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A cyber security worker says Fiji lost more than US$2.2 million to online scams in 2024.
The Fiji Sun reported head of cyber security solutions at Datec Fiji, Sagar Patel, revealed this during the Pacific Cybersecurity Forum in Suva this week.
He said the country lost FJ$4.6 million (approximately US$2m) in scams purporting to be from a popular online shopping giant, and another $600,000 (approximately US$264,457) to mobile money fraud.
"With AI now enabling smarter, faster, and more deceptive cyberattacks, Pacific nations must act collectively to protect their digital borders," he said.
The event was held as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month and had the theme 'Building a Pacific Cyber Shield'.
Datec chief executive officer Vinit Vishaal Nand said Fiji and its Pacific neighbours could not afford to underestimate cyber risks because technology is now central to everyday life.
"From personal data such as passports and emails to major corporate records, what we share online can easily be stolen or traded on the dark web," he said.
"Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it's a serious risk for Fiji and the Pacific."
In August, Fiji's Immigration Ministry issued an "urgent and high-priority" warning about a fake website impersonating the country's official e-Visa platform.
Elsewhere in the region Tonga's Health Information System was hacked in June, and staff at the country's hospitals had to rely on whatever handwritten notes were available when seeing patients.
There was a 14.7 percent quarterly increase in financial loss reported by New Zealanders, according to the National Cyber Security Centre's Cyber Security Insights report for the year's first quarter.
From 1 January to 31 March, a total of 1369 incidents were reported.
