The Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) is an operational cyber security network that plays a vital role in enhancing cyber security in the Pacific region.

Working with its members, partners and friends to improve cyber security capabilities and readiness across the Pacific, over 60 participants from 19 countries are attending the 2024 PaCSON Annual General Meeting, which opened yesterday at The Edgewater Resort.

The keynote speakers were Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Ben Ponia, the PaCSON chairperson, Stephanie Crowe from the Australia Cyber Security Centre, Lisa Fong from the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre, and Domingo Kabunare, the incoming chair from the Kiribati.

“The online world has opened up enormous opportunities for the Pacific – perhaps more so than any other region on the planet, establishing new and diverse communication links, stimulating economic activity across Moana Nui O Kiva, our great big ocean of blue,” said Minister Mokoroa in his opening address.

However, these opportunities come with a price, exposing the Pacific region to new threats, from online banking scams to cyber bullying to transnational organised crime, he said.

“These attacks strike at the security of our nations, of our economies, our communities and our people – and they cannot go unchallenged.

“Cyber security threats affect us all and all of us here today know the continuing importance of ensuring that we can combat those threats.”

According to Mokoroa the strength of PaCSON lies not only in its knowledge and capabilities but in its collaborative approach – in the sharing of information, ideas, tools and techniques; and in the opportunities for learning, development and connection provided for all members.

He adds through PaCSON, the Pacific is able to strengthen cyber security, creating a strong and resilient cyber landscape through regional cooperation and collaboration, drawing on the best expertise and technical knowhow the Pacific has to offer.

PaCSON was established seven years ago to foster regional cooperation and teamwork, and to ultimately protect the Pacific region’s respective information infrastructures and citizens.

In his opening address, Kabunare, the incoming chair, said: “An open, free and secure internet or cyber space has been the primary goal of this network.”

“This past year the Pacific has seen an explosion of connectivity including the arrival of lower weather orbit satellite connectivity such as Starlink and many fibre cable systems connecting - or soon to connect our Pacific countries,” said Kabunare.

He expressed that the upsurge in connectivity across the Pacific region has presented an immense opportunity for the people, improving greater access to education, healthcare, services, business opportunities and much more.

“However, this greater reach of our people to the global internet also presents risks that must be mitigated to safeguard our people’s livelihood.

“We have a significant role to play,” he said.

Kabanure called for closer collaboration among the members and urged the partners and friends present to make meaningful contributions to the network through knowledge sharing, resource sharing and providing expertise.

“So that your connection will have an impact to our membership,” he said.

Chairperson Ben Ponia noted “the online world has opened up enormous opportunities for the Pacific”.

Knowing that cyberspace brings a new dimension of threats, and although the Pacific are individually scattered over vast distances, Ponia said “our region is strong in its collaboration”.

The cyber professionals have a busy week ahead. Tonight, they will attend the welcome dinner and launch of the Cook Islands Cybersecurity Policy.

The launch of this year’s Cyber Smart Pacific campaign, followed by community introduction presentations and presentations from its partners will be held on Wednesday.

The AGM will wrap up on Thursday with a site visit to the Avaroa Cable landing station in the morning.