The Samoan Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization commissioned Pacific Development Consulting to conduct a comprehensive risk and vulnerability assessment of the country’s health technology to strengthen the sector’s digital resilience as Samoa’s reliance on technology and connectivity grows to serve its people.

Several countries, and lately those in the Pacific, have seen a rampant rise in cyberattacks. The consequences of these attacks include stolen data, destroyed networks, disabled software applications, and thousands or even millions of dollars in recovery efforts and loss of productivity. In the healthcare sector, a cyberattack also means a disruption of care for its population.

Due to limited resources and funds, Pacific countries struggle to keep up with a constantly evolving threat landscape. Understanding and reducing risk has proven to be the most effective and efficient manner to proactively understand the country’s vulnerability and to prioritize the country’s limited resources by balancing cost with risk.

Pacific Development’s approach to protecting information assets, guarding privacy and managing risks is holistic, pragmatic, and industry specific. Pacific Development consultant Ritu Thakkar will lead the in-country mission.