'Cybersecurity tick' scheme for SMEs
New Zealand businesses with good cybersecurity practices could receive a ‘cybersecurity tick’ to help them improve their capabilities against malicious cyber attacks, an initiative proposed under the New Zealand Government’s Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan.
The proposed cyber credentials scheme will mean that businesses with good cybersecurity practices will have a cybersecurity tick, similar to schemes that acknowledge healthy food choices or energy-efficient appliances.
In New Zealand, around 95% of small businesses use the internet — 66% of them have a website and 44% use internet sales.
A survey of New Zealand small businesses released in October reveals that 42% of small businesses are concerned about hackers gaining access to their data, while a recent US survey showed that small businesses are increasingly the focus of cyber attacks — 71% of attacks occurring in businesses of fewer than 100 people.
“The rollout of Ultra-Fast Broadband and technological changes are transforming the way businesses operate,” said Amy Adams, New Zealand Communications Minister.
“It’s opening up new opportunities for New Zealanders to export goods and services around the country and the world. But operating online also carries risks. Cyber attacks cost businesses around the world billions in stolen goods and capital, not to mention lost opportunities and productivity.”
The New Zealand Government is exploring ways to build the capability of small businesses to improve their cybersecurity since they account for 27% of the country’s GDP.
New Small Business Minister Craig Foss said the risks and impacts that cyberthreats have on SMEs cannot be ignored.
“Small and medium businesses need to take steps to protect their online records as much as they keep their buildings and physical assets safe. It’s critical for the commercial success of small businesses and for the ability of New Zealand to do business online,” he said.
“It’s also important for protecting our national economy against cyber attacks.”
The proposal scheme is similar to the UK’s ‘Cyber Essentials’ scheme and is currently in development. It will complement the Connect Smart online questionnaire and SME Cyber Security Toolkit.
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