CERT NZ news stories
Cybersecurity
Could New Zealanders initiate a cyber attack from within?
The threat landscape is significantly increasing worldwide, and the opportunities it presents are a growing concern in Aotearoa.
Ransomware
CERT NZ releases first Cyber Security Insights for 2022
CERT NZ has released Quarter One: Cyber Security Insights 2022, which offers an overview of reports about cybersecurity incidents affecting New Zealanders.
Cybersecurity
NCSC advisory highlights poor security configurations
The GCSB's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has released a cyber security advisory identifying commonly exploited controls and practices.
Cybersecurity
How prepared is Aotearoa for a major cybersecurity breach?
Because of the digital world we now live in, the risk of cyber attacks means that geography is no longer enough to distance ourselves from tensions overseas.
Cybersecurity
How safe is New Zealand’s disabled community online?
According to the Office for Disability Issues (ODI), those with disabilities account for 25% of Aotearoa's population, so what are we doing to ensure the safety of this community online?
Firewall
Log4j actively exploited, serious complications can occur according to CERT NZ
The widely-used java logging library, log4j, has been actively exploited, according to an update from CERT NZ and Catalyst.
Malware
Flubot malware, botnets, phishing round out top security issues plaguing Kiwis in Q3
Malware and scams continue to plague thousands of New Zealanders, laying $3.3 million to waste in just three months.
CERT NZ
It's Fraud Awareness Week: How you can steer clear of scams and fraud
"If you control the amount of information you release, you can reduce the chance of someone stealing your identity.”
Cybersecurity
Cyber Smart Week takes cybersecurity back to basics
Cyber Smart Week is a timely reminder that even small changes can make a big difference.
Cybersecurity
The who’s who of NZ’s government & public cybersecurity agencies
With every new technology-enabled path we forge, we must also defend ourselves from cyber threats and exploitation. Here we take a look at some of Aotearoa's main cyber defenders.
CERT NZ
Ransomware, crypto scams & brute-forced passwords: Highlights from CERT NZ's Q2 report
The number of cybersecurity incidents in the second quarter of 2021 has risen to more than 1,350, accounting for $3.9 million in direct financial losses.
CERT NZ
CERT NZ urges businesses to disable Remote Desktop Protocol due to cyber risks
According to CERT NZ, most ransomware attacks can be traced back, in part, to poorly configured remote access systems.
Passwords
No more 'pawswords': Why pet names shouldn't unlock your online accounts
Jingles. Bubbles. Arlo. Frankie. Buttercup. They're all terrible password choices.
Microsoft
Security alert: Widespread exploitation on Microsoft Exchange
According to an advisory from CERT NZ, widespread exploitation activity has already occurred as a result of the vulnerabilities within the Microsoft Exchange.
Cybersecurity
DDoS campaigns, BEC scams & Emotet: CERT NZ reports top security threats
It has been yet another tumultuous quarter for New Zealanders and their wallets, with almost $6.4 million in reported financial losses due to cybersecurity incidents.
Malware
Emotet malware is on a rampage after months of silence
CERT agencies around the world are reporting a surge in cyber attacks related to the Emotet malware, which is being distributed by email.
Cybersecurity
CERT NZ: Kiwis lose $7.8m to cyber attacks; incident reports soar
“The increase on reporting and reduction in financial loss could mean that New Zealanders are developing a heightened awareness of cybersecurity threats as we’ve become more dependent on digital services.”
Firewall
CERT NZ provides threat intelligence for InternetNZ's DNS Firewall
"It’s important to InternetNZ to keep adding intelligence to Defenz to make sure our customers are protected from known security threats."
Ransomware
Stairway to hell: Scams, ransomware, and $6.5m gone from Kiwis' pockets
In just a three month period this year, New Zealanders reported more than 1000 cybersecurity incidents and financial losses of $6.5 million to CERT NZ.
Cybersecurity
FintechNZ: Most NZ companies don't report cyber incidents
"There are some fundamental basics that a company can put in place with no or minimal cost. People and staff still pose a great risk, so cybersecurity issues need to be high on the management agenda.”
Cybersecurity
CERT NZ report: Unauthorised account access a growing problem
New Zealanders reported direct financial losses of $1.7 million. While that is still a substantial loss, the figure is a 71% drop from the previous quarter.
NZ Government
Govt invests $8m into refreshed Cyber Security Strategy
The Government has refreshed its approach to New Zealand’s cybersecurity, with more focus on partnerships, funding, and international participation.
Malware
Online attackers abusing Kiwis' generosity in wake of Chch tragedy
It doesn’t take some people long to abuse people’s kindness and generosity in a time of mourning.
Malware
CERT NZ: Email extortion & scams hit Kiwis hard in the pocket
Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness about online scams and fraud, New Zealanders are still losing staggering amounts of money.