THE Pacific is experiencing a digital tsunami bringing unprecedented challenges for law enforcement agencies in the region.
This was the sentiment shared by Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho at the opening of the Cyberspace Pasifika Course in Nadi yesterday as he noted the challenge for regional authorities to continuously stay ahead of technological advancements brought by high-speed internet.
“In order for us to ensure those we serve are safe, we need to first know what we are up against,” Brig-Gen Qiliho said.
“This is the key to our success and it’s through the enhancement of our investigation skills and knowledge to detect and recognise the cyber threats.
“The internet is not new to us in the Pacific but what are now being made more accessible, and the means and modes of staying connected having changed, we cannot be playing a catch-up game but rather we need to stay ahead.”
He said tackling cybercrime could be difficult considering the fact that the point of entry for criminals was one that was solely controlled by the user.
Mr Qiliho said this was one of the reasons law enforcement officers needed to engage in training exercises and workshops that focused on providing solutions.
“Personally, I am of the view that if we are able to equip one more officer with the basic knowledge of cybercrimes and its investigation skills, we are moving in the right direction.
“The pace at which developments are taking place bringing with it high-speed internet connections is what we need to prepare ourselves for.
“It is reassuring to have Cyber Safety Pasifika officials here to facilitate this training considering their objective is to help everyone in our community learn about technology and how to stay safe.
“Our communities are changing, our people are changing, our children are growing up in a time where technology and staying connected have become real needs in their everyday lives.”
