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In response to the country’s recent cyber security issues, a New Zealand cloud computing platform provider has launched a new security service based on a blueprint developed in collaboration with the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) to assist government agencies to protect themselves. The service aims to ensure that agencies are always compliant with all security controls.
“Any organisation that participates in the digital world must take steps to ensure that they do so in a safe and secure manner for their employees and customers,” said the country manager for the public sector.
The platform’s New Zealand country manager for the public sector said that the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM) Conformance Pack would assist government agencies and New Zealand organisations in assessing the compliance of their platform’s cloud environments against more than 150 NZ Information Security Manual controls. According to him, this enabled all customers to make compliance a “continuous activity.”
Customers were strengthening their cyber security postures by shifting from point-in-time compliance to continuous assurance. To assist customers in making compliance a continuous activity, the New Zealand Information Security Manual (NZISM) Conformance Pack displayed the real-time status of their environment in a user-friendly dashboard-style report.
Several public sector agencies were engaged in developing the NZISM Conformance Pack, which was accompanied by a comprehensive training and support programme, he said. “Our world-class core infrastructure is designed to meet the security needs of governments, global banks, and other high-sensitivity organisations,” he said.
In May, the cloud company launched a security and privacy knowledge hub for customers in New Zealand and Australia to help them build knowledge, capability, and security skills by providing local information, expert advice, and practical resources. This was part of the company’s commitment to invest in education and initiatives that help customers, partners, and industry build skills to fully realise the cloud’s potential.
Recently, thousands of New Zealanders’ work was disrupted when their internet connection went down due to a cyber-attack on a major internet provider. Just after 1 pm the afternoon, an internet infrastructure provider – which operates a few other New Zealand Fibre internet connections – was hit with a DDoS attack, which then knocked its internet down for about 30 minutes. Reports from affected users came in from all over the country, but the majority came from the North Island, which included Auckland, Hamilton, and Wellington. The company confirmed the issue was caused by a DDoS attack in a statement on its website.
OpenGov Asia had also reported that the Home and Community department and the housing ministry are on the approach of implementing zero-trust security in the government of New Zealand. After COVID-19 transformed the risk profile of the company, it rapidly introduced laptops and remote access for its employees and led the Home and Community department as a member of the Government Information Security Forum. Zero trust does not replace perimeter safety but works on the presumption that an infringement has taken place. Under the model, system access requests are treated as if they came from an open network on a “never trust, always verify” basis.
Sophisticated intelligence and analytics are then deployed to detect and respond to anomalies in real-time. The Data Protection Officer, the Information Manager and the cyber security / IT security manager of the Home and Community department worked closely together to protect information that can be personally identified. In its 2022 financial year, the agency also had 21 projects under its programme, while the Home and Community Department reported to the Social Services Parliament and the community selection committee in June.


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In conjunction with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), a giant technology company will award 500 Cybersecurity Career Certificate scholarships to qualified government employees, equipping them with the necessary skill set to identify and mitigate common cybersecurity risks, threats, and vulnerabilities.
Even without prior experience, qualified government employees will be able to acquire the skills necessary for an entry-level position in cybersecurity through the 3–6-month self-paced programme.
Ivan John Uy, DICT Secretary stated that the Cybersecurity Career Certificate will help the Filipino workforce become more globally competitive. This will also empower them with the skills necessary to withstand cyber-attacks and create a safer, more secure online environment.
The DICT acknowledged the generous effort to aid the Philippines in its digital transformation voyage and anticipates additional opportunities for cooperation.
In collaboration with DICT Regional Offices, the ICT Literacy and Competency Development Bureau (ILCDB) is responsible for the evaluation, nomination, distribution, and monitoring of these accounts to qualified recipients of the Career Certificate Scholarship.
According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium’s (ISC2) Workforce Study, there is a global shortage of 3,4 million cybersecurity professionals. Currently, there are only 202 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)-certified cybersecurity professionals in the Philippines.
It is essential to create more opportunities for Filipinos to acquire the necessary digital skills and pursue the cybersecurity field competitively. The institution is committed to working closely with local collaborators from the public and private sectors to assist in the development of the country’s next generation of cybersecurity professionals and experts. Interested candidates can contact ILCDB via email at ilcdb@dict.gov.ph.
The Cybersecurity Certificate is a wholly online programme that equips learners with the necessary skills for an entry-level position in cybersecurity, regardless of prior experience. Python, Linux, SQL, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) will be utilised.
Participants will gain knowledge regarding Programming for cybersecurity tasks, frameworks, and controls that inform security operations, utilising security information and event management (SIEM) tools for cybersecurity, detecting and responding to incidents using an intrusion detection system, and performing packet capture and analysis.
Cybersecurity education for government employees is of the utmost importance. Local, regional, and national government institutions handle and store a vast quantity of sensitive and confidential information.
This includes citizen data, national security secrets, financial records, and systems vital to the nation’s infrastructure. Without adequate cybersecurity measures, these priceless assets are susceptible to cyber threats and attacks.
Government employees play a crucial role in protecting these assets and the nation’s security. By studying cybersecurity, individuals acquire the knowledge and skills required to identify potential risks, mitigate vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to cyber incidents.
This includes being aware of the most recent cyber threats, recognising social engineering techniques, and instituting secure data handling and network access practices.
In addition, cybercriminals frequently target government employees due to the valuable information they possess. By training government personnel about cybersecurity, they become more resilient to these risks, lowering the likelihood of successful assaults and data breaches. Hence, cybersecurity expertise is necessary for effective policymaking and governance.
Government officials comprehend the implications and repercussions of cybersecurity-related decisions to create effective laws, regulations, and guidelines. Governments can improve their overall cybersecurity posture and protect critical infrastructure, essential services, and citizen data if they have personnel that is well-informed and knowledgeable about cybersecurity.
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Recognising the importance of providing equal access to technology in every corner of New Zealand, the Commerce Commission is dedicated to achieving technological equity. To delve deeper into this matter, they have undertaken the initiative of launching the Rural Connectivity Study. This study’s objective is to comprehensively examine the rural telecommunications market, offering a complex and detailed portrayal of its landscape.
By conducting this study, the Commerce Commission is looking to gain more valuable insights into the current state of rural connectivity, enabling them to identify any gaps or discrepancies that hinder technological inclusivity. Through this advanced innovation, they aim to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their geographic location, have equitable access to the benefits and opportunities offered by modern technology.
After effectively implementing fibre optic connectivity to 87% of the population, Commissioner Tristan Gilbertson emphasises that the Study marks the initial phase of a comprehensive investigation into the status of connectivity in rural regions and its implications for the remaining population in New Zealand.
The Rural Connectivity Study has been initiated to gather comprehensive data on the technological options available in areas without fibre coverage. The Study aims to map out the availability of these technologies and identify the providers offering them. By examining and documenting the characteristics of these alternative connectivity options, the Study seeks to gain insights into their pricing structures, performance capabilities, and overall user experience.
Additionally, the Study focuses on capturing the perspectives and experiences of consumers who rely on these technologies, providing valuable insights into their satisfaction levels, challenges faced, and areas for potential improvement. The findings of this Study will contribute to informing policy decisions, driving advancements in connectivity infrastructure, and addressing the digital divide in rural communities.
Mr Gilbertson emphasises the significance of establishing a comprehensive and detailed understanding of rural connectivity across New Zealand. To accomplish this, the Commission will actively engage with various stakeholders, fostering direct collaboration and dialogue. These stakeholders encompass network operators, service providers, end-users, advocacy groups, and government departments.
By actively involving network operators and service providers, the Commission aims to gain insights into rural connectivity solutions’ technical aspects and operational dynamics. This engagement will shed light on the range of technologies and infrastructure deployed, their coverage areas, and the services they offer to rural communities.
Moreover, engaging with end-users is crucial to capturing their firsthand experiences and perspectives. By directly interacting with individuals and organisations relying on rural connectivity, the Commission can gather valuable feedback on existing services’ effectiveness, reliability, and affordability. This qualitative data will provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and identify areas for potential improvement.
By engaging with this diverse range of stakeholders, the Commission aims to compile a comprehensive and holistic picture of rural connectivity in New Zealand. This collaborative approach ensures that the Study considers the various perspectives, challenges, and aspirations of all involved parties, ultimately leading to well-informed recommendations and actions that address the unique needs of rural communities.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Directive No. 18/CT-TTg, which aims to enhance data connectivity and sharing to foster the growth of e-commerce, prevent tax loss, and safeguard monetary security.
The directive acknowledged that the rapid expansion of the e-commerce market has presented significant challenges in effectively managing e-commerce activities and tax administration. It emphasised the need for close collaboration among specialised management agencies to regulate payment transactions and verify the information of businesses, individuals, and taxpayers in response to the evolving digital business landscape.
The Prime Minister has assigned specific tasks to various ministries and agencies in the directive. They will enhance efficiency and facilitate digital transformation in the governance of e-commerce activities, digital platform trading, cross-border business, and data sharing among ministries and agencies for the advancement of e-commerce.
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has been assigned the responsibility to collaborate with other relevant ministries in the process of amending legal documents pertaining to e-commerce. This includes streamlining administrative procedures and implementing strict measures to address tax and customs violations.
It has also been assigned the responsibility of developing a comprehensive plan for data connection and sharing with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC), the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), and other relevant agencies. This plan aims to strengthen tax administration for e-commerce activities and the provision of cross-border digital products and services. The deadline for completing this plan is set for the third quarter of this year.
MoIC is tasked with coordinating efforts among ministries and agencies to standardise, digitise, connect, and share data pertaining to e-commerce. SBV has been directed to collaborate with MoF and other relevant agencies to establish a mechanism for overseeing payment transactions. This mechanism will specifically support tax administration for cross-border service provision, in accordance with the Law on Tax Administration and other related legislations.
MoPS has been urged to accelerate the integration of the national population database with the databases and information systems of ministries, agencies, and local authorities. This integration is crucial for implementing e-identification and e-authentication systems. The MoPS is also tasked with collaborating with relevant agencies to refine specialised laws and policies that safeguard e-commerce development and monetary security, as well as prevent tax loss.
The Government Office will coordinate with relevant ministries in continuing to promote the integration and provision of online public services, and online payment in the fields of taxation and e-commerce on the National Public Service Portal.
Earlier this week, SBV urged banks, foreign bank branches, and intermediaries in payment services to actively support the advancement of cashless transactions and the implementation of the national digital transformation programme.
The move aims to aid the plan on developing the application of resident data and electronic identification and authentication to support the national digital transformation agenda during the period of 2022-2025, with a vision extending to 2030.
As OpenGov Asia reported, the banks, foreign bank branches, and intermediaries in payment services will persist in their efforts to devise favourable programmes and policies concerning payment and intermediary payment service fees for customers. The SBV has also urged them to waive account maintenance fees and cash withdrawal fees for customers entitled to the social security policy. They have been instructed to proactively engage in practical initiatives to commemorate Cashless Day 2023, which takes place on 16 June, and to continue their efforts throughout the entire month.
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The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) and a major cloud computing company have announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Government Cloud Cluster (AGCC), a comprehensive platform designed to accelerate AI adoption in Singapore’s public sector, advance local applied AI research efforts and support the growth of the local AI startup ecosystem.
The AGCC has been implemented by SNDGO and the cloud tech company for usage by Singapore’s government agencies and the research, innovation, and enterprise (RIE) ecosystem. The AGCC is hosted in Singapore in a specialised cloud computing environment.
Agencies can use the AGCC to build and deploy scalable and impactful AI applications rapidly, safely, ethically, and cost-effectively by leveraging an AI technology stack and a vast partner ecosystem of software-as-a-service firms, consultancies, and AI startups. AI technology stack capabilities include:
First, an AI-optimised infrastructure. High-performance A2 supercomputers powered by NVIDIA’s A100 GPUs and hosted in an open, scalable, secure, and energy-efficient infrastructure. This enables cloud developers to train computationally complex AI models at fast speeds while minimising costs and environmental impact.
Customisable first-party, third-party, and open-source AI models follow. A central repository enabling AI practitioners to access pre-trained generative AI models, with built-in features to assist users in customising these models for specific requirements.
The repository contains a wide range of first-party, third-party, and open-source models designed for certain needs. These include models for summarising and translating text in different languages, sustaining an ongoing discussion, converting audio to text, producing, and modifying software code, and generating and repairing written descriptions.
International AI businesses interested in making their foundation models available to Singapore government departments can collaborate with the Cloud computing company to store these models in the repository.
Another category is no-code AI development tools. A Generative AI App Builder enabling developers (especially those with limited technical expertise) to swiftly construct and seamlessly embed chatbots and enterprise search experiences driven by Cloud’s generative AI models.
Finally, there are explainable AI and data governance toolkits. A set of built-in technologies that can assist government agencies in using AI in a secure and responsible manner. This includes features for access control and content moderation, as well as novel mechanisms for incorporating human feedback to improve model performance and the ability to audit the sources of AI model outputs to detect and resolve potential bias and ensure that model behaviour is compliant with regulations.
The Government Technology Agency (GovTech) is Singapore’s first public-sector organisation to use the AGCC. Its Open Government Products (OGP) team has integrated with Vertex AI and is investigating the use of its models in Pair, which are large language model-powered assistants that civil servants can use to help them boost productivity while maintaining the confidentiality of government information.
To help government agencies deploy AI applications as effectively and responsibly as possible, the Cloud tech company will collaborate with GovTech to design and run whole-of-government Digital Academy programmes that will assist agencies in developing in-house data science and AI expertise, developing AI innovation strategies, and implementing data governance best practices.
The programmes will be delivered in a variety of specialised formats to 150,000 public servants from 16 ministries and over 50 statutory boards.
Government agencies in Singapore will be able to use the AGCC and other authorised services through the Government on Commercial Cloud (GCC) 2.0 platform beginning in June 2023. The GCC platform, developed by GovTech, offers agencies a standardised and regulated means to implement commercial cloud solutions.
GCC 2.0, the platform’s second generation, is integrated with cloud-native capabilities and cloud security practices, enabling agencies to access into a larger ecosystem of services and people to accelerate the development of new digital applications.
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The Government of Western Australia is taking significant steps to support rural and remote communities across Western Australia by providing funding for technology projects that aim to enhance community services. In an effort to bridge the digital divide and promote access to essential resources, more than AU$ 330,000 has been allocated to support 44 Community Resource Centres (CRC) in implementing various technology and innovation initiatives throughout the regions.
These projects encompass a wide range of endeavours aimed at improving the lives of community members in rural areas. For instance, a notable initiative involves the upgrade of 13 public computers in Broome. These computers play a crucial role in the community, particularly for individuals who do not have the luxury of owning personal computers in their homes. By upgrading these public computers, the CRC in Broome will be able to provide better access to information, educational resources, and essential online services to local residents.
The funding provided by the McGowan Government will empower CRCs in rural and remote areas to embrace technological advancements and leverage innovative solutions to address community needs. By implementing these technology projects, the government aims to enhance the overall quality of life in these regions, promote digital inclusion, and ensure that residents have equal opportunities to access crucial online services and resources.
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, the funding provided by the Government will enable other Community Resource Centres (CRCs) in Western Australia to embark on innovative projects tailored to their local community needs. The Frankland River CRC, for example, plans to establish a Smart Home Hub demonstration centre, which will serve as a showcase for the latest advancements in home automation and smart technologies. This initiative aims to educate and familiarize community members with the benefits and possibilities of integrating smart technologies into their homes.
Meanwhile, the Beverley CRC intends to establish a content creation studio with a specific focus on social media marketing for local businesses in the Wheatbelt region. This studio will help businesses develop engaging content for their social media platforms, enabling them to effectively promote their products and services to a wider audience. By enhancing their online presence and digital marketing capabilities, local businesses can potentially attract more customers and bolster economic growth in the region.
The grant program extends to all Community Resource Centres within the WA Community Resource Network, encompassing over 100 CRCs located in regional and remote areas across the State. Each eligible CRC has the opportunity to apply for grants of up to AU$ 10,000 under the program.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development administers the program, ensuring that the funding is allocated and used effectively to support technology and innovation projects that benefit rural and remote communities in Western Australia.
The Minister of Regional Development emphasised the importance of Community Resource Centres (CRCs) as community-driven organizations that play a crucial role in providing essential support to residents and businesses in rural and remote areas across Western Australia. The funding initiative aims to equip CRCs with the necessary technological resources to deliver modern and effective services to their respective communities.
This funding program recognises that community needs vary across different regions, and it empowers local CRCs to identify and address the specific improvements that will bring the greatest benefits to their stakeholders. By allowing CRCs to leverage their deep understanding of local needs and dynamics, the initiative ensures that the allocated funds are used in ways that best serve the communities they serve. This approach acknowledges the unique challenges and opportunities faced by each CRC and supports their efforts in delivering impactful projects tailored to their community’s requirements.
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In light of the risks posed by the advancement of information technology and the internet, the government, state, and the entire political system have taken significant measures to enhance the safeguarding of children within the online environment.
According to UNICEF, children are increasingly exposed to various risks, including the concerning issue of cyberbullying. The agency reports that one in five young individuals have experienced online bullying.
Reports have shown that the national emergency telephone number for child protection, 111, received nearly 420 calls about child protection in the online environment and 18 notifications about channels or video clips with harmful content for children in 2022. The figures in the first five months of this year were 128 calls and three notifications.
An expert from UNICEF’s children’s protection programme said that strategies to address cyber-bullying and abuse should be part of the broader child protection strategies. Cooperation and coordination among stakeholders are key to success in this work.
The Guidelines for Industry on Child Online Protection, developed by UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serve as a framework for businesses. These guidelines offer solutions that businesses can adopt to ensure the protection and well-being of children, while also promoting a healthy and creative internet experience for children themselves.
Dang Hoa Nam, Director of the Department of Child Affairs under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, emphasised the importance of collective efforts in establishing a digital environment that is both safer and healthier for children. He highlighted the significance of drawing from both domestic and international experiences to implement targeted and practical measures aimed at ensuring children’s safety in the online realm.
Vietnam has established a comprehensive legal framework to protect children in the digital sphere, including laws such as the Law on Children, the Law on Cyber Information Security, and the Law on Access to Information. These laws provide a crucial legal foundation for child protection initiatives.
To safeguard children in the online environment, the government and the Prime Minister have issued several significant documents. These include the National Action Programme for Children in the 2021-2030 period and the programme on protection of and support for children.
Furthermore, Vietnam, alongside other ASEAN member nations, has collectively endorsed crucial agreements to protect children’s welfare online. This includes the adoption of the Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse in ASEAN in 2019, as well as the Declaration on the Elimination of Bullying of Children in ASEAN.
The Authority of Information Security under the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and several city Information and Communications Departments held a conference earlier this May on the launch and evaluation of the national cyber security and safety strategy. The event was held in Ha Long City.
As OpenGov Asia reported, servers are the primary targets of cyber-attacks in the country, aimed at stealing passwords and data. Last year in Vietnam, computer viruses resulted in economic losses amounting to VND 21.2 trillion (US$ 903 million). To ensure cybersecurity, MIC collaborated with various agencies to conduct three nationwide security exercises. The authority directly prevented over 3,600 fraudulent websites, safeguarding nearly 4 million people or approximately 6% of internet users.
Vietnam has set a goal to establish a cybersecurity research and development centre, safeguard information systems in 11 critical sectors, and establish cybersecurity forces at ministries, sectors, and state agencies by 2025.
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Ivan John Uy, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), stated that the Department will implement e-Governance initiatives to promote interoperability and facilitate ease of doing business in the country; and that the Department has undertaken the enormous task of interconnecting government systems.
Secretary Ivan added that citizens engage in numerous online transactions but they tend to avoid conducting business with the government because they are frequently required to wait in queue multiple times for government dealings.
Hence, agencies are confronted with the difficult task of unifying these disparate and disconnected systems of governance. The only constant among these systems is the absence of any shared components.
Each organisation has selected its own standards, data formats, and service providers. Consequently, the objective is to identify a solution that can effectively integrate these disparate elements.
The ICT Chief also discussed the Department’s progress in connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital skills development. Through its flagship Broadband ng Masa Programme, the Department is accelerating the implementation of necessary digital infrastructure and wireless broadband technologies, particularly for those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
DICT tends to bring connectivity to all mountainous regions and island groups. The telcos have been hesitant to make these investments primarily due to economic concerns; therefore, the government must intervene and provide first-mover connectivity in these areas.
When they initially provide this connectivity, it is hoped that the economies in these regions will begin to improve, and the population will begin to develop better applications or use cases for this connectivity.
E-governance has been getting a lot of attention in the Philippines for the last few years as the government tries to use technology to improve public service delivery, simplify administrative processes, and improve governance.
The country is moving towards e-governance because more and more of its people use the internet and other digital tools, and because people see the benefits of digital transformation.
One of the most important parts of e-governance in the country is getting people involved online. The government has set up several online platforms and portals that allow people to get information, share their concerns, and give feedback on government policies and services. This helps make the decision-making process more open, accountable, and inclusive, and it gives people a chance to directly shape public policies.
Also, the streamlining of government services has made them easier to use and cut down on unnecessary paperwork. Citizens can now apply for papers like passports, driver’s licences, and birth certificates online through portals. This saves them time and effort. This has also led to a big drop in corruption and bribes since people don’t have to talk to government officials as much when they do business online.
E-governance has also made it easier for government departments to share and combine data, which has led to better service delivery. By using standard data formats and putting in place interoperable systems, information can be quickly accessed and shared between departments.
This cuts down on duplicate work and makes it easier to work together. This has made it easier for the government to do its work and cut down on the time it takes to do things.
Even though success has been made, there are still challenges with how e-governance is being used in the Philippines. Lack of Internet access in remote places, especially in rural provinces, makes it hard to get to and take part in things. There is also a need to improve the digital literacy of the population, making sure that people have the skills they need to use online platforms and e-government services successfully.