Fiji is facing growing cybersecurity challenges, including increasing cybercrime, online fraud, cross-border threats, a shortage of skilled professionals, limited resources and the misuse of emerging technologies.
Minister for Policing and Communications Ioane Naivalurua highlighted this during a panel discussion moderated by fijivillage News Director, Vijay Narayan during the first ever National Cyber Security Resilience Convention 2026 at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
Naivalurua says the growing threats to government systems and critical infrastructure, misinformation and a lack of public awareness are also major concerns.
He says cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue but a matter of national security, economic stability, public trust and protecting people.
The Minister stresses that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility and cannot be left solely to government agencies and technical experts.
He says Fiji's approach is guided by the principle of thinking globally, planning regionally and acting nationally.
Naivalurua says greater public education, stronger government systems, effective legislation and investment in local expertise are essential to addressing these challenges.
He highlighted the establishment of Fiji's Computer Emergency Response Team, known as Fiji CERT, as one of the initiatives aimed at strengthening the country's response to cyber threats.
The Minister says programmes such as the Pacific Women in Cyber training initiative are also helping develop local expertise, with 50 women trained in April this year.
He says participation in a cybersecurity research boot camp in Estonia in 2026 is another initiative aimed at developing the next generation of cybersecurity specialists.
Meanwhile, Naivalurua says 104 connections have been completed under the Government's Beyond Connected programme, another 111 are lined up, while a further 311 are expected to be completed by next year.
However, he stresses that expanding internet access, particularly in rural and maritime communities, must be accompanied by appropriate cybersecurity safeguards.
He says government agencies must move beyond developing strategies and ensure practical cybersecurity response plans are in place and regularly tested.
Naivalurua adds that stronger cooperation between agencies, effective information-sharing networks and appropriate legislation are critical to protecting Fiji's digital environment.
He says while improved connectivity creates opportunities for people to access services, conduct business and improve their livelihoods, they must also be protected from online threats.
The Minister reiterates that strengthening Fiji's cybersecurity requires a collective effort involving government, businesses, educational institutions and the wider public.
Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea's Minister for Information and Communications Technology, Robert Naguri, says Pacific Island countries must invest more in developing young cybersecurity professionals rather than depending entirely on larger countries for protection.
Naguri says Pacific nations are already facing major challenges such as natural disasters and climate change, and cybersecurity has now emerged as another serious regional concern.
He says cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it important for Pacific countries to develop their own expertise and systems to protect their economies and communities.
He describes cybersecurity as a war that countries are fighting every day, with threats constantly evolving.
The Minister also raised concerns about the financial losses caused by scams internationally, warning that Pacific countries could face similar challenges.
He says governments should prioritise investing in young people and providing opportunities for specialised cybersecurity training.
Naguri says these professionals can return to their countries and help develop systems to protect national economies and people's daily lives.
He stresses that Pacific nations cannot depend entirely on countries such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States to protect them against cyber threats.
Meanwhile, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts says Australia is supporting Fiji in strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities through training, threat assessments and improved response systems.
Roberts says this support aligns with Fiji's National Cyber Security and Resilience Strategy and includes practical measures such as establishing a Computer Emergency Response Team.
He says Australian cybersecurity company CyberCX is also supporting threat assessments and tabletop exercises to strengthen Fiji's preparedness for cyber incidents.
Roberts adds that investing in training is equally important to ensure Fiji has the skills and capabilities needed to respond to emerging threats.
He also highlighted Australia's Renew Pacific programme, which is connecting 45 off-grid schools to solar power and Starlink internet services over two years.
Roberts says the programme will also provide surrounding communities with internet access while incorporating safeguards to ensure the technology is used safely.
He says Australia will also provide an additional $150 million to support cybersecurity and digitalisation in Fiji under the Vuvale Partnership, focusing on training and strengthening critical infrastructure.
