The Fijian government is ramping up its dedication to improving national cybersecurity in response to the evolving digital threats. A recent national stakeholder briefing focused on the findings from Fiji’s second Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model Review, pointing out essential areas that require enhancement for better preparedness.
Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for Communications, stressed the immediate need for Fiji to strengthen its cyber defenses, committing to act on the review’s recommendations. This extensive evaluation, led by the Oceania Cyber Security Centre, assessed Fiji’s cyber maturity in several key areas including policy, legislative frameworks, and workforce development. It also examined the establishment of the country’s first Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the existing legal framework shaped by the Cybercrime Act 2021.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the establishment of a clear National Cybersecurity Strategy for the years 2025 to 2050 as a top priority. This strategy’s Action Plan will directly tackle the recommendations specified in the Maturity Model Review. While reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, he acknowledged the hurdles still faced, including the need for improved collaboration between government entities, increased public education on cybersecurity, and the reinforcement of the legal structure.
The government is advancing several initiatives, such as finalizing the National Cybersecurity Strategy, launching Fiji’s CERT, and implementing the Cybercrime Act. Furthermore, Fiji is actively engaging with Australia through a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on Cyber Security Cooperation, which fortifies Fiji’s cybersecurity measures.
Fiji’s initiatives echo a broader commitment to not only secure its own digital infrastructure but also to foster a collective safe digital space for other Pacific nations. This collaborative spirit signifies a bright outlook for creating a robust cybersecurity framework, ultimately aiming to enhance national and regional stability amid rising digital challenges.
Overall, this comprehensive approach reflects a proactive measure towards fostering resilience against cyber threats, showing that Fiji is taking significant steps to secure its digital future.
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