VIRTUAL CYBER DEFENCE SERVICE LAUNCHED
Wellington-based cyber security company has launched a virtual chief information security officer (vCISO) service aimed at helping businesses to respond as cyber-crime begins to bite.
Cyber Toa CEO and NZTech board member Mandy Simpson says cyber-attacks are a serious risk for all Kiwi businesses.
“All indications are that cyber-crime is growing in New Zealand. Requests for assistance to the National Cyber Security Centre were up 66 percent in the year to April 2016 and global security provider Symantec put the cost of cyber-crime in New Zealand at $US200 million last year.
“Our virtual CISO service will help companies concentrate their resources where they can make the most difference in protecting them against this growing threat.
“It’s a growing problem for everyone. A security failure can cause substantial reputational damage and will almost certainly have financial consequences.
“But where a company is handing personal data, it can also have consequences for individuals too. Sensitive personal information can end up in the hands of criminals.
“A virtual CISO can work inside a company helping them to steadily improve their cyber-security stance. What that means is different for every company, but it might include a company-wide risk assessment, developing a response plan if a security breach occurs, or building a security awareness programme for staff.
“And, of course, if an incident occurs, a virtual CISO can lead the response, including accessing our specialist team to help. We provide everything required for the virtual CISO to act quickly and protect the company.”