• The Ministry of Economic Development

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14 June 2011A well-functioning cyber space provides important benefits for New Zealanders. The Internet and digital technologies enable New Zealanders to have global access to products and services and reduce our geographical isolation by connecting us with the rest of the world.

Access to greater internet bandwidth and wireless technology – in particular mobile devices such as smart phones – is transforming how New Zealanders access the Internet and how business is transacted in New Zealand. Convenient, high-speed access to information and services is increasingly in demand.

Our critical national infrastructure providers, including the banking and finance, telecommunications, transportation and energy sectors, and other businesses, are more and more reliant on digital systems.

Government agencies utilise the Internet, digital document management systems and shared online platforms in their day-to-day business. Increasingly, New Zealanders are accessing government services online, to complete tasks such as submitting tax returns and making applications for passport renewals and student loans.

With our ever-increasing use of, and reliance on, the Internet and digital technologies comes increased exposure, and vulnerability, to cyber threats.

Cyber attacks are becoming more advanced and sophisticated. Incidents reported internationally suggest that attacks are increasingly targeted at intellectual property and other proprietary information held by businesses, as well as at individuals. Many attackers are coordinated, well-funded, and investing heavily in new ways to exploit the digital environment.