- Posted May 13, 2020
- Media Releases
New Zealand is speaking out against cyber actors taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to carry out malicious cyber activity.
The Director-General of the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), Andrew Hampton, says New Zealand agencies are aware of international reports that cyber actors have targeted systems and infrastructure central to the pandemic response in a number of countries.
“While we have not seen New Zealand’s critical infrastructure compromised by COVID-19 themed malicious activity, the targeting of such systems in any country, at any time is unacceptable, and is particularly deplorable in the midst of the current global health crisis,” said Mr Hampton.
New Zealand is committed to preventing, detecting, deterring and responding to malicious cyber activity, and to upholding the framework of responsible state behaviour online.
“We call upon all cyber actors to refrain from activity that may jeopardise national or international responses to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr Hampton.
“While New Zealand’s critical infrastructure has not been compromised, we have seen activity such as COVID-19 themed phishing campaigns, seeking to exploit concern around COVID-19 to gain access to systems,” Mr Hampton said.
The GCSB’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is encouraging organisations to maintain a high level of cyber security resilience and awareness during the national response to COVID-19. Further information is at COVID-19: Useful Cybersecurity Resources(external link).
CERT NZ provides advice to organisations and individuals on keeping themselves safe online, including from COVID-19 related malicious cyber activity. Further information can be found at www.cert.govt.nz(external link).
You can report cyber scams, suspected crimes, online fraud, or incidents to the New Zealand Police, NetSafe, or CERT NZ.
Media contact: media@nzic.govt.nz