New Zealand Releases Cyber Security Strategy

By Author: eccuni
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Governments and businesses across the world are increasingly becoming dependent on Internet for their activities. Many countries are witnessing transformation towards e-governance. New Zealand has also benefitted from the growth of the Internet. According to a report by New Zealand government around 75% of people use Internet and over 70% of them have broadband connection. Most of the businesses use Internet banking and increasing number of people are making purchases online. At the same time, the growing use and reliance on Internet has resulted in increased exposure of government, business organizations and individuals to cyber threats. Cybercrime poses threat not only to personally identifiable information of customers, but also to intellectual property and proprietary information related to business enterprises.

There is increased threat of cyber espionage, intrusion, identity theft and use of the Internet space by terrorist organizations. According to figures of the government, New Zealanders suffer losses of around $500 million annually due to cybercrime. The New Zealand government has developed a new ...
... cyber security strategy to combat the growing threats in the Internet space. The government intends to increase awareness on cyber security, safeguard government systems and data, and improve incident response procedures. The government intends to partner with industry and Internet service providers (ISP) to improve awareness on online security. New Zealand government has decided to form a National Cyber Security Centre, which will function under the Government Communications Security Bureau. The objective of the Centre would be to protect government systems and confidential information by improving the existing information assurance capabilities. The new strategy provides for improving cyber security practices in the government agencies. To improve incident planning and response, government intends to collaborate with critical national infrastructure providers, and business organizations. The government is also making assessment of the need to develop a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).

Growing threats in the cyber space has made it inevitable for government bodies and organizations to initiate proactive steps to strengthen IT infrastructure. There is a growing demand for professionals qualified in computer science degree, IT masters degree and other IT security certifications. The New Zealand government intends to collaborate with industry, universities, and training institutions to meet the growing demand for skilled cyber security professionals.

Employee awareness is crucial to combat sophisticated threats from cyber-attackers. online computer degree programs, workshops and security awareness training programs may help improve cyber security practices, and create security conscious culture in organizations.

Research and development is crucial to improve defense and response to cyber threats. online technology degree programs may help professionals in understanding and implementing new security mechanisms. The new cyber security strategy of the government emphasizes on greater cooperation with stakeholders such as industry, academic institutions and other government agencies to develop and improve cyber security response capabilities.

The government also intends to coordinate with other countries to improve the legal framework and enhance cooperation in dealing with cybercrime. Government plans to improve capabilities to deal with organized cybercrime by raising standards to those developed by Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime.