Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
04/17/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/16/2024 22:30
DEPUTY PM HON. MANOA KAMIKAMICA'S SPEECH AT THE 2024 CYBERSEC SYMPOSIUM
The Chief Executive Officer for Chillisoft and VT Solutions Company Executives
Business Leaders Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you all to this cybersecurity symposium. As we gather here today, we are not just participants in a conference, we are stewards of a critical aspect of our modern world - cybersecurity.
In a time where technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, the importance ofcybersecurity cannot be overstated. Our reliance on digital infrastructure for communication, commerce, healthcare, transportation, and countless other services meansthat the protection of our cyber assets is paramount.
In the realm of cybersecurity, we confront the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape ofcyber threats. As you may be aware, there is a need to fortify our defenses against cyber-attacks that have the potential to disrupt our critical infrastructure, compromise sensitiveinformation, and erode public trust.
However, in our efforts to safeguard our digital assets, we recognise that cybersecurity cannot exist in isolation; it must be integrated into broader strategic frameworks that shape our digital future.
As you may be aware, there is a need to fortify our defenses against cyber-attacks that have the potential to disrupt our critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, and erode public trust.
However, in our efforts to safeguard our digital assets, we recognise that cybersecurity cannot exist in isolation; it must be integrated into broader strategic frameworks that shape our digital future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Update on the National E-Commerce Strategy
The Government in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is in the finalisation stages of the National E-Commerce Strategy. This strategy will provide us a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the digital economy, addressing specific challenges and barriers that hinder the adoption and growth of E- commerce in Fiji.
The face-to-face multi-stakeholder consultations were carried out last year in September that involved a range of stakeholders such as government, statutory bodies, private sector (especially MSMEs), civil society and academia.
The National E-Commerce strategy aligns with our broader national development priorities of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left behind in our digital transformation efforts.
I am also pleased to announce that the Government in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union - a United Nations specialised agency for information andcommunication technologies, has embarked on a significant initiative - the development of Fiji's inaugural National Digital Strategy.
This strategy will lay out a coordinated approach to scale digital technology to driveeconomic growth and sustainable development. It will aim to further cement Fiji as theregion's digital hub and will look at further
digitalisation of key public services and ensuring that the right conditions are in place for anincreasing digital economy to be innovative, accessible and with a strong digital trust element.
This strategy acknowledges cybersecurity as a crucial pillar upon which our digitalaspirations rest and is set to alter our digital landscape for years to come. As we convene to address the challenges and innovations in cybersecurity, it is imperative to contextualise our discussions within the framework of this overarching strategy.
Update on National Digital Strategy
Our progress in this initiative has been substantial, marked by the successful completion of a multi-stakeholder consultation which was conducted over a 5 week period, facilitating one-to-one engagements.
Through this approach, we gained comprehensive insights into the digital landscape across both the public and private sectors. We ensured the inclusion of academias, civilsociety and non-governmental organisations, fostering a holistic understanding of diverse perspectives.
Throughout these consultations, several key challenges and findings emerged. One of the primary challenges identified was the need for greater coordination and alignment of cybersecurity efforts across different government agencies and private sector entities.
Additionally, there was a consensus on the importance of capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives to enhance cybersecurity resilience at all levels.
Looking ahead, our next steps entail working on the drafting of the National Digital Strategy. Building upon the insights gained from the stakeholder consultations, we will develop a comprehensive high-level roadmap that outlines our vision, objectives, and action plans for enhancing cybersecurity and driving digital transformation.
We will also organise a face-to-face validation workshop at the end of next month. This workshop will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the draft strategy, fostering greater ownership and buy-in from all relevant parties.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we converge to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity, we do so with the understanding that our efforts are essentially linked to the development of our National Digital Strategy.
This strategy serves as a roadmap for harnessing the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote social inclusion.
In this context, cybersecurity is a key component of our National Digital Strategy. It underpins our efforts to build a resilient and secure digital infrastructure that can withstandthe relentless onslaught of cyber threats.
By prioritising cybersecurity in our Digital Strategy, we signal our commitment to protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our digital assets, thereby fostering trust and confidence in the digital ecosystem.
Moreover, the development of a National Digital Strategy offers a strategic framework within which cybersecurity initiatives can be coordinated and aligned with broader policy objectives. It provides a platform for collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organisations to collectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber threats.
By integrating cybersecurity considerations into every facet of our Digital Strategy, we ensure that our digital transformation is not only innovative and inclusive but also secure and resilient.
Update on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Review
In tandem with the development of our National Digital Strategy, we recently undertook the second Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) review, and the Oceania Cyber SecurityCentre was engaged to carry out this review.
The CMM review is aimed at assessing and enhancing the cybersecurity posture of both public and private sector entities. Multi-stakeholder face- to-face consultations wereconducted with the identified key stakeholders. These consultations provided a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussions and exchanges on cybersecurity challenges, priorities, and best practices.
By fostering direct interaction and collaboration, we were able to deepen our understanding of stakeholder perspectives and gather actionable insights to inform our strategy development process.
We had included development partners as well as NGOs, religious organisations, and localentrepreneurs. The assessment sought to identify the cybersecurity maturity of the country, key areas for capacity development, and collaboration. As part of the assessment, law enforcement and critical infrastructure agencies were included as well as disaster relief services.
We expect the report to be ready in the coming months. The CMM report will reveal how we can holistically address gaps in cyberspace to attain further cyber resilience and will inform on development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is not just a concern for individualorganisations or governments; it's a collective responsibility that spans across eachcomponent of the cyber ecosystem. As we embark on the journey to fortify our digitaldefenses and develop our National Digital Strategy, we must also consider the integrity and security of our supply chains.
Cyber threats can infiltrate our systems through vulnerabilities in the supply chain, posing significant risks to the continuity and security of critical services and infrastructure.Therefore, it's imperative that we work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity measures across the entire supply chain, from sourcing components to product delivery.
Microsoft had identified this as a worrying trend and stated the following: "A substantial increase in sophisticated nation-state cyberattacks targeting ICT supply chains to compromise downstream customers, including government agencies, businesses, and civil society organisations.
The most immediate concern here is not just the indiscriminate nature of these attacks, but the fact that states apparently have no problem undermining trust in one of the key cybersecurity mechanisms available to us to achieve their goals - the software update mechanism. If people and organisations stop patching their systems because they fear compromise, online security of many services will become untenable".
That is why holding focused discussion on measures to protect global ICT supply chains, including software and security update mechanisms, are essential to keep the digital ecosystem secure.
The Government believes that by strengthening the resilience of our supply chains against cyber threats, we can better protect our digital infrastructure and ensure the reliability andtrustworthiness of the products and services upon which we rely.
This symposium serves as a platform for such collaboration. It brings together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and chart the course for a more secure digital future.
By fostering dialogue and partnerships, we can leverage our collective expertise to address existing vulnerabilities and anticipate emerging threats.
As we engage in discussions today, I urge each of you to approach this symposium with a spirit of openness and cooperation. The solutions to our cybersecurity challenges will not emerge in isolation but through collective action and shared responsibility.
In closing, let us remember that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is afundamental aspect of our societal resilience and national security. By working together, we can build a safer and more secure cyber environment for generations to come.
Thank you, and I wish you all fruitful deliberations.
Business Leaders Ladies and Gentlemen,
Bula Vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I welcome you all to this cybersecurity symposium. As we gather here today, we are not just participants in a conference, we are stewards of a critical aspect of our modern world - cybersecurity.
In a time where technology infiltrates every aspect of our lives, the importance ofcybersecurity cannot be overstated. Our reliance on digital infrastructure for communication, commerce, healthcare, transportation, and countless other services meansthat the protection of our cyber assets is paramount.
In the realm of cybersecurity, we confront the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape ofcyber threats. As you may be aware, there is a need to fortify our defenses against cyber-attacks that have the potential to disrupt our critical infrastructure, compromise sensitiveinformation, and erode public trust.
However, in our efforts to safeguard our digital assets, we recognise that cybersecurity cannot exist in isolation; it must be integrated into broader strategic frameworks that shape our digital future.
As you may be aware, there is a need to fortify our defenses against cyber-attacks that have the potential to disrupt our critical infrastructure, compromise sensitive information, and erode public trust.
However, in our efforts to safeguard our digital assets, we recognise that cybersecurity cannot exist in isolation; it must be integrated into broader strategic frameworks that shape our digital future.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Update on the National E-Commerce Strategy
The Government in partnership with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is in the finalisation stages of the National E-Commerce Strategy. This strategy will provide us a roadmap to navigate the complexities of the digital economy, addressing specific challenges and barriers that hinder the adoption and growth of E- commerce in Fiji.
The face-to-face multi-stakeholder consultations were carried out last year in September that involved a range of stakeholders such as government, statutory bodies, private sector (especially MSMEs), civil society and academia.
The National E-Commerce strategy aligns with our broader national development priorities of resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity, and ensuring that no one is left behind in our digital transformation efforts.
I am also pleased to announce that the Government in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union - a United Nations specialised agency for information andcommunication technologies, has embarked on a significant initiative - the development of Fiji's inaugural National Digital Strategy.
This strategy will lay out a coordinated approach to scale digital technology to driveeconomic growth and sustainable development. It will aim to further cement Fiji as theregion's digital hub and will look at further
digitalisation of key public services and ensuring that the right conditions are in place for anincreasing digital economy to be innovative, accessible and with a strong digital trust element.
This strategy acknowledges cybersecurity as a crucial pillar upon which our digitalaspirations rest and is set to alter our digital landscape for years to come. As we convene to address the challenges and innovations in cybersecurity, it is imperative to contextualise our discussions within the framework of this overarching strategy.
Update on National Digital Strategy
Our progress in this initiative has been substantial, marked by the successful completion of a multi-stakeholder consultation which was conducted over a 5 week period, facilitating one-to-one engagements.
Through this approach, we gained comprehensive insights into the digital landscape across both the public and private sectors. We ensured the inclusion of academias, civilsociety and non-governmental organisations, fostering a holistic understanding of diverse perspectives.
Throughout these consultations, several key challenges and findings emerged. One of the primary challenges identified was the need for greater coordination and alignment of cybersecurity efforts across different government agencies and private sector entities.
Additionally, there was a consensus on the importance of capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives to enhance cybersecurity resilience at all levels.
Looking ahead, our next steps entail working on the drafting of the National Digital Strategy. Building upon the insights gained from the stakeholder consultations, we will develop a comprehensive high-level roadmap that outlines our vision, objectives, and action plans for enhancing cybersecurity and driving digital transformation.
We will also organise a face-to-face validation workshop at the end of next month. This workshop will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the draft strategy, fostering greater ownership and buy-in from all relevant parties.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, as we converge to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity, we do so with the understanding that our efforts are essentially linked to the development of our National Digital Strategy.
This strategy serves as a roadmap for harnessing the transformative power of technology to drive economic growth, enhance public services, and promote social inclusion.
In this context, cybersecurity is a key component of our National Digital Strategy. It underpins our efforts to build a resilient and secure digital infrastructure that can withstandthe relentless onslaught of cyber threats.
By prioritising cybersecurity in our Digital Strategy, we signal our commitment to protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of our digital assets, thereby fostering trust and confidence in the digital ecosystem.
Moreover, the development of a National Digital Strategy offers a strategic framework within which cybersecurity initiatives can be coordinated and aligned with broader policy objectives. It provides a platform for collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organisations to collectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber threats.
By integrating cybersecurity considerations into every facet of our Digital Strategy, we ensure that our digital transformation is not only innovative and inclusive but also secure and resilient.
Update on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Review
In tandem with the development of our National Digital Strategy, we recently undertook the second Cybersecurity Maturity Model (CMM) review, and the Oceania Cyber SecurityCentre was engaged to carry out this review.
The CMM review is aimed at assessing and enhancing the cybersecurity posture of both public and private sector entities. Multi-stakeholder face- to-face consultations wereconducted with the identified key stakeholders. These consultations provided a valuable opportunity for in-depth discussions and exchanges on cybersecurity challenges, priorities, and best practices.
By fostering direct interaction and collaboration, we were able to deepen our understanding of stakeholder perspectives and gather actionable insights to inform our strategy development process.
We had included development partners as well as NGOs, religious organisations, and localentrepreneurs. The assessment sought to identify the cybersecurity maturity of the country, key areas for capacity development, and collaboration. As part of the assessment, law enforcement and critical infrastructure agencies were included as well as disaster relief services.
We expect the report to be ready in the coming months. The CMM report will reveal how we can holistically address gaps in cyberspace to attain further cyber resilience and will inform on development of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In today's interconnected world, cybersecurity is not just a concern for individualorganisations or governments; it's a collective responsibility that spans across eachcomponent of the cyber ecosystem. As we embark on the journey to fortify our digitaldefenses and develop our National Digital Strategy, we must also consider the integrity and security of our supply chains.
Cyber threats can infiltrate our systems through vulnerabilities in the supply chain, posing significant risks to the continuity and security of critical services and infrastructure.Therefore, it's imperative that we work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity measures across the entire supply chain, from sourcing components to product delivery.
Microsoft had identified this as a worrying trend and stated the following: "A substantial increase in sophisticated nation-state cyberattacks targeting ICT supply chains to compromise downstream customers, including government agencies, businesses, and civil society organisations.
The most immediate concern here is not just the indiscriminate nature of these attacks, but the fact that states apparently have no problem undermining trust in one of the key cybersecurity mechanisms available to us to achieve their goals - the software update mechanism. If people and organisations stop patching their systems because they fear compromise, online security of many services will become untenable".
That is why holding focused discussion on measures to protect global ICT supply chains, including software and security update mechanisms, are essential to keep the digital ecosystem secure.
The Government believes that by strengthening the resilience of our supply chains against cyber threats, we can better protect our digital infrastructure and ensure the reliability andtrustworthiness of the products and services upon which we rely.
This symposium serves as a platform for such collaboration. It brings together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and chart the course for a more secure digital future.
By fostering dialogue and partnerships, we can leverage our collective expertise to address existing vulnerabilities and anticipate emerging threats.
As we engage in discussions today, I urge each of you to approach this symposium with a spirit of openness and cooperation. The solutions to our cybersecurity challenges will not emerge in isolation but through collective action and shared responsibility.
In closing, let us remember that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; it is afundamental aspect of our societal resilience and national security. By working together, we can build a safer and more secure cyber environment for generations to come.
Thank you, and I wish you all fruitful deliberations.