There is an alarming increase in cybersecurity risks in the Pacific region as more people across the region have access to faster and more reliable internet.
The region is highly exposed to a range of cyber threats, spanning from email fraud, ransomware and card skimming to cyberbullying and child pornography.
A report published by the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF), multi-development partner coordination, research, and technical assistance facility that supports infrastructure development in the Pacific highlighted that the cyber risk is real and growing, and the current need to address this risk is critical.
At the national level, Papua New Guinea is waking up to the wave of cybersecurity threats that need immediate attention.
Recent developments in information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as telecommunications, mobile phones, social media and cloud computing have the potential to spawn economic, social and political changes in the country.
However, a potential downside of the rapid digitization not only in Papua New Guinea but the rest of the Pacific Island countries is that these economies are becoming attractive for cybercrime activities in terms of perpetration, instrument, and victimization.
From government agencies to businesses big and small as well as individuals across the region, there is a greater need for organizations and individuals to be aware of cybersecurity risks and how to minimize those risks.
The PNG National Cyber Security Centre (PNGNCSC) in Partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is pushing for policy intervention as well as joining forces with other relevant stakeholders to do more awareness of cybersecurity threats.