The United States is supporting Fiji’s efforts to strengthen national cybersecurity as international agencies warn of malicious cyber activity linked to Chinese government-backed actors.
The U.S. Embassy in Fiji said Washington was working with the Fiji Government to improve digital security, protect critical infrastructure and strengthen the country’s ability to respond to cyberattacks.
In December last year, the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) formalised a grant agreement with Fiji’s Ministry of Policing and Communications for technical assistance to modernise information and communications technology systems.
In March, the United States began supporting the implementation of Fiji’s first National Cybersecurity and Resilience Strategy, working with local and international partners to strengthen online defences.
The cooperation continued in April with Operation Silktail, described by the U.S. Embassy as Fiji’s first national cyberattack exercise.
The exercise brought together security agencies to test their responses to simulated cyberattack scenarios.
The United States said it would continue providing technical expertise to help protect citizens, critical infrastructure and networks from malicious cyber threats.
Separately, New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has joined international partners in issuing an advisory on cyber threat actors linked to the Chinese Government and enabled by China-based company Integrity Technology Group.
The advisory outlines the actors’ capabilities, indicators of compromise, and recommended measures to detect and mitigate malicious activity.
According to the NCSC, the activity has affected a range of systems, often beginning with the exploitation of vulnerable websites and web applications. The advisory also identifies victims of data theft in government and healthcare sectors.
The agencies recommend that organisations disable unused services and network ports, strengthen web application security, implement identity and access management controls, and require multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
The advisory includes technical indicators to help organisations determine whether their systems have been compromised, alongside further guidance on prevention and response.
The NCSC said it had previously issued alerts about covert networks of compromised devices linked to China and malicious botnet activity associated with Integrity Technology Group.
In another development, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice programme is offering up to US$10 million for information on Zhang Yu, who is accused of working on behalf of China’s Ministry of State Security to gain unauthorised access to COVID-19 research conducted by U.S. universities and scientists.
His alleged co-conspirator, Xu Zewei, was arrested and extradited to the United States earlier this year.
The developments highlight growing international efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, share threat intelligence, and protect sensitive information and critical networks from malicious activity…..PACNEWS