In a significant development aimed at enhancing cyber security across New Zealand, the National Cyber Security Centre has recently implemented the Malware Free Networks® (MFN™) capability for one of telecommunication company‘s domestic broadband and mobile customers.
MFN is a cutting-edge solution designed to detect and disrupt threats. It is a reliable source of near real-time threat intelligence, offering valuable insights into the latest malicious activities targeting organisations in New Zealand. This initiative represents a crucial step in safeguarding millions of New Zealanders from a wide range of cyber threats.
Lisa Fong, GCSB’s Deputy Director-General and responsible for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said that the MFN™ capability is designed to detect, prevent, and neutralise various types of malwares that pose risks to network users. With this advanced system, the telecommunication company‘s domestic broadband and mobile customers can benefit from enhanced protection against cyber threats, including malware infections, phishing attacks, and other forms of online fraud.
“In the week following the implementation of the MFN™ service by one of the telecommunication companies in New Zealand, a number of approximately 75,000 events have been successfully disrupted. These events primarily revolve around various malicious activities such as malware incidents, remote scanning or exploitation attempts, and phishing attacks,” she explained.
The MFN™ service has proven effective in promptly detecting and neutralising these threats, significantly mitigating the potential risks of telecommunication company‘s network infrastructure and its customers.
This achievement underscores the critical role of the MFN™ service in proactively safeguarding against a wide range of cyber threats, ultimately enhancing the overall cyber security posture of the telecommunication company and its user base.
While the NCSC does not access private data through the MFN™ service, it does receive analytical feedback from its partners. This valuable feedback plays a crucial role in improving the effectiveness of the threat feed provided by the NCSC.
By leveraging the insights and expertise of its partners, the NCSC gains valuable information that helps enhance the accuracy and relevance of the threat intelligence shared through the MFN™ service. This collaborative approach ensures continuous advancement and optimisation of the service, ultimately bolstering the overall security capabilities and responsiveness of the NCSC in combating emerging cyber threats.
Ms Fong explained that in cases where a partner’s customer has provided consent, the NCSC could receive information regarding the detection and disruption of an MFN™ indicator on the customer’s network. This voluntary sharing of information enables the NCSC to gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of the MFN™ service in detecting and neutralising threats within specific network environments.
By receiving this information, the NCSC can further enhance its understanding of the threat landscape
and fine-tune the MFN™ service to serve its partners and customers better. It is important to note that this information exchange occurs only with the customer’s explicit consent, ensuring the protection of their privacy and compliance with relevant data protection regulations.
“Also, where a partner’s customer has consented, the NCSC can receive information about when an MFN™ indicator has been seen and disrupted on the consenting customer’s network,” Ms Fong said.
The NCSC appreciated the telecommunication company‘s dedicated partnership with the MFN™ initiative and acknowledged the collaboration between the telecommunication company and one of cyber security service organisations The commitment shown by the telecommunication company and their collaboration with one of cyber security service organisations signifies their strong commitment to prioritising customer safety and security.
Furthermore, the NCSC emphasised its ongoing work with various organisations to expand and strengthen the protective capabilities of the MFN™ service. By collaborating with these organisations, the NCSC aims to enhance the overall effectiveness and reach of the MFN™ service, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of providing advanced cyber security protection.
This ongoing collaboration highlights the NCSC’s dedication to continuously improving and scaling up the MFN™ service to meet the evolving threat landscape and protect a broader range of organisations and individuals.
