Minister Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa, Stephanie Crowe from the Australia Cyber Security Centre, and local stakeholders at the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) Annual General Meeting. MELINA ETCHES/24090912

The policy was released during the annual general meeting (AGM) of the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON), the operational cyber security network that plays a vital role in improving cyber security in the Pacific region.

On behalf of Prime Minister Mark Brown, Minister Tingika Elikana delivered his policy launching speech on Tuesday night at The Edgewater Resort.

“In formulating a national cyber security policy, we recognise that cyber security threats have the potential to affect all Cook Islanders, whether they are connected to the internet or not,” stated Elikana.

He said the core of the Cyber Security Policy was about protecting Cook Islanders, “plain and simple”.

“It is about protecting our people’s personal information, our country’s reputation, our government’s most sensitive information, the infrastructure we rely on, our businesses, and our connections to the world,” he said.

“All these things have immense value to us, and it is crucial that they are adequately protected.”

Elikana stated that despite being a nation with a significant financial sector and modern telecommunications, the Cook Islands has not escaped the notice of cybercriminals.

He said while much attention was given to offshore threats, it was also important not to overlook homegrown problems.

“Threats that may affect businesses and government agencies can include those seeking to cause disruption or commit fraud.

“In developing this policy, we have heard about the impact of cybercrimes on Cook Islanders, our communities, and our government.

“Cyber security risks are real, they are affecting us now, and we all have a part to play in strengthening our cyber security resilience so we can better protect the Cook Islands now and into the future.

“As we work towards this goal, we know that our government networks need to be more resilient to cyber threats and this policy channels several initiatives undertaken by the Cook Islands Government in 2024 which kickstart our resilience planning.”

According to the policy, in 2022, customers of a local bank in the Cook Islands found illegitimate transactions made on their credit and debit cards after fraudsters undertook a bank identification number (BIN) attack.

It states that the fraudsters effectively guessed the account details of their victims by exploiting the way banks assign card numbers. BIN attacks are a global problem – the fraudsters behind these attacks constantly search for new targets and novel ways to avoid bank defences.”

Elikana noted that the community must also be aware of those using digital technology to commit crimes ranging from financial deception through to engaging with child exploitation material.

“While everyone who is online may be a target of scams and financial fraud, people’s offline problems may also follow them online.

“Family harm and abusive relationships can often be made worse by offenders using the internet to harass or stalk their victims.”

He stated that personal information carelessly shared on social media could also be used by offenders to enable physical, emotional, or financial abuse.

“As more of our lives become intertwined with the digital world, it is clear to see how our domestic and community life will come to rely on people staying safe and secure online,” Elikana said.

The Cyber Security Policy “gives us an ongoing plan for protecting our cyber security needs; communicates the intent of Government across domestic, regional, and wider international audiences; and forms part of the ongoing cooperation and consultation on national security‑related issues with New Zealand and other partner countries”.

Over 60 participants from 19 countries attended the 2024 PaCSON AGM that ended this week on Thursday.