The review of the National Cybersecurity Strategy is currently underway in response to the swift advancement of digital technologies and the changing nature of threats. This was emphasized in Fiji’s Foreign Policy White Paper 2024, which was unveiled at the Grand West Pacific Hotel in Suva on Monday.
The document reveals that Fiji, as a financial and administrative center in the South Pacific, is becoming an increasingly appealing target for cybercriminals. It highlights the importance of developing a National E-Commerce Strategy and establishing a national Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) as proactive steps to bolster cybersecurity.
Included in these initiatives are specialized capacity-building and information-sharing workshops aimed at enhancing Fiji’s defenses against cyber threats. Additionally, due to Fiji’s allure as a tourist destination and its strategic location, the nation faces heightened risks of potential terrorist activities.
The White Paper indicates a commitment to adopting a multi-faceted approach to counterterrorism to ensure preparedness. This will involve revitalizing counterterrorism efforts through the formulation of a national strategy and a comprehensive counterterrorism bill, which is currently under consultation.
Concerns regarding the spillover effects of terrorism from Southeast Asia and the Middle East are noted, as these could impact Fiji and the broader region. The government and security agencies are gearing up for possible worst-case scenarios with a proactive security stance, emphasizing the urgency of fast-tracking the Draft Counter Terrorism Bill and organizing workshops to refine it along with a national security strategy.