Tonga on High Alert as Cybercrime Threats Rise: Police Partner with AFP for Enhanced Training
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The Kingdom of Tonga is taking a proactive approach to combat the growing menace of cybercrime in its financial sector. To achieve this, the country’s police force has partnered with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to deliver an enhanced Cyber Safety Pasifika program.
A Refreshed Program for Pacific Communities
The program was designed specifically for Pacific communities and includes modules on:
- Understanding cybercrime
- Digital evidence
- Cyber legislation
- Intelligence gathering
The training sessions were attended by 24 police officers from Tonga, Tuvalu, Samoa, American Samoa, French Polynesia, and Cook Islands.
Training Sessions and Collaboration
The AFP’s Cyber Safety Pasifika team worked closely with local authorities, including the Tongan Police and Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), to tailor the program to meet the unique needs of the Pacific region. The training covered essential skills such as:
- Presentation techniques
- Cyber awareness
- Effectively engaging with communities and disseminating vital safety messages
A Special Focus on Cyber Awareness for Children
One notable highlight of the program was a cyber awareness day for local children, where AFP officers partnered with Tongan police and CERT to teach kids how to stay safe online. This initiative demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to empowering Pacific communities to take control of their digital security.
Importance of Adaptation
Detective Superintendent Kathryn Polkinghorne from the AFP’s Pacific Police Development Program-Regional emphasized the importance of adapting the Cyber Safety Pasifika program to address emerging cybercrime threats and meet the evolving needs of Pacific police partners. “We have listened to our partners’ concerns and updated the programs to ensure their cyber capability continues to grow,” she said.
Enhanced Capabilities for Tonga
As cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to financial institutions in Tonga, this collaborative effort between the AFP and local authorities is expected to significantly enhance the country’s ability to combat online fraud and protect its citizens. With this enhanced training, Tongan police officers will be better equipped to investigate and prevent cybercrimes, ultimately ensuring a safer digital landscape for the nation.