Behavioural and tech changes needed to counter security threats

Technology isn't enough to counter security threats, with New Zealand companies also needing to harness behavioural changes in order to protect their businesses.

That's the warning from Graeme Muller, New Zealand Technology Industry Association (NZTech) chief executive, who says also says most New Zealand companies are unaware of the probability and the real cost of cyber security breaches.

Muller says the the average global cost of a breach is now US$154 per record and the likelihood is now 22% of a breach over a two year period.

"Cyber threats are the new normal and will only increase as more of our businesses and lives become digital," Muller says.

"Even though the threats are via technology, the way to counter them needs to be a mix of behavioural and technological. Just like old school security - lock doors, don't leave wallets lying around, teach staff about the risks and implications," Muller says.

Muller says all businesses should have a security plan in place and for large organisations not doing so could be seen as negligence.

"It is not inevitable that a breach will occur but the probability is high. The trick is to get the technology, the processes and the people best prepared to avoid a breach or if it happens to effectively deal with a breach."

Muller will be chairing a C-level New Zealand security summit in Wellington on November 30, aimed at improving the state of cyber security in New Zealand.

He says due to the vast scope of cyber threats, cyber security requires active engagement of all stakeholders, including entities and organisations, large and small, across every industry.

Muller says recognition of cyber security implications needs to improve among New Zealand businesses and organisations.

"The quality of cyber security plans and strategies for avoiding are generally low so as a country we should develop and share best practice," he says.