Building Samoa’s Cyber Resilience: Ransomware Training Underway

On Monday morning, the Samoa Police officially launched the Ransomware Investigation & Technical Training at the Samoa Police Academy, Tafaigata.

The Acting Commissioner delivered opening remarks, highlighting the growing threat of ransomware affecting governments and institutions around the world — including right here in Samoa — and the need to ensure our officers are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to respond effectively in the digital space.

As ransomware and cybercrime continue to rise globally — and with several government agencies in Samoa having already been impacted in recent years — this training is a crucial step in building the Samoa Police’s capacity to detect, investigate, and respond to cyber threats. These crimes do more than disrupt networks — they affect public services, data, and national security.

The training is delivered in partnership with the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) and proudly funded by Canada and the World. We extend our sincere thanks to Mark Rysanek of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and his team for sharing their expertise and supporting the ongoing development of law enforcement capability in the Pacific.

Special recognition was also given to Muliagatele Enoka Feterika of the New Zealand Police and a member of Cyber Safety Pasefika, whose leadership and support have played a key role in advancing cyber safety and collaboration across the region.

This week, Samoa Police officers — alongside a representative from SamoaCERT — will undertake hands-on sessions and scenario-based exercises in ransomware response, cyber investigation, and digital forensics, all contributing to a safer and more secure digital Samoa

Together, we move forward in strengthening Samoa’s cyber resilience.