KOROR, Palau — The Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau is deliberating a bill to establish a national Cyber Security Office aimed at protecting Palau’s citizens, businesses, and government from growing cyber threats.
The proposed legislation, which passed its first reading in the Senate, seeks to safeguard the public from “bad actors” who intentionally exploit technology to cause harm. The bill emphasizes the need for reliable, secure, and high-quality digital services to support safe access to government resources and boost participation in both national and global digital economies.
“This is the most forward-looking legislation,” said Senator TJ Remengesau, highlighting the bill’s objectives to strengthen Palau’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The Cybersecurity Office would replace certain functions currently managed by the Information Systems Support Services under the Ministry of Finance, shifting these responsibilities to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries (MPII). Its core mission would be to reduce risks related to critical infrastructure, prevent the loss of sensitive data, and mitigate reputational damage resulting from cyberattacks.
Key responsibilities of the proposed office include serving as a cybersecurity resource for national and state governments, developing a catalog of cybersecurity services, and establishing regulatory standards. The office would also continuously monitor emerging technologies, assess their impact on Palau’s systems, and oversee compliance with cybersecurity policies across executive branch agencies.
Senator Mark Rudimch expressed support for the initiative but recommended additional discussions to ensure the protection of confidential information. He proposed measures such as requiring staff and advisory committee members to sign nondisclosure agreements.
The advisory committee for the Cybersecurity Office would consist of seven members: one representative from the Ministry of Finance, two appointed by the Senate, one by the House of Delegates, and three appointed by the President.