It baffles me just how relaxed most Kiwis are about cyber security in their businesses, the effects of a security breach can be catastrophic and yet most of the time just doing some very basic preventative measures would have avoided an expensive disaster. As technology advances and more of our personal and business data is stored online, cyber security becomes an increasingly important issue. It’s easy to think that New Zealand is an extremely safe country but guess what, your data and devices are connected to the world and cyber attacks are consistently on the rise. It is essential that both individuals and organizations adopt a security-first approach to data.
According to the Kordia NZ Cyber Security Report 2023, New Zealand is seeing a rise in cyber attacks, where “55% OF BUSINESSES SURVEYED WERE SUBJECT TO A CYBER-ATTACK”. In addition, the report highlights that while the number of attacks has increased, businesses are not always taking the necessary steps to protect themselves. For example, 31% of businesses surveyed did not have an incident response plan in place, leaving them vulnerable to the potentially devastating impact of a cyber attack.
One of the key reasons why cyber security is so important is the potential financial impact of an attack. Cyber attacks can result in a loss of revenue, damage to reputation, and costly fines for non-compliance with data protection regulations. In addition, businesses may also face legal action and loss of customer trust if they fail to adequately protect their customers’ data.
However, the impact of a cyber attack is not limited to financial costs. Cyber attacks can also have serious implications for individual privacy, with personal information such as banking details and medical records potentially being exposed. This can lead to identity theft and other forms of cyber crime, which can have a significant impact on individuals’ lives.
To address these issues, it is essential that businesses take a security-first approach to data. This means implementing robust security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication, to protect against cyber threats. It also means ensuring that employees are trained in cyber security best practices and are aware of the risks associated with cyber attacks.
Individuals can also play a role in protecting their personal data by being vigilant about the security of their online accounts. This includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication where possible, and being cautious about the information shared online.
Another important aspect of a security-first approach to data is regular testing and monitoring of security measures. This can involve regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify any potential weaknesses in the security system. It also means monitoring for any unusual activity on the network and responding quickly to any potential security breaches.
Cyber security is a critical issue in New Zealand, with the threat of cyber attacks on the rise. It is essential that both individuals and organizations adopt a security-first approach to data, implementing robust security measures and regularly testing and monitoring these measures to ensure that they remain effective. By taking these steps, we can help to protect against the potentially devastating impact of cyber attacks and safeguard our personal and business data.
