Financial Crime World

Australia’s Cybersecurity Concerns Echo in Papua New Guinea

A Growing Threat: Australia’s Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

A recent report by the World Bank has highlighted a stark reality: Australia’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities are a ticking time bomb, with only 1% of its population having access to secure internet servers. This trend is set to continue, with Internet users projected to grow at 1% annually for the next decade.

The Consequences of Inaction

Experts warn that this lack of cybersecurity measures will lead to an astronomical increase in cybercrime victims reported to the National White Collar Crime Center for Australia. In fact, data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center reveals that Internet-related scams have resulted in a staggering $18.7 billion in losses worldwide between 2017 and 2021.

Papua New Guinea: A Prime Target

But Papua New Guinea (PNG) is not immune to these concerns. With its own growing population of internet users, PNG is at risk of falling victim to the same cybersecurity threats as Australia. In fact, the country’s geographical proximity to Australia, cultural connections, and history of interactions make it a prime target for cybercriminals.

A Cautionary Tale

The Australian experience serves as a cautionary tale for PNG, which has seen its own internet user base grow by 270,000 in just one year. With predictions that mobile phone usage will rise from 2.5 million to 6 million within five years, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more pressing than ever.

Recommendations for the Government of Papua New Guinea

To combat these threats, the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG) must adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. This includes:

  • Developing a cyberspace policy that aligns with its foreign policy
  • Consulting with other nations to share best practices in combating cybercrime
  • Establishing a Cyberspace Police or Cyberspace Constabulary, which would use police in the real world to secure human beings transacting online activities and tackle criminality in the virtual world

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australia’s cybersecurity concerns are not isolated issues; they have far-reaching implications for other countries, including Papua New Guinea. It is imperative that PNG takes a proactive approach to developing its own cybersecurity strategy and infrastructure to protect its citizens from the growing threat of cybercrime.