17th October, 2019 The Asia Pacific Network Information Center (APNIC) is partnering with CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) Tonga to deliver a one-day workshop for local system administrators on email server installation and hardening at Tanoa Hotel conference room. The training was opened by the CEO for Ministry of MEIDECC Mr Paula Ma’u this morning.
Mr Ma’u said, that email is the number one communication for any organization and every now and then users often receive spam and malicious emails.
“Some of us are lucky and we can detect these hoax, fictitious emails and report it to the ICT people to take a look and some to CERT Tonga.”
“There have been cases of losses in business through what is commonly known as Business Email Compromise which amounted to US$100,000, and that is just on the cases that are reported.”
He said that the training is in line with vision of the Ministry of MEIDECC for a ‘Resilient Tonga’ and it further supports CERT Tonga’s vision to provide a safe and secure digital environment for Tonga.
APNIC Senior Internet Security Specialist Mr Adli Wahid said that the establishment of CERT Tonga has allowed APNIC to develop capabilities in Tonga within the security response area.
“There is a lot of need in making sure that everything is protected and that is a bigger plan to ensure security overall.”
Mr Wahid also highlighted three key points:
- Security is a state and the best auditor you can have in security is yourself. Being able to think of the bigger picture in terms of improvements will help establish milestones and activities that will improve overall security
- Ensure that everybody is on the same page. Security is a broad area and there are aspects of security that need to be improved such as having basic best practices and adhering to guidelines. Stakeholders across the sector should be aware of what is important when it comes to security
- Security is not different from what ICT personnel do on a day to day basis.
The workshop is aimed to assist local system administrators from government ministries and private sector in the fight for a more secure digital environment for Tonga by keeping email infrastructures and network secure.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.