The Ultimate Guide to Ransomware
A curated Kiwi edition of TechDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for Ransomware.
What to know about Ransomware
Ransomware represents a significant and evolving threat in the cybersecurity landscape, characterized by malicious software that encrypts data or locks systems until victims pay a ransom. It targets individuals, businesses, critical infrastructure, and government entities, often resulting in severe operational disruption and financial loss.
The stories under this tag explore the expanding scope of ransomware attacks—highlighting their increasing sophistication, the rise of ransomware-as-a-service models, and their impact across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and public services. They also delve into emerging tactics such as data exfiltration for double extortion, targeted attacks on cloud and mobile platforms, and the role of artificial intelligence in both facilitating and combating these threats.
Readers will find insights into preventive measures, incident response strategies, and resilience-building through technological solutions such as advanced backup systems, cyber insurance, and threat intelligence collaborations. The content underscores the critical importance of continuous vigilance, employee training, and adopting layered defenses to manage ransomware risks effectively.
Engaging with these stories equips readers with up-to-date knowledge on ransomware trends, enabling individuals and organisations to better understand the threat dynamics and make informed decisions to protect their digital assets and maintain business continuity in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.
Kiwi Ransomware News
Regional stories with direct local relevanceNew Zealand faces widening innovation gap, TUANZ warns
New Zealand's digital progress is stalling as AI reshapes work, cybersecurity risks rise and TUANZ urges bold action to close the innovation gap.
Cyber breaches need communications planning, data warns
NZD $173,000 average ransomware cost masks deeper losses as QBE data shows preparation can trim cyber claims by 20% and protect trust.
Datacom finds New Zealand firms lack cyber recovery plans
Datacom survey finds New Zealand firms are confident in cyber defences but lag badly on recovery plans, raising outage risks.
'Shadow AI' misuse emerges as key cyber threat in NZ
'Shadow AI' misuse by staff has surged as a top cyber threat for New Zealand firms, fuelling rising losses and extortion pressures.
'One part terrified, one part really angry' - Assault victim's anger over Manage My Health hack
A sexual assault survivor says she feels re‑victimised and furious after the Manage My Health hack and US$60,000 ransom demand.
ManageMyHealth fixes code and bolsters security after hack
ManageMyHealth says it has fixed code flaws and tightened logins after a hack that may have exposed health documents of up to 7% of users.
Analyst Insights
Research and market analysis connected to Ransomware
Group-IB named a Leader in Gartner cyberthreat report
Check Point tops Miercom hybrid mesh security benchmark
Check Point tops Miercom hybrid mesh security benchmark
eScan wins AV-TEST award for enterprise protection
ManageEngine adds EDR & Zero Trust access to platform
Expert Columns
Why "strong passwords" can't save you from AI
One click can trigger a breach, but security can stop it
VPN vulnerabilities don't have to become breaches
Cyber breaches need communications planning, data warns
Building security outcomes for small businesses: Why breaches persist despite available tools
Small alert, big defense: Inside a SOC's early-morning response
Why businesses need wired, wireless, and power-over-ethernet (PoE) firewalls
Why women can be leaders when it comes to AI
Breaking in without a blueprint: Lessons learned from my nontraditional path to cybersecurity
Why cybersecurity needs women from non-tech careers
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the network
Exclusive: Cohesity explains why cyber resilience beats prevention
Exclusive: Veeam's Ben Young sounds alarm on backup risks in AI era
Exclusive: Veeam urges faster data recovery as cyber threats escalate
Exclusive: Google's John Hultquist warns cyber attackers are getting younger & faster
Exclusive: Logistics firms face rising OT cyber threats amid global tensions
Recent Ransomware News
Government orders review into ManageMyHealth data breach
Government orders urgent review into ManageMyHealth cyber breach as hackers threaten to leak 400,000 patient files over NZD $60,000.
Productivity gains from AI will stall unless New Zealand fixes its security foundations
New Zealand's AI productivity promise will falter unless firms simplify systems, curb shadow AI and strengthen cybersecurity foundations.
Hidden cyberattacks & ransom threats rising for NZ businesses
Most cyberattacks on New Zealand businesses go unreported, with NSP warning ransom payments are more common than widely known, exposing firms to hidden risks.
DEFEND wins global Microsoft award as cyber threats surge in NZ
New Zealand cybersecurity firm DEFEND wins Microsoft's Global Security Partner of the Year amid rising cyber threats to public and private sectors.
Why NZ Businesses Must Get Serious About Cybersecurity
New Zealand firms face rising cyber risks as attackers exploit weak controls; experts urge urgent steps to boost defences and test incident plans.
AI-powered scams & web skimming surge across New Zealand
AI-driven scams and web skimming attacks have surged in New Zealand, with web skimming up 416% and tech support scams rising 437% in Q3 2025, warns Gen Digital.
Extortion and ransomware drive over half of cyberattacks
Over half of cyberattacks last year were driven by extortion or ransomware, with criminals focusing on financial gain rather than espionage, Microsoft reveals.
AI gives cyber criminals new tools in evolving ransomware threat
Cyber criminals are increasingly using AI tools to enhance ransomware attacks, complicating defences for individuals and organisations alike.
Cyber scams soar in New Zealand as AI & crypto drive threats
Cyber scams in New Zealand have surged 77,721% amid rising AI use and crypto fraud, with sextortion and phishing attacks also sharply increasing in Q2 2025.
Westcon-Comstor & Cohesity boost AI security in New Zealand
Westcon-Comstor expands partnership with Cohesity to deliver AI-driven cybersecurity solutions amid growing threats in New Zealand's USD $760.80m market.
Visa launches Security Roadmap to combat AI-driven payment fraud
Visa launches a Security Roadmap in New Zealand to tackle rising AI-driven payment fraud, offering new tools and support for small businesses amid NZD $194m losses.
Privacy Week: Sensitive information stored online can hurt you
Sensitive personal data stored online faces persistent threats from cybercriminals, with recent breaches underscoring the urgent need for better protection measures.
What if security solutions could help your business reach their sustainability goals?
Security solutions can now help businesses cut energy use, reduce waste, and boost sustainability, proving every 1% in progress truly counts.
Rising cyber threats target social media in New Zealand
A report by Gen reveals alarming cyber threats on social media in New Zealand, with phishing and malvertising driving a 21% spike in extortion mails.
The role of the board in shaping resilient cybersecurity strategies
As cyber attacks rise dramatically, boards are urged to take an active role in shaping effective cybersecurity strategies to safeguard organisations.
Gen's report reveals 614% surge in 'Scam-Yourself Attacks'
Gen's latest threat report reveals a staggering 614% rise in 'Scam-Yourself Attacks' and highlights growing cybersecurity risks globally.
Signal launches AI-powered alert system for threat response
New Zealand startup Signal launches Global Feed, a real-time software service to help businesses monitor potential threats using artificial intelligence.
Man fears being target of identity theft after personal details stolen in cyber attack
An Auckland man fears identity theft after personal details were stolen from Bloom Hearing Specialists, who kept his data for over six years.
Why monitoring high tech systems and data is critical for New Zealand healthcare providers
World Patient Safety Day is a timely reminder of the threat hackers and cyber-criminals pose to the country's most vulnerable.
Rebuilding after ransomware – The case of The British Library
Rogue Russian hackers crippled The British Library's operations, pushing the respected institution into the pre-digital age through a malicious ransomware attack, sparking months of system rebuilding efforts.