The government is taking measures to ramp up cyber security.
Photo: 123RF
The Department of Internal Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country's web name register, the Domain Name Commission, to share information in order to prevent and reduce spam and other cyber threats.
The organisations will share information such as domain name registration and online restricted publications, but all information shared will comply with the Privacy Act.
The Domain Name Commissioner (DNC) Brent Carey said there was already very little cyber-crime involving .nz web domains.
"We're just getting on the front foot to make sure that there's no impediment to sharing relevant contact information where it's lawful and appropriate to assist other enforcement roles."
Department of Internal Affairs' digital safety director Jolene Armadoros said working with the DNC helped "identify, disrupt and remove" harmful content that targeted New Zealanders.
The DNC and InternetNZ will host the Domain Name Abuse Forum this Tuesday and are encouraging everyday internet users to go along and have their say on cyber security.
A new cyber security qualification has also been launched by the government to address a skills gap in the industry.
The Level 6 diploma will enable cyber security workers to be trained more quickly than in a traditional degree course.
Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media Minister Kris Faafoi said the new diploma would give students the technical skills needed for entry-level roles in cyber security.
Students will be able to register for the new qualification in 2019, but it is not yet being offered by any tertiary institute.
A 2018 report by (ISC)² estimated there was a workforce gap of three million people in global cyber security.
