The Papua New Guinea Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) was launched in Port Moresby today.
The team comprises experts from various stakeholders and agencies who will address and mitigate vulnerabilities that threaten the cyber environment and infrastructure.
The launching sets the pace for the implementation of the Cyber security law and APEC preparations.
Mobile phones are an integral part of most Papua New Guinean women, men and children and the abuse of mobile communications is a widespread issue giving rise to cybercrime in the country.
The national Computer Emergency Response Team comprising IT representatives from the telecommunication industry, service providers, IT companies, financial institutions and NICTA will develop policies and processes for preparedness in the event of cyber threats and attacks.
“The group will be working together to maintain critical internet infrastructure from attacks and in the event of an attack, this group will work together for recovery,” said Charles Punaha, CEO of the National Information and Communication Authority (NICTA).
The PNG Computer Emergency Response Team comes at a critical time when the government of PNG is placing high priority on cyber security as the country prepares to host APEC 2018.
Minister for Communication, Information Technology & Energy, Sam Basil, said it is important to ensure strong defences and response mechanisms for cybercrime incidents and threats.
“We all share the same goal, to work out new and better ways to make our systems and societies safer and cyber secure, at the same time expanding ICT services to most, if not all, of PNG,” said Basil.
The launch of the PNGCERT puts the country on par with the developed economies of APEC and boosts confidence in conducting e-commerce domestically and internationally.
(Charles Punaha – CEO of NICTA)