The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat in Fiji has confirmed it was the target of a cyberattack earlier this year. The incident was first reported by ABC News, which said Australia had sent specialists to Suva, Fiji’s capital, after the PIF’s systems were breached. At a press conference, PIF Secretary General Baron Waqa stated, “There was indeed a cybersecurity incident here this year.” He said the forensic report into the incident is still being finalized, and the PIF could not yet confirm which threat actor was responsible.
China, which ABC News reported is suspected of being behind the attack, has denied any involvement. The Chinese Embassy in Fiji called the ABC report a “purely made-up story” and said China opposes politicizing cybersecurity issues and making accusations without evidence.
Cyberattack disrupts PIF operations
According to ABC, the cyber breach occurred in February, months before the PIF’s annual meeting, and was “extensive,” providing the attackers with information about PIF operations and communications between the secretariat and member states. The suspected Chinese campaign comes amid increased activity by Beijing in the region, including attempts to sign trade and security agreements with Pacific island states. In 2022, China signed a controversial security deal with the Solomon Islands that raised concerns about the possibility of China establishing a military base in the region.
Australia has been an increasingly vocal regional counterpoint to China in recent years, with cybersecurity becoming a high-priority issue. ABC reported that Australia has deployed cyber specialists “at least half a dozen times” to other countries in the region so far this year, “although many of these missions have not been publicly advertised.”
Waqa said the PIF’s systems are now safe, secure, and operational, and that the threat actor has been isolated. He said the final report on the incident will be furnished to all PIF members before any public disclosures are made.
