In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and interconnectivity, the importance of cyber security cannot be overstated. Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, impacting individuals, organisations and national security.

In light of this, Digicel Fiji hosted a Cyber Security Symposium in Suva on Thursday, September 21 which saw experts, industry leaders and government officials gather to address the pressing issues surrounding cyber security, with a special focus on Fiji.

Cybercrime is currently the most widespread form of crime globally and with cybercriminals constantly adapting their attacks, it’s essential that every individual is equipped with the tools they need to identify potential cybercrimes.

Digicel Fiji CEO, Farid Mohammed, said that the theme for the symposium was ‘Securing Tomorrow Today’.

He continued; “The cyber security landscape is constantly evolving and this symposium is poised to play a pivotal role in creating awareness and training, educating stakeholders and fostering collaboration, I think, is very timeless to tackle these threats effectively.”

“We all know someone who has experienced cybercrime, whether through collective breaches or personal scams. This underscores a well-known fact: information security isn’t just for tech experts; it’s integral to everyone’s digital life.”

“What does this Digicel symposium offer? Firstly, it fortifies cyber security awareness and empowers capacity building, fostering robust government collaboration. The paramount advantage lies in the dynamic stakeholder synergy – an alliance of comprehension and sharing occurring at both governmental and private industry echelons,” added Farid.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in informative discussions, hands-on workshops and invaluable networking sessions.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony, Minister for Home Affairs & Immigration, Hon. Pio Tikoduadua, said; “To build a tomorrow that is resilient, we need to prioritize the security and privacy of our digital frameworks today. Our commitment to secured digital transformation, as emphasized earlier, remains unyielding. The Fijian Government acknowledges the indispensable role of public-private partnerships in this quest. While the government provides regulatory guidance and support, the private sector, exemplified by entities like Digicel, brings forth unparalleled expertise and innovative solutions.”

“Together, with a shared vision and collaborative spirit, we can build a cybersecurity infrastructure that is both reactive and proactive. One that addresses threats as they arise and anticipates potential challenges, ensuring our digital spaces remain secure, reliable, and trustworthy.”

“In our shared journey towards a more secure digital future, let's be reminded that resilience also hinges on collective responsibility. It involves everyone - from government agencies to businesses, academia, and even individual users. Everyone has a role to play, and only by uniting our efforts can we truly build a resilient digital framework for tomorrow,” concluded Hon. Tikoduadua.

The one-day symposium was attended by 120 people and was an event of paramount significance in the cyber security domain, with the central focus being to better prepare people for the constantly increasing risks posed by cybercrime and to secure your tomorrow today.