PNG’s cybersecurity in infant stages

Papua New Guinea’s cybersecurity infrastructure is still in its infancy, while cybercrime threats continue to escalate.

Ark Cybersecurity, a consultancy firm focused on online security, conducted a study three years ago revealing an alarming rise in cyber threats across PNG.

The firm's CEO, David Tekwie, emphasized the urgency for leaders to address cybersecurity not merely as a technical issue but as a broader human challenge.

“If organizational leaders view cybersecurity beyond just technical terms and from a human angle, they’ll see that the threats are real and immediate,” Tekwie stated.

“The world isn’t as vast as it once seemed. Now, it’s small and accessible at our fingertips, and so are the cyber threats.”

Tekwie highlighted that digital threats permeate deeply into everyday life, impacting personal devices and even posing risks to families.

“It’s not just a government or business issue. These threats reach as far as our phones and our children. We must protect assets that have significant value and implications, extending well beyond government and ICT firms.”

He applauded the PNG government’s efforts to digitize services and establish a government cloud, recognizing this as a crucial step for the country’s future resilience in the digital realm.

Encouraging young Papua New Guineans in the cybersecurity and software development fields, Tekwie urged them to step up and help secure the nation's digital landscape.

“I want to inspire Papua New Guineans to believe in themselves and know they can contribute,” he said.

Tekwie wants to see skilled local talent come together to mitigate the risks associated with digital transformation in PNG.