Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In response to the evolving landscape of cyber threats and the increasing importance of safeguarding its digital interests, the Government of New Zealand is taking measures to bolster its cybersecurity capabilities. Recognising the criticality of a robust and integrated approach, the government is establishing a lead operational cyber security agency, which will serve as a centralised hub for cybersecurity efforts.
The envisioned agency aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s cyber resilience and preparedness by coordinating and optimising cybersecurity strategies across various sectors and government entities. By bringing together the expertise and resources of multiple stakeholders, the agency seeks to foster a unified and agile response to emerging cyber threats and challenges.
Minister for the Public Service Andrew Little explained that acting upon the recommendation of the Cyber Security Advisory Committee, they are integrating New Zealand’s Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ) into the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
“By consolidating these capabilities within a single agency, we aim to provide authoritative advice and a unified response to incidents across all threat levels, aligning with international best practices.”
Andrew Little emphasised the importance of this step in fortifying our nation’s cyber defences. He stressed that this strategic move favours New Zealand to capitalise on digital economy opportunities while ensuring secure government services for our citizens. This integration aims to streamline cybersecurity efforts and provide a more cohesive and efficient response to cyber incidents and potential threats.
Andrew Little, and Minister for the Digital Economy, Ginny Andersen jointly announced this crucial development. By bringing together the expertise and capabilities of both CERT NZ and NCSC under one umbrella agency within the GCSB, the government aims to optimise cyber defence measures and deliver more effective cybersecurity services to safeguard the digital interests of New Zealand and its citizens.
Ginny Andersen said, “Starting from 2018, the government has committed US$94 million to enhance its cyber security capabilities. We have introduced cutting-edge protection solutions like Malware Free Networks to safeguard internet service providers and private networks. Additionally, we have implemented baseline security templates, enabling organisations to adopt innovative cloud services while fortifying the security of their data.”
The agency endeavours to create a cyber-aware and cyber-resilient society through proactive engagement and collaboration with various stakeholders, including private sector entities, public organisations, and individual users.
This move signifies the government’s commitment to prioritising cybersecurity in the digital era and underscores the importance of a coordinated and unified approach in addressing cyber challenges. By establishing this lead operational cyber security agency, New Zealand aims to bolster its resilience against cyber threats and foster a safer and more secure digital environment for its citizens, businesses, and critical infrastructures.
Ginny Andersen expressed that establishing a specialised lead operational agency will enhance New Zealand’s ability to effectively counter cyber threats that inflict genuine harm on individuals and the economy.
“The establishment of a dedicated lead operational agency ensures New Zealand’s optimal preparedness to combat hackers who are known to inflict tangible harm on individuals and the economy,” he explained.
The integration of CERT NZ into NCSC will commence on 31st August. It will be carried out gradually over several years, ensuring the continuity of current services during the transition period.