Rising Cyber Vigilance in New Zealand
The recent increase in cyberattack incidents in New Zealand has led to a heightened practice of online safety measures. However, despite a general trend towards more vigilant cyber practices, a portion of New Zealanders remain unconvinced about the personal risks associated with cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Actions
A growing awareness is evident among New Zealanders regarding the importance of protecting their digital footprint. In our increasingly digital lives, staying ahead of evolving and expanding cyber threats is critical. Many individuals are adopting straightforward measures to enhance their online security, such as:
Verifying links before interaction and making social media accounts private
Using password managers
Setting up two-factor authentication
Those who have experienced serious cyber incidents often change their online habits more than those who have not encountered such issues. There is also a public call for stricter penalties for businesses that suffer cybersecurity breaches.
Cybersecurity Indifference
A significant gap in cyber risk perception persists, particularly among younger New Zealanders, who appear less concerned about cybersecurity. This demographic’s relaxed approach to digital safety presents a challenge, as being internet-savvy does not necessarily translate to effective defences against cyber threats.
Enhancing Cyber Resilience
As we navigate through the digital age, the surge in cyberattack incidents in New Zealand has underscored the critical need for robust online safety measures. With an increasing number of New Zealanders adopting proactive cybersecurity actions, it’s evident that a comprehensive approach to digital security is more important than ever.
However, despite our best efforts in prevention and education, the risk of cyber incidents remains. This is where the strategic role of cyber insurance comes into play. Cyber insurance serves as a crucial layer of protection, offering a safety net when preventative measures fall short.
Here are some key ways to bolster your cybersecurity position:
Assess Your Cyber Risks: Engage with cybersecurity experts to conduct thorough risk assessments of your digital assets. Identifying potential vulnerabilities is the first step in fortifying your defences.
Stay Informed: Cyber threats evolve rapidly, making it essential to stay abreast of the latest developments. Utilise resources like the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s guidelines on cyber resilience to inform your strategies.
Implement Strong Cybersecurity Measures: Adopt recommended practices such as using password managers and setting up two-factor authentication. These simple yet effective measures can significantly enhance your online security.
Develop an Incident Response Plan: A well-defined incident response plan is your blueprint for action in the event of a cyber breach. It should outline clear procedures for containment, eradication, and recovery.
Educate Your Team: Cybersecurity is a collective effort. Regular training for all staff members on best practices is a must for maintaining a secure digital environment.
Review and Update Policies Regularly: The dynamic nature of cyber threats necessitates frequent reviews and updates of your cybersecurity policies and insurance coverage.
Obtain Cyber Insurance: Cyber insurance can cover a range of losses, both for individuals and third parties. It’s imperative to understand the extent of your coverage and ensure it aligns with your unique risk profile. Getting a quote and putting cover in place is quick and easy online, just visit www.frankie.co.nz. Alternatively, if you don't fit the online occupation criteria, please contact 07 903 5000 to discuss cyber options with one of our brokers.
By integrating these actions into your cybersecurity strategy, you not only protect your digital assets but also prepare for the unexpected, ensuring that your resilience against cyber threats is as robust as possible.
For further reading on this, you can find CERT NZ’s 2024 Cyber Security Behaviour Tracker here.
