The Maldives and the United States have engaged in discussions to enhance the cybersecurity sector, with a focus on bolstering the cyber defence capabilities of the Maldives. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence, involved Deputy Minister of Defence Fathimath Mizna Ali and Principal Deputy Assistant of the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy (CDP) Jennifer Bachus.
The discussions centred on the development and enhancement of resources necessary for improving the Maldives’ cyber defence mechanisms. Key topics included the formulation of national policies and practices aimed at strengthening cybersecurity in both countries. Additionally, the talks emphasised the importance of increasing opportunities for women in the cybersecurity sector, recognising the need for greater female involvement in this critical field.
Hugo Yon, the Ambassador of the US to the Maldives, also attended the meeting, highlighting the significance of the bilateral cooperation in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is of paramount importance to the Maldives, given its increasing reliance on digital infrastructure for governance, tourism, and financial services. Enhancing cyber defence capabilities is crucial to safeguarding sensitive information, ensuring the integrity of critical systems, and maintaining national security. The collaboration with the United States aims to address these challenges by leveraging expertise and resources to build a robust cybersecurity framework.
These discussions mark a significant step towards enhancing the Maldives’ cybersecurity infrastructure and fostering collaboration between the two nations in addressing digital threats and challenges.