Over-55s over-represented in latest financial loss stats

Over-55s over-represented in latest CERT NZ financial loss stats

More than 500 cyber security incidents were reported by New Zealanders in the first quarter of this year, according to CERT NZ’s latest threat report.

CERT NZ Director Rob Pope says that financial losses continue to be significant, with New Zealanders reporting almost $3 million lost directly to cyber security incidents between January and March this year.

“New data analysis this quarter shows that this has been particularly harmful for victims in the over-55 age group who have reported losing more money than any other age group,” says Mr Pope.

“It’s insights like these that show the value of having a national CERT. Our role is not only helping specifically impacted individuals, but using the information from incident reports to help all Kiwis improve their cyber security.

“We use our data to support technical and non-technical people and organisations all over New Zealand. We do this in a range of ways, from working on new methods to disrupt models of attack to building outreach activities that help people take simple actions to protect themselves online.”

The latest reporting also shows that phishing continues to impact New Zealanders more frequently than any other threat.

“Phishing email campaigns are one of the most common, prolific and successful cyber threats that we see,” says Mr Pope. “In quarter one there has been a real focus on taking down phishing websites where we can, including working alongside key partners such as banks and financial institutions whose brands are so often misrepresented in these campaigns.”

For more insights into what CERT NZ has seen in the New Zealand threat landscape in quarter one 2018, see the CERT NZ Quarterly Report. If you have experienced a cyber security issue, report it to CERT NZ at www.cert.govt.nz

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