Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called for enhanced cybersecurity cooperation with Australia following recent incidents of sabotage that compromised critical infrastructure in Suva. Last Saturday, interference with local facilities prompted emergency assistance from Australia, underscoring the need for stronger collaborative efforts in cybersecurity.
Rabuka highlighted the urgency of this cooperation during discussions at the Australian Defence Force’s cyber operations facilities. He welcomed the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, which aims to improve Fiji’s cyber resilience, especially concerning critical infrastructure.
During his remarks, Rabuka emphasized a need for ongoing collaboration and support from Australia, indicating that “there is room for improvement from our side” in addressing vulnerabilities. Fiji’s efforts to bolster its cybersecurity framework are part of broader initiatives within the region, where cooperation is crucial in tackling rising cyber threats.
Fiji has made significant progress in this domain, particularly through partnerships with Australia and Japan. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, emphasized the importance of international collaboration, highlighting the creation of the National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the development of a National Cybersecurity Strategy set to be unveiled soon.
These initiatives aim not only to safeguard Fiji’s digital infrastructure but also to influence regional stability by promoting teamwork among Pacific nations in facing cyber threats. Through legislative advancements such as the Cybercrime Act of 2021 and accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, Fiji is demonstrating a proactive approach to enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities.
The collaboration between Fiji and Australia presents a hopeful outlook for a more secure and interconnected digital landscape in the Pacific region. As both countries continue to work together to combat cyber challenges, Fiji stands to become a leader in cybersecurity within the region, fostering greater cooperation and resilience against digital threats.
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