Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON)

Summary

Established in 2017, the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PaCSON) is a commitment by the Australian Government to assist the Indo-Pacific region to develop capacities which address cyber threats, strengthen cyber security and combat cybercrime through the Cyber and Critical Technology Cooperation Program.

The increasing internet connectivity presents significant opportunities in the Pacific region but also exposes users to increased threats from cyber criminals. To combat this threat, PaCSON was established to foster regional cooperation and collaboration, and to ultimately protect the Pacific regions respective information infrastructures and constituents.

PaCSON is an operational cyber security network of regional working-level cyber security experts in the Pacific. PaCSON coordinates activities which benefit the regional network of cyber security incident response professionals through encouraging collaboration on best practice, sharing information and developing incident response capability.

The PaCSON network consists of technical experts from eligible governments across the Pacific, and is supported by other partners including not-for-profit organisations and academia. Participation in PaCSON includes representatives from Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the United States. 

PaCSON is not a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) or Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) and does not provide an Incident Response (IR) capability. PaCSON maintains an operational cyber security points of contact and empowers members to share cyber security threat information; provides opportunities for technical experts to share tools, techniques and ideas; and is an enabler of cooperation and collaboration, particularly where a cyber security incident affects the region.