The government has intensified efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and modernise the nation's digital infrastructure as the Maldives advances its Maldives 2.0 digital governance agenda.
Speaking on the Trade Desk podcast, the Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology, Ali Ihusaan, said strengthening cybersecurity is one of the government's highest priorities under its strategic roadmap.
“The Ministry and its affiliated agencies are now ready to provide national-level cybersecurity services and assistance to stakeholders requiring support,” Ihusaan said. He added that the government is committed to creating a secure digital environment, particularly for emerging financial technology services, including PayPal.
National Security Advisor Retired Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Latheef said cybersecurity has become a strategic necessity as countries continue to digitise their public services.
“Today, cybersecurity is not merely a digital issue. It has become fundamental to the governance system of countries,” he said, describing cyber resilience as an essential component of national security.
Senior Lecturer at Edith Cowan University's School of Science, Dr Ahmed Ibrahim, said strong legal frameworks are essential to building an effective national cybersecurity system.
“The world is becoming increasingly digital, and protecting people's information is crucial for maintaining public trust,” he said.
Dr Ahmed added that cybersecurity initiatives cannot achieve their full potential without legislation that provides the relevant authorities with the legal powers required to carry out their responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Parliament is currently considering two key pieces of legislation: the Cyber Security Bill and the Digital Identity Bill.
The Cyber Security Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for cybersecurity, including licensing requirements for providers of specified cybersecurity services. Under the proposed legislation, violations would carry fines ranging from USD 3,242 to USD 32,425.
The Digital Identity Bill aims to establish procedures for secure digital identity verification in online transactions involving government institutions and other entities.
The government has also prioritised capacity building, with cybersecurity training programmes being conducted both domestically and internationally to ensure the Maldives keeps pace with evolving global digital standards.