The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has warned New Zealand is at greater risk because the Government Communications Security Bureau is not able to do its job properly.
Chief executive Andrew Kibblewhite told Parliament's Government Administration Select Committee on Wednesday that cyber attacks are a particular threat.
He said it would be preferable if legislation allowing the GCSB to spy on New Zealanders got wider political support.
But he said he would not say Parliament was irresponsible for not fixing the problem more quickly.
