Therefore, Vanuatu recognizes the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring the continuous delivery of essential services in cyberspace.
On Wednesday 25th of September 2024, the Government through the Office of Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) successfully conducted the first consultation workshop for the need to establish Vanuatu’s National Cyber Security Agency. This consultation workshop serves with critical importance of ensuring the planning, design, and implementation of a Cyber Security Agency covers and includes all key components thus, key stakeholders’ presence is vital. The workshop has seen the participation of representatives from key stakeholders within various Government institutions, Private Sector organizations and non-government Organizations.
During the Workshop, the Keynote address for the consultation workshop was delivered by the Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office during which She stressed the “importance of establishing such a critical Agency and that establishment of a Vanuatu Cybersecurity Agency aligns directly with Pillar 5 of our National Security Strategy of 2019 and is empowered within the objectives outlined in the Vanuatu National Cybersecurity Strategy 2030. The National Security Strategy emphasizes the importance of protecting our national interests from both traditional and non-traditional threats. Cybersecurity threats, including cyberattacks, data breaches, and online misinformation, pose significant risks to our National Security. A robust Cyber Security Agency is essential to mitigate these threats and protect our critical infrastructure.” She further pinpoints the importance of Critical Infrastructure Security, Data Security, and Data Sovereignty as part of Vanuatu’s holistic emphasis on National Security.
The National Cybersecurity Strategy of 2030 outlines specific goals and objectives for enhancing our cybersecurity resiliency and capabilities. These include:
- Building a resilient and secure digital infrastructure;
- Promoting cybersecurity awareness and education;
- Developing cybersecurity Capabilities within the Country ;
- Addressing Cybercrime;
- Strengthening our International Cooperation; and
- Implementing Cybersecurity Standards and Legal Framework.
The Consultation workshop represents the first phase of a strategic initiative to establish the Vanuatu National Cybersecurity Agency. The workshop aims to present the governance and operational structure for the agency and hear from the community on how best we should place cybersecurity as a key pillar in our national development efforts noting the importance of protecting our national critical infrastructure against cyber threats. It is an opportunity to bring all participants together to share insights and collaborate on strategies to further strengthen Vanuatu’s cybersecurity posture.