Papua New Guinea has reaffirmed its support for Pacific countries to work together to address growing cybersecurity threats.
Minister for Information and Communications Technology Robert Naguri made the statement when he officially opened the 2026 Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) Annual General Meeting in Port Moresby.
The Minister welcomed the PaCSON Secretariat, heads of delegations, CERT and CSIRT representatives from across the Pacific, partners and other guests.
He said growing internet access was creating opportunities for Pacific countries, helping economies, connecting communities and improving government services.
At the same time, he said greater use of digital technology was exposing countries to cyber criminals and other threats.
“As we all know, increasing internet connectivity presents significant opportunities for the Pacific and drives our economies, brings our communities together and modernises our government services,” he said.
“However, these digital transformations also expose us to risks and sophisticated threats from cyber criminals.”
Mr Naguri said cyber threats did not stop at national borders.
“The borders of our nations are no longer just physical, they are digital,” he said.
He said a weakness in the digital systems of one Pacific country could also affect other countries in the region.
The Minister said PaCSON had an important role in bringing together cybersecurity and incident response professionals from across the Pacific.
He said members worked together to improve incident response capabilities, strengthen technical skills and share information about cyber threats.
“Your mission to cooperatively develop collective incident response capabilities, enhance technical skills and share threat information is the cornerstone of regional resilience,” he said.
Mr Naguri said PNG was working through the Department of Information and Communications Technology, the National Information and Communications Technology Authority and its national cybersecurity teams to protect national information infrastructure and citizens.
He said PNG’s cybersecurity was closely connected to the cybersecurity of neighbouring countries.
“We believe in the power of collective knowledge and the strength of our regional solidarity,” he said.
Mr Naguri encouraged PaCSON members to take part in the meetings and workshops, share their experiences and discuss both the progress and challenges they face.
He also asked members to provide updates on cyber activities being observed in their respective countries.
The Minister said PNG was pleased to host the AGM, cybersecurity information exchange and workshops and thanked the organisations and partners involved in making the event possible.
The 2026 PaCSON AGM brings together cybersecurity professionals and partners from across the Pacific to share information and strengthen regional cooperation.