SafeGuardian expands to New Zealand with cyber services

SafeGuardian has announced its expansion into the Aotearoa New Zealand market to offer advanced cybersecurity services aimed at addressing the rising cyber threats faced by businesses in the region.

SafeGuardian is a cybersecurity company run by IT security professionals with more than 75 years of combined experience. The company specialises in protecting businesses from cyber-attacks, privacy breaches, and intellectual property theft.

Kerry Paltridge, Chief Executive Officer of SafeGuardian, stated, "New Zealand businesses are facing unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. Our mission is to provide Kiwi companies with the best global security tools and threat visibility solutions, while supporting them with local experts.

"In this environment, it is imperative to deliver solutions to organisations that effectively defend against these rapidly evolving threats," he says.

As co-founder and director of SafeGuardian, Paltridge is a cybersecurity expert with more than 25 years of experience in IT security, recruitment, networks, and data centre management.

The company emphasises a holistic approach that targets key vulnerabilities within New Zealand's IT and Operational Technology (OT) security frameworks. The services include tailored advisory resources, 24/7 threat monitoring, and improved oversight across digital infrastructures.

"Many New Zealand businesses lack the internal resources to effectively manage cyber risks," Paltridge explained. "Our team, with over 75 years of combined experience, brings world-class capabilities to the local market, wrapped with local expertise."

This launch aligns with findings from CERT NZ, which reported an uptick in financial damages from cybercrime in the second quarter of 2024. Predominant attack strategies cited include phishing, third-party breaches, as well as cloud vulnerabilities.

The company's offerings are also in keeping with the Five Eyes intelligence alliance's latest guidance, which underlines the necessity for rigorous cybersecurity measures, especially in technology start-ups. These guidelines advocate for stringent access controls, routine security evaluations, and comprehensive data protection—all integral parts of SafeGuardian's service suite.

"In light of the Five Eyes security guidance, it's clear that businesses, especially tech start-ups, need to prioritise cybersecurity from day one," added Paltridge.

"SafeGuardian is uniquely positioned to help New Zealand companies implement these crucial security measures, protecting not just their data, but their intellectual property and competitive edge in the global market," he says.

Despite growing cybersecurity threats, a survey shows that 85% of businesses remain confident in their security measures. However, Paltridge advises against complacency, urging organisations to remain vigilant and adaptive. "Cyber security is a continuous exercise and needs to evolve to meet any operational changes," he emphasised.