Cyber crime costs Kiwis $625m/year, new security tips site launched

Cyber crime costs New Zealand an estimated $625 million last year, according to a survey by security company Symantec, with more than 2000 Kiwis affected every day by computer viruses and malware, credit card fraud, online scams, phishing and identity theft.

To combat this NetSafe - an independent, non-profit group - in partnership with the govenment has launched the first national Cyber Security Awareness Week (June 11-15) and an online portal, Security Central, that will help New Zealanders identify and combat cyber crime.

Cyber Security Awareness Week and the dedicated website were officially launched at parliament today by Communications and Information Technology Minister Amy Adams. It coincides with a similar week being held across the Tasman.

“Cyber security is becoming increasingly important for New Zealanders, businesses and government. Cyber intrusions have the potential to impact on the reliability of critical infrastructure, government services, and the economy,” Ms Adams says.

Last year the government launched the National Cyber Security Centre, which provides enhanced protection for government and industry against advanced and sophisticated cyber intrusions.

NetSafe executive director Martin Crocker says cyber crime is more prevalent than ever as technology becomes more widespread and internet access becomes more universal.

“In the last couple of years more than 70% of New Zealanders have been the victims of some form of cyber crime – with the most common complaints being computer scams, fraud and viruses,” Mr Cocker says.

“This doesn’t have to continue. There are some simple steps people can take to greatly improve their online security and that’s what this week is all about.”

Research undertaken last year in partnership with AVG and NetSafe showed that more than half of Kiwis knew little or nothing about computer security risks and solutions, and blamed a lack of time, money and useful sources of information.

The new online portal, www.securitycentral.org.nz, will provide consumers and small business owners with a free one-stop shop for learning more about cyber security.

Netsafe is focusing on four key messages during the week that, if implemented correctly, can help New Zealanders avoid potential cyber threats.

Mr Cocker says: “The first is to update your operating system and any software on your computer regularly to protect against malware and viruses.

“The second is to back up your files just in case you do face security issues, that way you don’t lose all those precious family photos and important business data.”

"The third is to ensure you have strong and secure passwords – make sure you steer away from nicknames, the name of a pet or simple number sequences like 123456 that can be easily guessed.

"And the fourth is to ensure the wireless you are logged into – whether it is at home, work or at a cafe is secure.”

Mr Cocker says Cyber Security Awareness Week and the online portal will give New Zealanders the confidence to deal with cyber crime effectively and hopefully reduce the damage it causes.

Home internet users and small business owners can get more free information at www.securitycentral.org.nz or www.netsafe.org.nz.