New Zealand unifies cyber incident reporting under single platform

Reporting cyber security incidents in New Zealand has been streamlined following the completed integration of CERT NZ with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The integration aims to improve support for individuals, small to medium businesses, operators of critical infrastructure, and government agencies in addressing and understanding cyber threats.

Changes for reporting

Lisa Fong, Deputy Director-General Cyber Security at the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) and responsible for the NCSC, said that these developments come in direct response to increased cyber security threats affecting New Zealanders across all sectors.

"Individuals are losing money to online threats. Small to medium businesses are experiencing sophisticated compromises of networks and devices. And New Zealand's operators of critical infrastructure and government agencies are having to protect against a range of advanced actors and techniques."

Fong noted that the integration was undertaken to enhance the experience for all who need to report cyber security incidents and to simplify finding appropriate assistance.

One-stop reporting platform

"We have launched a refreshed and rebranded website with a streamlined incident reporting function. Cyber security incidents can now be reported in one place, whether the victim is an individual or a critical infrastructure operator," Fong said.

The consolidated reporting system is designed not only to ease the process for victims but also to improve national insight into digital threats.

"This single platform for reporting incidents also means we will have a better understanding of the cyber threat landscape across the New Zealand economy and can prioritise our advice and support about these threats and how to protect against them," Fong said.

Website and branding updates

The previous separate NCSC and CERT NZ websites have been merged into a single authoritative site. This provides IT specialists, large organisations, government bodies, and operators of critical infrastructure with a unified resource for advice and insights on cyber security matters.

With these changes, the CERT NZ brand and website will be retired. The NCSC website now reflects its expanded national CERT function and wider remit to include the whole economy.

Fong explained, "Although you will stop seeing the CERT NZ brand, the national functions of a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) are integrated into the NCSC structure."

Contact information changes

As part of the transition, the 0800 CERT NZ contact number has been replaced. Those needing to report a cyber incident can now contact the NCSC directly at 0800 114 115.

The Own Your Online platform will continue to be available through the NCSC, providing individuals and small-to-medium businesses with cyber security advice and guidance.

Milestone in New Zealand cyber security

"This is a significant milestone toward a New Zealand where good cyber security happens everywhere, all the time, by everyone," says Fong.

According to the agencies, this change brings together the strengths of both CERT NZ and the NCSC, drawing on CERT NZ's background in supporting individuals and small businesses, and the NCSC's role in protecting nationally significant organisations.

The aim is to ensure a more cohesive national approach to cyber security, better visibility on incident trends, and more timely and relevant guidance on cyber threats for all sectors of New Zealand society.