Year: 2024

Today, we gathered for a heartfelt thanksgiving service with the Minister of Communications and IT, the three esteemed heads of the Sector, and the Clerk of the Parliament House, along with their dedicated staff. As we conclude a successful 2024, we reflect on our accomplishments and express our gratitude for the guidance and protection we’ve received throughout the year.

This gathering was a reminder of the important roles we play as servants of the Government, upholding Church values, and embracing the spirit of Faa-Samoa. Together, we’ve made significant strides, and we look forward to continuing our work with the same dedication and commitment.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Here’s to another year of progress and unity!

#Gratitude#Teamwork#FaaSamoa#2024Achievements

Friday 13th December 2024 – The Smart Island Project Equipment Handover Ceremony was held at the Fonofaavae Office, Manono Uta, marking a key milestone for Aiga le Tai. Led by MCIT in partnership with ITU and FAO, key initiatives included creating digital hubs to connect Manono Tai globally, providing tools and training for online learning, and fostering innovative solutions in disaster management and agriculture, progressing towards the goal of a Resilient Samoa.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), in collaboration with the World Bank, successfully conducted a review workshop on the Cybersecurity Strategy for Samoa!

This new strategy aims to build upon the significant achievements of the Government of Samoa and its dedicated development partners over the past years. Together, we’re committed to enhancing our cybersecurity framework and ensuring a safer digital environment for everyone.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make progress in safeguarding Samoa’s cyber landscape! #Cybersecurity#Samoa#MCIT#WorldBank#DigitalSafety

We held a heartfelt farewell service and enjoyed a wonderful Sunday lunch at the CHOGM Media Center. Minister of ICT, Honourable Toelupe Onesemo, expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions during this special occasion. We were honored to have teams from Australia (RAPID Team), New Zealand (NCSC), Vanuatu, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Kiribati, Nauru, Tokelau, and Tuvalu join us for this memorable event.

Thank you to everyone for being a part of this journey! Together, let’s cherish the connections we’ve made and look forward to future collaborations. Safe travels to all as you return home! Not forgetting our local team from 40 Government agencies. Malo le Tautua!!!

On the final day of CHOGM we’re highlighting our talented Team 6.

The team is led by Sooletala Fiti, and brings together skilled representatives from:

• Ministry of Justice, Courts and Administration

• ⁠Ministry of Natural, Resources and Environment

• ⁠ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

• ⁠ Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure

• ⁠ Department of ICT

• ⁠ Tokelau Government ICT

All the best and fa’afetai lava to everyone who contributed to CHOGM 2024.

While CHOGM has come to a close, the CHOGM Cyber and ICT Team remind everyone that we must remain vigilant.

Samoa e, ia mataala!

The last step we will highlight this week is to Ia fa’amuamua le puipuia o fa’amatalaga ina ia taofia le mauaina, e i latou e lē tatau ona fa’aaogaina – UPlift your data security to protect against unauthorised access.

Security measures like firewalls and encryption protect your business from from cyber threats and unauthorised access. Make sure you regularly review and update your security measures and educate your staff about cyber awareness. Keep your passwords private and make sure you lock your devices when not in use.

The CHOGM Cyber and ICT Team are proudly serving Sāmoa today as the 27th CHOGM is officially opened.

Our teams will be present and ready to assist across all sites.

Thank you to our local Sāmoan Team, Pacific CERT & IT Team, New Zealand and Australia (Cyber Rapid Team) for all your contributions to this auspicious occasion.

With CHOGM officially being opened today we’re highlighting another of our hardworking teams.

Team 5 is led by Laautuivanu Tuivanu and consists of skilled team members from:

• Gambling Control Authority

• ⁠Ministry of Health

• ⁠Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development

• ⁠ Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

• ⁠Solomon Islands Government ICT Services

Should you require technical assistance don’t hesitate to reach out one of the CHOGM Cyber and ICT Team stationed across the day’s events.

All the best for Day 5

The CHOGM Cyber and ICT Team’s next key step is: Fa’afou polokalame o fa’aaogaina i taimi uma – UPdate your apps and software, so your devices stay secure.

Cyber threats are always evolving, so keeping your apps and software updated is very important. Updates help protect against bugs, viruses and vulnerabilities, reducing security risks. This week, don’t hide—accept update reminders or enable automatic updates on all your devices.

Find more tips on how to protect yourself online at the SamCERT website: https://www.samcert.gov.ws/top-tips-online-security