Fiji’s Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga, emphasized the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against cybercrime during the Regional Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Workshop held at the Shangri-La Fijian Resort. He stated that Fiji is determined to enhance its legislation, training, and technical support to combat potential cyber threats that could harm the economy.
Minister Turaga highlighted the enactment of the Cybercrime Act 2021 and the country’s alignment with international standards as a member of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. He stressed the significance of updating laws, training law enforcement officers, and building capabilities at both national and regional levels.
During his address, Turaga called for continued collaboration among Pacific nations to safeguard the region’s digital landscape. He urged participants to leverage the workshop to develop strategies and strengthen partnerships, asserting that no foreign entity or hacker should compromise the security or economies of Pacific nations. He acknowledged that Fiji is vulnerable to global cyber threats, mentioning issues such as phishing, ransomware, and the recent M-Paisa scam as examples of evolving challenges in the cyber domain.
The workshop aimed to bolster skills in preventing cybercrime and managing electronic evidence, uniting law enforcement officials and legal experts to share valuable insights and strategies for tackling digital crime. Hosted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and supported by the European Union for the Pacific, the European Commission, and the Council of Europe, this initiative underscores Fiji’s commitment to enhancing the cybersecurity capacity of Pacific nations in the face of ongoing digital threats.
This concerted effort is a hopeful sign for the future, illustrating that Pacific nations are taking proactive steps to secure their digital environments. By focusing on collaboration and education, these workshops pave the way for a more resilient and secure future against cybercrime.
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