27th September, 2016 A grant total of $AUD 56,000 has been committed by the Information Society Innovation Fund Asia (ISIF) to Tonga National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Project Manager and Director of the Information Department under MEIDECC Andrew To’imoana said the fund would be used to purchase equipment, software and to provide capacity training for the staff.
“Tonga National CERT is grateful for the grant and this fund will contribute to the initial set up of CERT with its capacity building as well as operation such as getting equipment to help the team,” he said.
Mr To’imoana said Tonga National CERT becomes the first national CERT in the Pacific (excluding Australia and New Zealand) established to ensure cyber-security, cyber-safety and respond to cyber related crimes.
“Tonga has made positive progress to developing ICT through the establishment of the Tonga National CERT to address issues of cyber-security, cyber-safety and cyber-crime and the commitment to establishing of the CERT.”
“With the commitment from the Government of Tonga and the potential benefit to the people of Tonga, the team are determined to make this project a success.”
Mr To’imoana stated that the Tonga National CERT team has collaborated with stakeholders in trying to minimise challenges related to cyber issues.
“The team has established a good network and partnership with the local ISP’s and law enforcement in sharing knowledge and resources with local services provider to coordinate fighting against cyber related issues.”
Mr To’imoana noted that the team has responded to complaints about cyber related issues but at the same time still in progress with developing reporting tools.
“So far the CERT team has received several requests that has been registered and addressed with proper authorities, but we are still finding ways to enhance reporting and cooperation with the law enforcements and stakeholders.”
Tonga National CERT operates under the Ministry of MEIDECC.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications