New Zealand can't be complacent in its progress toward cyber security

The New Zealand government has a vision - a country online that is as resilient and secure as it is engaged.

To drive this, the Cyber Security Strategy and accompanying Action Plan, and a National Plan to Address Cybercrime, were launched in December 2015.

Over a year in, the first annual report on the implementation of New Zealand's strategy and plans has been released.

New Zealand's cyber security is progressing well toward the end goal, according to Communications Minister Simon Bridges.

"New Zealand is making good progress to improve its cyber security, but with a rapidly evolving cyber threat, there is no room for complacency," he says.

"We need to use technology in a secure way if we are to make the most of the opportunities provided by the digital economy.

He stresses that the cooperation of the government with the private sector will be the crucial accelerant in the drive to improve cyber security across the economy.

Progress is validated by four goals; strategy: achieving cyber resilience; building cyber capability; addressing cyber crime; and enhancing international cooperation.

One of the areas of focus for 2017 is the launch of a national CERT, a computer emergency response team.

"CERT NZ will open its doors next month as the central place for New Zealanders, businesses and government agencies to report cyber incidents," Bridges says.

"It will provide trusted and authoritative advice on preventing cyber threats and responding to incidents and will work with CERTs in other countries on incidents that have cross-border implications.

To keep the momentum of this progress going, Bridges says work on the Cybercrime plan, the development of New Zealand's cyber security industry and ensuring small businesses have the capability to protect themselves online are the focal points for 2017.