IT expertise needed in cyber security efforts
GOVERNMENT should engage information technology (IT) and cyber security experts to provide awareness to locals regarding cyber security and scams, said Microcomp Services founder Ashfaq Khan.
Speaking to The Fiji Times, Mr Khan said the EbayShop Online Recruitment scam was not handled properly, resulting in a massive financial loss.
“At a bigger level, we need IT experts, we need policymakers. If you look at the (EBAY scams), it was not handled properly,” Mr Khan said.
“The only way we can handle it is to make up good policies, that should come from the authorities, plus awareness is the way to go.
“People should be aware that nowadays nothing comes for free. They should be aware of where they’re putting their money and what the consequences are.
“So, the cybersecurity experts should be given that platform to voice that to the audience of Fiji, through the media or some other source. They should be able to put it out there.”
Mr Khan said policymakers have to be very strict when it comes to cybersecurity.
“A separate unit needs to be formed to look after these things. We need to have something like a special body which looks after these (issues) and to address them when they come up.
Speaking on Fiji’s IT industry, Mr Ali said it has been evolving but local talents needed to be given opportunities to prove themselves at a national level.
“We should be using local talents, and we should be putting IT projects into these peoples’ hands. We’ve got quite good local talents around and I’m sure they will be able to achieve a lot.
“Give the first chance to the locals, then if they’re not able to achieve it then you go outside but we’ve got the talent inside.”