Financial Crime World

American Samoa’s Financial Institutions Urged to Boost Cybersecurity Amid Growing Threats

PAGO PAGO, American Samoa - As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc globally, American Samoa remains one of the few coronavirus-free territories in the US. But while our physical borders remain secure, experts warn that our digital defenses are under threat like never before.

The Urgent Need for Cybersecurity

Speaking at a recent TALA-TEK on Cybersecurity and Data Protection, IT Manager Ms. Grace Tulafono-Asi from the Department of Treasury emphasized the urgent need for American Samoa’s financial institutions to step up their cybersecurity game. “With cybercrimes increasing in size, sophistication, and costs, it’s crucial that we take proactive measures to protect our digital borders,” she said.

The Growing Threats

According to Mr. Randall Fitisone, Emergency Communications Coordinator at the Department of Homeland Security, the pandemic has triggered a 600% increase in cybersecurity concerns and threats over the past few months. “As more people work from home or remotely, the risk of cyber attacks increases exponentially,” he warned.

Simple Yet Effective Measures

To combat these growing threats, experts recommend several simple yet effective measures:

  • Create Strong Passwords: Users should create strong passwords with various characters, numbers, and letters, and change them frequently.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication is also a must-have for added security when logging into online accounts.
  • Keep Software and Operating Systems Updated: Keeping software and operating systems updated is crucial to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited by hackers.
  • Install Virus Protection Programs: Installing virus protection programs and regularly scanning computers for viruses and malware can help detect and remove malicious code.
  • Be Cautious of Suspicious Emails and Attachments: Be cautious of suspicious emails and attachments. “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” warned Mr. Charles “Chuck” Lerch, CEO of HiTech Hui in Honolulu, HI.

Conclusion

With cybercrimes on the rise, American Samoa’s financial institutions must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their customers’ sensitive data and prevent costly breaches. By following these simple tips, we can help keep our digital borders secure and maintain our coronavirus- free status in this critical area.