Wednesday 11 September, 2024
A three-day Digital Forensic Training session was held last week at the Stanley Hotel, from September 4th to 6th, bringing together participants from various government sectors to enhance Papua New Guinea’s cybersecurity capabilities.
The “2024 Global Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program” was facilitated by experts from the Korea Internet and Security Agency (KISA), in collaboration with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT, to strengthen the cybersecurity partnership between South Korea and Papua New Guinea.
The program began with a capacity-building seminar on the Tuesday 3rd September, followed by the three-day hands-on training in digital forensics for cybersecurity practitioners. Participants included officials responsible for cybersecurity from various government departments, including the Royal PNG Constabulary, Department of PM and NEC, Public Prosecutor’s Office, Immigration and Citizenship Authority, NICTA, Department of Education, and the National Intelligence Office.
The seminar, held on Tuesday, September 3rd, was part of capacity-building projects discussed at the Korea-Pacific Islands Summit, under the theme “Responding to Cyber Threats through Digital Evidence.”
Dr. Francis Hualupmomi, Ph.D., delivered the opening address during the seminar.
“As our reliance on digital technologies increases, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of national security, economic stability, and public trust,” said Dr. Hualupmomi.
“This seminar and training mark a significant step forward in our commitment to building a secure and resilient digital environment for Papua New Guinea.”
KISA President, Mr. Lee Sang-jung, also spoke at the seminar, reaffirming the support of the Government of the Republic of Korea to Papua New Guinea.
“We will actively support ongoing cooperation and exchanges between South Korea and Papua New Guinea to achieve even greater results in the fields of cybersecurity and digital forensics,” said Mr. Sang-jung.
The training, which began on September 4th, engaged participants in hands-on sessions, teaching them how to trace cyberattacks, secure digital evidence, and respond effectively to incidents. It aimed to enhance their ability to protect the country’s digital infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Deputy Secretary for Digital Government and Information Delivery at the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Mr. Russel Woruba, expressed his appreciation for the support of the Korean Government.
“Their commitment to this partnership is invaluable, and I am eager to continue our discussions and collaborations. This training marks a bright future for our nation’s digital security,” said Mr. Woruba.
Ms. Georgina Kiele, DICT’s Executive Manager of Cyber Security and E-safety, gave a comprehensive overview of PNG’s cybersecurity journey during the seminar also emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Quantum Technology, which are reshaping cyberspace.
“Our biggest challenge is ensuring our curriculum equips the next generation with the skills to assess information critically. Our children will be the primary users of tomorrow’s digital world, and we must prepare them for it,” noted Ms. Kiele.
The training concluded on Friday, with participants gaining practical and applicable skills and knowledge that will be instrumental in protecting the nation’s critical digital infrastructure, adding value to a promising digital economy.