US Details Cybersecurity Partnerships in the Pacific

The White House has outlined various steps it has taken or plans to take to enhance ties with the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, whose leaders recently held their 52nd annual meeting in the Cook Islands, as well as enhance their cybersecurity measures.

In a fact sheet released on Friday, the White House said it will work with the U.S. Congress under the State Department’s Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership to expand Pacific Islanders’ access to fast, secure and reliable internet. 

Google’s South Pacific Connect subsea cable initiative will receive increased funding from the United States to ensure the goal is met, the White House said.

The United States also intends to continue engaging with the PIF and its members on cybersecurity and to partner with U.S. private-sector companies on technical assistance opportunities to ensure cyber resilience.

Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet have both launched initiatives to increase cybersecurity in the region, with Palo Alto committing to host a “Pacific Island Cyber Preparedness Series” and Fortinet offering training and security awareness programs to the Pacific Islands.

The White House also noted that it pledged $2 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility and $500,000 to strengthen the Pacific Islands Forum’s institutional capacity through initiatives such as expanding trade ties, enhancing digital connectivity, addressing plastic pollution and responding to natural disasters.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.