Thu Sep 12 01:14:30 UTC 2024: ## China Accused of Hacking Pacific Islands Forum, Australia Sends Cyber Experts to Help

**SUVA, FIJI -** The Australian government has dispatched cyber specialists to Fiji to assist the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretariat after its networks were infiltrated by Chinese state-backed hackers. The attack, which was first detected in February, involved extensive data collection aimed at gathering information about the Secretariat’s operations and communications with member nations.

Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the Australian Cyber Security Centre attributed the cyber attack to a hacking group linked to the Chinese government. This incident follows a string of cyber attacks targeting Pacific Island nations, including New Zealand’s Parliament, which was also attributed to Chinese state-backed hackers.

The Australian government’s intervention reflects growing concerns about the Pacific’s vulnerability to cyber threats. Officials have allocated $26 million to establish rapid assistance teams equipped to address cyber incidents in the region. The government has deployed these teams on multiple occasions this year, although many of these missions have been kept under wraps.

The PIF Secretariat, based in Suva, has not publicly disclosed the attack or attributed it to China. However, sources indicate that the Secretariat discreetly alerted its member states, including at the recent leaders’ meeting in Tonga.

The Chinese embassy has denied any involvement in the hack, labeling the allegations as “made-up” and lacking any evidence. They also expressed opposition to the practice of politicizing cybersecurity issues and called for an end to accusations without concrete proof.

The incident highlights the increasingly contentious relationship between China and the West in the Pacific. China has been expanding its influence in the region through economic and security partnerships, while the West is seeking to counter this growing presence.

While Australia has been proactive in providing cyber security assistance to Pacific nations, experts emphasize the need for a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding regional systems and communities. This includes collaboration between governments, businesses, and regional organizations to address the cybersecurity challenges faced by Pacific Island nations.

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