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Amid the escalating sophistication of cyber attackers and their evolving tactics, New Zealand has showcased a proactive approach to tackling cyber threats. This is evident in its efforts to detect and mitigate malicious activities targeting government institutions since 2021.
New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau’s (GCSB) National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has detected malicious activity targeting the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) and the Parliamentary Service. Reports have emerged of cyberattacks against government institutions in New Zealand, particularly targeting government entities and critical infrastructure, including the parliamentary counsel office, marking a significant breach of government systems.
Cyber attackers are continuously refining their tactics, techniques, and procedures, presenting a formidable challenge to cybersecurity professionals and organisations. Andrew Clark, the Director-General of the GCSB, highlighted that a malicious cyber actor successfully compromised parts of the PCO and Parliamentary Service networks.
Despite this breach, New Zealand’s response showcased its resilience and proactive approach to cybersecurity. The NCSC played a crucial role in providing extensive support to the affected organisations, aiding them in mitigating the impact of the compromise and preventing further damage. This response underscores the importance of swift and decisive action in addressing cyber threats.
Moreover, the NCSC’s collaboration with the affected organisations exemplified effective teamwork and cooperation in the face of adversity. By working closely together, they were able to develop a comprehensive remediation plan that addressed the vulnerabilities exploited by the cyber actor. This collaborative effort not only helped contain the immediate threat but also laid the foundation for strengthening the cybersecurity posture in the long term.
The improvements made to the networks of the affected organisations following the cyber incident are a testament to their commitment to enhancing their cyber resilience. These organisations have implemented measures such as enhanced network monitoring, improved incident response capabilities, and regular cybersecurity assessments to prevent future incidents.
The cooperation between the NCSC and the affected organisations was exemplary. They collaborated closely to develop a comprehensive remediation plan. Subsequent improvements to their networks have enhanced their cyber resilience, demonstrating the importance of cybersecurity measures.
Organisations can bolster their organisations in response to such incidents by adopting various measures. The NCSC has developed a robust cyber security framework comprising five key focus areas: Guide and Govern, Identify and Understand, Prevent and Protect, Detect and Contain, and Respond and Recover. This framework provides organisations with a structured approach to assess risks and prioritise cyber security efforts.
Further, organisations can use this framework to guide risk assessment and cyber resilience plans. By implementing these measures, organisations can enhance their ability to deal with cyber incidents effectively. “Cyberthreats can happen at any time, and we should prepare for the possibility of future attacks,” Andrew explained.
The cyberattack on the PCO and Parliamentary Service in 2021 underscored the evolving nature of cyber threats or organisations. However, the incident also highlighted New Zealand’s proactive cybersecurity approach and ability to collaborate with international partners. By leveraging the NCSC’s cyber security framework, organisations strengthen their cyber resilience and mitigate the risks posed by malicious cyber actors.
New Zealand will be more resilient in the face of future cyber threats by implementing proactive cybersecurity measures. The incident involving the PCO and Parliamentary Service emphasised the importance of preparedness and collaboration in defending against cyberattacks. Despite the breach, New Zealand’s response demonstrated its ability to effectively mitigate the impact and prevent further damage.
Moving forward, it is crucial for organisations to continue enhancing their cyber resilience. This can be achieved through ongoing collaboration with the NCSC and other relevant authorities, as well as regular cybersecurity assessments and training. By staying vigilant and proactive, New Zealand can strengthen its cybersecurity posture and better protect its critical infrastructure and data from cyber threats.
