Cybersecurity Support Crucial as Major National Events Loom
As Aotearoa New Zealand prepares for the forthcoming census and General Election, cybersecurity experts are warning that state-sponsored actors could be lurking in the shadows, posing a significant threat to national security.
The Current State of Cybersecurity Threats
According to the National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) latest report, there has been a noticeable reduction in recorded criminal or financially motivated incidents. In the 2021/2022 year, only 81 incidents were reported, compared to 110 in the previous year. However, the NCSC warns that this decrease may be attributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted cybercriminal activity based in the region.
The Blurring of Lines between State-Sponsored and Criminal Actors
The report highlights the blurring of lines between state-sponsored and criminal or financially motivated actors. Non-state-sponsored actors are increasingly using sophisticated capabilities similar to those used by nation-states. This trend is concerning as it empowers these groups to have significant impacts on critical networks.
The Impact of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine on Cybercrime
The NCSC has observed a reduction in ransomware and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) activities targeting Aotearoa New Zealand in 2021/2022, which may be linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. However, the agency remains vigilant, anticipating that emerging players will follow a similar cyber capability development trajectory as traditional adversaries.
NCSC Response to Emerging Threats
In response to these threats, the NCSC has established a dedicated response to the cyber threats arising from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This includes:
- Sharing cyber threat intelligence
- Monitoring Aotearoa New Zealand networks for malicious activity
- Providing advice and guidance to nationally significant organisations to build continued resilience
The Need for Enhanced Cybersecurity Posture
The increasing availability of cyber capabilities reduces technical barriers to entry, enabling any group with purchasing power to conduct sophisticated cyber operations. Criminal actors may seek to cause disruption or engage with media in order to pressure victims to pay a ransom, and therefore will focus on targeting victims they consider likely to respond to their demands.
What Organisations Can Do
As Aotearoa New Zealand prepares for major national events, it is crucial that organisations take steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture. This includes:
- Implementing robust security measures
- Conducting regular threat assessments
- Staying informed about emerging threats
The NCSC’s Commitment to Supporting Resilience
“The NCSC is committed to supporting the resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand’s critical infrastructure against these evolving cyber threats,” said the agency. “We urge all organisations to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves against these sophisticated attacks.”