​​Background

Cybersecurity has been a growing concern in the Pacific region as countries have accelerated their digital transformation journeys with increased international connectivity, lessons learnt from COVID-19 and the increased use of digital services. Driven by cybersecurity risks and incidents, countries in the Pacific have undertaken initiatives such as developing cybersecurity legislation, policies and strategies (e.g. Fiji, Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu), setting up computer emergency response teams (CERT) (e.g. Tonga), building capacity, raising awareness (e.g. Samoa) and international cooperation. The establishment of an effective national CERT (also referred to as computer incident response teams, or CIRTs) that focuses on promoting cybersecurity, raising awareness and supporting institutions and businesses against cyberthreats is an important practical step. Developing appropriate legislation, policies and strategies include relevant harmonization and review processes.

According to the GCI 2020, all developing Pacific Island countries ranked in the bottom half of scores for the Asia-Pacific region. Figure 1 below provides a sub-regional breakdown of the GCI’s five pillars, with each pillar scored on a scale of 0 to 20.

Figure 1: Subregional GCI Scores in the Pacific Islands

Although the subregional scores are relatively low in general, what is striking is that the lowest scoring pillars are Technical (1.13) and Capacity Development (2.0). In the Micronesia subregion in particular, the score is exceptionally low, at 0 for Technical and 0.79 for Capacity Development.  The cybersecurity skills shortage is especially critical in the Pacific region, and projects must take into consideration the limited human resource capacity of most Pacific region economies.​

Project aims to:

Build and enhance cybersecurity capacities through the development of a certified cybersecurity capacity building programme for entry-level professionals in Pacific Island Member States seeking cybersecurity related professional opportunities and support the creation of internship and professional opportunities in the field of cybersecurity.

The project will be implemented through the creation of a certified cybersecurity capacity building programme to build and enhance cybersecurity and capabilities of entry-level professionals seeking cybersecurity related professional opportunities, and support for the creation of internship and professional opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. It will be based on three phases:

• Phase 1: Basic Understanding of Cybersecurity (Pre-Training).
• Phase 2: Certified Cybersecurity Capacity Building Programme.
• Phase 3: Work Experience Placement and Cybersecurity Community Creation.