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BusinessGuard Cybersecurity Training Programme
From Awareness to Action Building Cyber Resilience Across Samoa
How WebSafe Samoa helped 376 participants from 164 businesses strengthen cyber awareness, digital protection and incident readiness ahead of CHOGM 2024.
376Participants trained
164Businesses and organisations
38Training cohorts
5Months of delivery
Preparing businesses for a major national event
Practical cybersecurity support when it mattered most.
In preparation for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, WebSafe Samoa delivered a nationwide programme to help local businesses understand cyber risk, protect their digital assets and respond confidently when incidents occur.
The BusinessGuard Cybersecurity Training Programme was designed for the way Samoan businesses operate every day. It supported business owners, managers, administrators, finance teams, technical staff and compliance personnel—not only IT specialists.
Training connected cybersecurity with real business activities: email, online banking, Facebook pages, websites, customer information, staff access, mobile devices and the continuity of essential services.
By making the content practical, locally relevant and accessible, the programme helped participants move beyond awareness and begin applying stronger security practices within their workplaces.
Flexible delivery across Samoa
Taking training beyond central Apia.
Businesses faced operational demands, travel limitations and CHOGM preparations. The programme responded with onsite, virtual and offsite options matched to participant schedules and locations.
191
Onsite participants
Face-to-face cohorts provided structured learning, guided discussion and practical demonstrations.
117
Virtual participants
Online delivery gave remote participants access to the full curriculum and follow-up resources.
68
Offsite participants
Regional delivery brought practical cybersecurity guidance closer to local businesses and communities.
Regional reach: training was delivered through nine Fono Faavae offices across Upolu, while a dedicated Savai‘i cohort was organised with the Savai‘i Samoa Tourism Association and the Business of Salafai Association.
What participants learned
Cybersecurity skills businesses could use immediately.
The programme connected cyber risks with the systems, accounts and information Samoan businesses rely on every day.
00
Cyber foundations
Understanding common threats affecting Samoa’s business environment and learning the role of SamCERT.
01
Digital asset management
Identifying important devices, applications, online accounts and business data using practical templates and risk-assessment tools.
02
Business defences
Strengthening social media and website security while recognising phishing, impersonation and banking scams.
03
Beyond the password
Improving password policies and introducing two-factor and multi-factor authentication.
04
Proactive prevention
Using antivirus, anti-malware, regular updates and safer browsing practices to reduce exposure.
05
Backup and incident response
Developing tested backup plans, response procedures and confidence in reporting incidents through SamCERT.
Participant voices
What the programme meant to participants.
“It highlighted how management decisions impact the overall response and the importance of collaboration across all departments.”
“The course gave me good reason to reevaluate data and security for my small business.”
“The practical tips were easy to apply, and I feel more confident about keeping our data secure.”
“The positive atmosphere, where questions were welcomed and discussion encouraged, helped participants feel more comfortable and engaged.”
From learning to workplace action
Training that helped change behaviour.
96%
Valued the training
Participants highlighted the programme’s relevance, clarity and practical value.
97%
Working to apply it
Nearly all participants reported incorporating the lessons into workplace practices.
85%+
Wanted further training
Strong demand emerged for advanced workshops, simulations and hands-on exercises.
75%+
Saw cybersecurity as essential
The programme helped position cybersecurity as a business and operational priority.
Making SamCERT the first call during a cyber incident
Participants were encouraged to think of SamCERT as they would any other emergency response service: the trusted national point of contact when a cybersecurity incident occurs. Training covered what to report, how to document key information and why early reporting supports faster response.
Programme video
See the BusinessGuard programme in action.
Watch highlights from the cybersecurity training programme and see how practical, accessible learning supported Samoan businesses ahead of CHOGM 2024.
BusinessGuard Cybersecurity Training Programme — delivered by WebSafe Samoa with national and regional partners.
Programme gallery
Learning, participation and achievement.
Highlights from virtual delivery, participant activities, certificate presentations and group sessions across the BusinessGuard programme.
Virtual delivery
Participants in action
Recognising achievement
Programme groups
More programme photographs, participant highlights and WebSafe Samoa updates are available on our Facebook page.
View more photos on FacebookContinuing Samoa’s cybersecurity journey
Stronger businesses. Stronger national resilience.
The BusinessGuard programme demonstrated that Samoan businesses are ready to strengthen cybersecurity when training is practical, accessible and connected to real operational needs. WebSafe Samoa remains committed to supporting organisations with awareness, leadership training, incident readiness and practical cybersecurity guidance.
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