NZ reviewing national cybersecurity strategy

The New Zealand government has launched a review of the nation’s cybersecurity strategy in light of the growing scale and sophistication of cyber threats facing New Zealand.

The refresh of the current strategy will be led by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s National Cyber Policy Office (NCPO).

It will involve consultations with the private sector and the public through workshops at the early stages.

Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Clare Curran said the refresh will consider whether the government has the right resources and processes to address the increasing cyber threats facing New Zealand.

The National Cyber Security Centre recorded 396 incidents involving threats to New Zealand’s networks of national importance last financial year and estimates that cyber threats have the potential to cause NZ$640 million ($470.8 million) in harm per year to nationally significant organisations.

“Cyber threats are growing in number and are increasingly sophisticated. The reality is that digital technology provides new avenues for criminals and other states to gain advantage and cause harm here. New Zealanders’ widespread use of connected devices and the security challenges of emerging technology are intensifying the problems,” she said.

“So it’s timely for us to step up New Zealand’s cybersecurity efforts so that we are not left vulnerable to cyber intrusion and to refresh the 2015 strategy so we can deal with increasingly bold, brazen and disruptive threats.”

Image courtesy NASA.

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