Tonga is shoring up its digital defences after a cyberattack on last year’s Health Network exposed serious vulnerabilities, with a senior official now selected for a key U.S. digital leadership programme.
Veahepi Filimone Lilo, a Senior Policy Analyst at MEIDECC, will represent Tonga in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP).
The programme focuses on advancing an open and secure digital economy.
It is expected to help Tonga improve how it shapes digital policy, strengthen online security, and open up new opportunities in the country’s growing digital economy.
Her selection comes amid heightened concerns about cybersecurity in Tonga, following recent incidents including the hijacking of the Ministry of Health’s computer network, which disrupted services and highlighted vulnerabilities within government digital infrastructure.
The incident has underscored the need for stronger policies, skills and international cooperation to protect sensitive data and essential public services.
During the IVLP programme, Ms. Lilo will work closely with U.S. government agencies, technology firms and academic institutions to explore issues such as data privacy, online security, internet governance and digital regulation.
A statement from the U.S. Embassy in Nukuʻalofa said the programme will also examine how the digital economy can support economic growth and resilience.
In mid‑2025, Australia provided crucial support to Tonga following a ransomware cyberattack that compromised the country’s National Health Information System, forcing health staff to revert to manual handling of patient data.
Last month, Tongan authorities reported that the attack on the Ministry of Health in June 2025 was linked to overseas hacker Roman Khubov.
