS), and recipient of the ISC2 Senior Professional Award for her leadership and contributions to advancing cybersecurity in the Americas Region. (Right) Sametria McKinney, CISSP, receiving the ISC2 Senior Professional Award for the Americas Region at the ISC2 Security Congress, held from 14-16 October 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
