Palikir, Pohnpei, FSM — The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) Department of Justice successfully hosted its inaugural Cybersecurity Symposium from November 5-6, 2024, at the FSM-China Friendship Gymnasium in Palikir, Pohnpei. This landmark event gathered government officials, cybersecurity professionals, and key stakeholders from across the FSM to address the growing challenges of digital security and discuss strategies for building resilience against cyber threats. With a focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing threat detection, and securing citizens’ personal data, the symposium underscored FSM’s commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity framework and digital future.
The symposium centered around four key themes: the development of a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Strategy, protection of critical infrastructure (with a particular focus on education), addressing regional cybersecurity threats, and building capacity for cybersecurity resilience. Participants emphasized the urgent need for legislative action to establish crucial cybersecurity laws and policies, such as the Cybersecurity Act, Personal Data Protection Act, and Cybercrime Act, which are expected to strengthen FSM’s legal framework and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity posture.
Vice President Aren Palik opened the Cybersecurity Symposium 2024 by emphasizing the urgent need for a national cybersecurity policy to protect the Federated States of Micronesia’s critical infrastructure and national security. He highlighted the alignment of the country’s cybersecurity strategy with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific, focusing on peace, security, and human security. Palik stressed the importance of regional cooperation and capacity building, alongside implementing a national cybersecurity roadmap. The symposium aims to foster collaboration, share expertise, and develop innovative solutions to enhance digital resilience and national security.
Secretary of Department of Justice, Leonito Bacalando Jr. welcomed participants to the Cybersecurity Symposium 2024, acknowledging the hard work of his Department of Justice colleagues in organizing the event. He emphasized the importance of developing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy as a crucial part of the Federated States of Micronesia’s national security framework. Secretary Bacalando encouraged active participation in discussions, highlighting the need for a whole-of-government approach to cybersecurity that impacts all sectors of society. He outlined key objectives for the symposium, including enhancing FSM’s digital defenses, fostering international cooperation, and protecting critical infrastructure to ensure national stability, economic resilience, and public trust in governance.
Key highlights included a keynote address from Minoru Stephen, Assistant Secretary for FSM’s Cybersecurity Division, who outlined the nation’s cybersecurity roadmap and prioritized the creation of a Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT). Sessions led by experts from various sectors focused on protecting educational institutions, understanding regional cybersecurity threats, and improving risk assessment strategies. The symposium also underscored the importance of regional cooperation and information-sharing, with a particular focus on enhancing digital security across the Pacific Islands.
The symposium concluded with strong support for building a well-trained cybersecurity workforce, promoting public awareness, and fostering collaboration across government, private sectors, and international partners. The establishment of FSM CERT and ongoing legislative reforms were identified as critical steps toward strengthening the nation’s digital infrastructure and safeguarding its economic and national security interests. FSM’s commitment to cybersecurity will ensure its resilience against evolving cyber threats and position the nation as a regional leader in digital security.
For more information, please contact the FSM Department of Justice at (+691) 320-2608.
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