CERT NZ helps fulfill New Zealand's cyber security strategy outlined in 2015.
New Zealand's CERT, or Computer Emergency Response Team, is up an running with its official launch in Wellington today.
Communications Minister Simon Bridges launched CERT NZ to help New Zealanders respond to online threats.
“Secure, dependable ICT infrastructure is more important than ever before," Bridges said. "New Zealand’s economic growth, productivity and international competitiveness are increasingly underpinned by digital technology."
CERT NZ was a key component of New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy 2015 and received $22.2 million of funding over four years in the 2016 Budget.
It will deliver on five core functions of incident reporting, response coordination, readiness support, vulnerability identification and threat identification.
Bridges said it was important to strike a balance between innovation, security and privacy protection to ensure that all New Zealanders are secure, safe and confident online.
“We want to build a confident, secure and engaged online New Zealand as the ever-evolving digital world increasingly impacts on almost all aspects of our lives,” he said.
“CERT NZ will make it easier for people at work and at home to understand, prevent and recover from cyber security incidents.”
The New Zealand unit joins a global network of nearly 40 other national CERTs.
It also works with other organisations in the cyber security environment in New Zealand including the Department of Internal Affairs, Netsafe, the National Cyber Security Centre and New Zealand Police.
Bridges said access to international best practice and threat information will enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a trusted business and security partner, which has benefits to the economy and businesses that rely on international trade.
