Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against cybercrime during the Regional Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Workshop held at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort. He emphasized that legislative enhancements, training, and technical support are essential to ensure that Fiji remains resilient against these threats that could otherwise harm the economy.
Turaga pointed out that Fiji’s enactment of the Cybercrime Act 2021 and its membership in the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime align the nation with international standards in combating digital crimes. He highlighted the necessity of updating laws, training law enforcement officials, and developing both national and regional capabilities to shield the Pacific’s digital space from cyber threats.
Addressing attendees, Turaga insisted that no foreign entity or hacker should compromise the region’s security or economies, reinforcing the message of collective resilience and collaboration. He noted that cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and scams like the recent M-Paisa incident are prevalent, making it crucial for enhanced preventive measures.
The workshop aimed to uplift skills in preventing cybercrime and managing electronic evidence, gathering law enforcement and legal specialists to share effective strategies. Hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with support from the European Union for the Pacific, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe, this event underlines Fiji’s commitment to boosting the capabilities of Pacific nations in the ongoing battle against cybercrime and digital threats.
In conclusion, Fiji’s proactive stance in enhancing its legislative framework and fostering regional cooperation sets a hopeful precedent for other Pacific nations, showing that collaboration and education can lead to a safer digital environment for all.
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