Pacific police taking decisive action to eliminate cyber threats

A policing expert in the Pacific says that as cyber threats become more sophisticated, the role of governments and organisations in safeguarding their assets has never been more critical.

To address this, a security awareness training programme is being implemented to develop an information security mindset within the Pacific police workforce.

Participants at an Australian Federal Police Cyber Safety Pasifika programme. Photo/Australian Federal Police

This initiative aims to equip officers and staff with the necessary knowledge to serve as the organisation’s first line of cyber defence.

Last week, the Island of Niue hosted cyber safety awareness and education training facilitated by Cyber Safety Pacifica and funded by the Australian Federal Police.

Participants learned that employees represent the first line of defence and can be a potential vulnerability within the cybersecurity framework, highlighting the need for a strategic focus on comprehensive training programmes.

In an interview with PMN Fiji host Nemai Tagicakibau, Fiji’s National Community Policing Coordinator, Emosi Uluilakeba, discussed the training's key focus areas.

Fiji’s National Community Policing Coordinator Emosi Uluilakeba. Photo/supplied

“The training focuses on, for example, the crimes that are prevalent through the use of cyber," Uluilakeba said.

“When we talk about cybercrime, it is simply a crime where cyber is being used.

“When we talk about cyber, it is the use of technology; it is the use of the internet.’’

The Cyber Safety Pasifika (CSP) initiative focused on three key areas: Cyber Safety Awareness and Education, Cybercrime Legislation and Policy Development, and Up-skilling of Pacific Police in Cybercrime Investigations.

Uluilakeba says these focus areas are important in today’s technology-driven world.

According to Statista Online, the Asia-Pacific region has the highest number of internet users worldwide and is also the most populated region.

Police chiefs from 22 Pacific Island nations attended the 50th annual conference and talks on tackling cybercrime and child exploitation in Queensland in 2023. Photo/Pacific News Service

Uluilakeba emphasised the need for Pacific resources to receive training in investigation and awareness to proactively educate the community.

He highlighted the importance of this cyber safety training for everyone involved across the Pacific.

He says collaboration among police forces from different Pacific nations will enable sharing of knowledge and experiences, which can help prevent and solve cybercrimes.

‘’An in-depth look into cybercrime is prevalent in all our policing societies in the Pacific.

“Those who were trained with this training would go back and be educators in educating young people entering the schools and also educating fellow police officers and professionals that work with our young people and likewise the civic society in general for people to be able to safely secure their systems that they are using in the internet and also protect themselves.’’

Watch Emosi Uluilakeba’s full interview below.

Another important aspect of the training is clarifying the difference between Cyber Safety and Cyber Security.

Uluilakeba says a comprehensive understanding of both concepts will lead to the creation of relevant legislation and effective processes to address various related issues.

‘’There is a difference between cyber safety and cyber security. Cyber security simply protects the process and the systems, your systems, and your working systems.

“Cyber safety protects you, the user. In other words, it protects you from engaging in a suspicious social activity that could eventually lead to your harm.’’