DPP Kelesi speaking to participants
BY SAPT STAFF
DIRECTOR of Public Prosecution Andrew Kelesi underscored the pervasive impact of cybercrime on various sectors of socio-economic development, emphasizing its significant challenge to our nation.
Speaking at the opening of the Prosecutor’s Conference in Honiara today, themed “Cybercrime Landscape, Legislation, Investigation, and Prosecutions,” he stated that the rise of cyber threats has penetrated our digital lives and businesses, necessitating a proactive approach to finding effective solutions.
“We convene not only to acknowledge these challenges but to actively seek remedies, aiming to fill the gaps in our knowledge and legislation. This is crucial given the prevalence of daily social media news highlighting instances of cyberbullying, cyberattacks, and major crimes on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook,” Kelesi said.
Kelesi highlighted the escalating vulnerability as the Solomon Islands expand access to broadband and satellite internet, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster our human resources capacity. Strengthening knowledge and skills is imperative to safeguard our people from a broad spectrum of cyber threats.
An additional challenge, as Kelesi noted, is the absence of comprehensive legislation hindering our ability to effectively prosecute cybercriminals. To overcome this hurdle, the establishment of specific cybercrime legislation is imperative, aligning it with international standards such as the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. Collaborating with international bodies and fortifying bilateral agreements with other nations are essential steps toward creating a cohesive legal framework.
Moreover, there exists a prevalent lack of awareness regarding the extent and potential risks of cybercrimes. Phishing attacks, online scams, identity theft, and cyberbullying have become alarmingly commonplace. To address this, investing in educational initiatives and awareness campaigns is paramount. Recognizing that knowledge is power, we must strive to inform the populace, making them the first line of defense against cybercrime.
Therefore, Kelesi calls for a concerted effort to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by cybercrime. Through legislative measures, international collaboration, and comprehensive awareness programs, we can empower our nation to navigate the digital landscape securely.
