The Fijian government is intensifying its commitment to enhance national cybersecurity as threats in the digital landscape evolve. This week, a national stakeholder briefing convened to discuss the findings from Fiji’s second Cybersecurity Capacity Maturity Model Review, revealing important areas for improvement and preparation.
Permanent Secretary for Communications Shaheen Ali emphasized the urgency for Fiji to bolster its cyber readiness, with a commitment from the government to implement the recommendations from the recent review. This comprehensive review, conducted by the Oceania Cyber Security Centre, evaluated Fiji’s cyber maturity across various dimensions—policy, legislation, and workforce development. It also assessed the formation of Fiji’s first Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and legislative frameworks, including the Cybercrime Act 2021.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, stated that one of the main priorities is to establish a clear framework through a National Cybersecurity Strategy for 2025 to 2050. The Action Plan associated with this strategy will directly address the recommendations from the Maturity Model Review. While acknowledging the commitment to tightening cybersecurity measures, Kamikamica also pointed out the challenges ahead, such as improving intergovernmental coordination, increasing public awareness, enhancing cyber workforce development, and reinforcing legal frameworks.
Among the government’s initiatives are the finalization of the National Cybersecurity Strategy, the operationalization of Fiji’s CERT, and the enforcement of the Cybercrime Act. Additionally, Fiji has been proactively collaborating with Australia under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cyber Security Cooperation, which further strengthens Fiji’s cybersecurity efforts.
Reflecting a broader regional effort, Fiji’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to not only protect its own digital infrastructure but also to contribute to a secure digital environment for neighboring Pacific nations. This collaborative approach highlights a hopeful outlook for a more resilient cybersecurity framework, enhancing overall national and regional stability in light of increasing digital threats.
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