New Zealand and Australia VS cyber security

New Zealand has got together with Australia to work on a way to boost trans-Tasman cyber security.

Communications Minister Amy Adams recently met with Dan Tehan, Australia's Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, in Australia where they discussed practical initiatives to tackle cyber security in the region.

During the meeting in Sydney, Adams and Tehan agreed to work together on a range of initiatives that will benefit both countries.

Areas of interest include boosting cyber skills, building the cyber capability of small and medium-sized businesses, and co-operating on joint awareness raising campaigns.

"Australia and New Zealand enjoy a productive relationship on cyber issues," says Adams.

"Working together means we can better respond to challenges and be prepared to deal with serious cyber security threats that could affect both our nations," she says.

"Many New Zealand businesses operate in Australia and vice versa, and our citizens travel regularly between the two countries," Adams continues.

"We're committed to cooperating at a practical level to help our communities be safe online and ensure they're making the most of the digital economy," she adds.

Adams says collaboration and close international partnerships are a key part of implementing New Zealand's 2015 Cyber Security Strategy.

"Working alongside like-minded countries, such as Australia, is important to ensure we are cyber secure," she says.

Adams and Tehan have asked officials to provide an update on the progress of these commitments in early 2017.

Adams says the initiatives agreed to will bolster the Government's approach to cyber security issues, and further align Australia and New Zealand's public-private awareness initiatives and workforce readiness to reduce the cyber threat in the Asia-Pacific region.