Nationwide surge in online safety
New Zealanders are increasingly proactive about their cybersecurity, with a significant rise in the number of individuals taking recommended protective actions.
According to CERT NZ’s 2024 Cyber Security Behaviour Report, there has been a noticeable increase in awareness and initiative regarding online safety.
“It’s great that New Zealanders are taking action and not relying on luck or common sense to keep them safe,” said Sam Leggett (pictured above), CERT NZ senior threat and incident response coordinator.
Motivation following cyber attacks
The motivation to enhance cybersecurity is particularly strong among those who have experienced cyber attacks firsthand.
Leggett highlighted the importance of preemptive action.
“You wouldn’t wait to experience a crash before putting your seatbelt on, so why wait for cybercrime to happen before taking the steps that can save you?” he said in a media release.
This proactive approach is reflected in the growing number of Kiwis who now recognise phishing links and scams, bolstering their defences before issues arise.
Common preventative measures
Among the strategies adopted by New Zealanders to safeguard their online presence are verifying links before clicking, maintaining private social media settings, using password managers, and implementing two-factor authentication. These measures are becoming more commonplace as individuals seek to fortify their digital lives against potential threats.
Challenges among the youth
Despite the overall positive trend, there remains a segment of the population, particularly among 18- to 44-year-olds, that underestimates the risk of cybercrime. This demographic is also less likely to adopt measures to secure their online activities.
“If you are young, you are probably confident online but that might lead to overconfidence when faced with an actual threat,” Leggett said. “You may also feel you’re already doing enough, or you may simply forget to beef up your cybersecurity.”
He emphasised the need for increased awareness and action across all age groups to enhance national resilience against cyber threats.
National call to action
CERT NZ is urging all New Zealanders to unite in bolstering the nation’s cyber defences. As cyber threats evolve, maintaining and enhancing individual and collective cybersecurity measures is crucial for safeguarding personal information and preventing cybercrime.
Read the CERT NZ 2024 Cyber Security Behaviour Report here.
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