Cyber security in small-town NZ: why it’s time to pay attention
March 26, 2025
If you think cybercriminals only go after big corporations in major cities, think again.
The majority of incidents recorded by the NCSC impact individuals and small to medium businesses, proving that cyber threats don’t discriminate based on location - they target opportunity.
With over 23,000 reports to the Netsafe helpline, and $17.8M in losses reported last year, small-town businesses are very much in the spotlight.
In the past few months alone, three local accounting firms in regional New Zealand have suffered a data breach,and local ISP - Inspire was recently the target of a malicious cyber attack.
The biggest cyber threats facing your business
Cybercrime isn’t just about fancy hacking techniques - it’s about tricking people. Phishing emails and Business Email Compromise (BEC) remain the go-to tactics for cybercriminals, and they work extremely well.
These attacks manipulate people into clicking on malicious links, handing over sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.
Why it works
When it comes to cyber security, the people matter just as much as the technology.
Phishing scams and BEC rely on urgency and pressure. When an email lands in your inbox claiming to be from your boss or a trusted supplier asking for immediate action, you might not think twice before responding. And that’s exactly what cybercriminals are counting on.
The good news? With planning and security awareness, you can drastically reduce your risk of attack.
Raising the cyber security bar
Let’s face it - cyber threats aren’t going anywhere, and taking proactive steps to protect your business can make all the difference.
1. People first
According to the NCSC, human error remains one of the weakest links in cyber security – your employees are usually the first target. Regular security awareness training helps them recognise phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links and report unusual activity before it becomes a problem.
2. Locking the digital front door
Compromised credentials remain a significant risk. Think of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) as the extra deadbolt on your business’s digital front door – using strong, unique passwords and enabling MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive systems.
3. Filtering out the noise
Most attacks start with an email. Implementing email filtering, blocking suspicious websites and encouraging employees to verify requests before acting can help prevent breaches.
4. Closing open windows for attackers
Outdated software is a cybercriminal’s best friend. Ensure all devices and applications are regularly updated and patched to close security gaps.
5. Staying one step ahead
Cyber threats don’t keep business hours, and neither should your security. Having automated backups, a solid incident response plan and 24/7 threat monitoring ensures your business can recover quickly and minimise damage.
Defender 2.0: Your cybersecurity hero
Let’s be real… most small businesses don’t have the time or expertise to manage cyber security on their own. According to the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), 55% of SMEs consider cybersecurity a priority, but only 48% feel well-prepared for a potential cyber incident. That's where Yorb Defender comes in.
Designed to safeguard your computer systems, networks and people, Yorb Defender is a comprehensive solution that works in the background - so you can focus on running your business without disruption.
With Defender 2.0:
- Your people are safer.
- Your security posture just gets better.
- You are protected 24/7.
- Your risk is vastly reduced.
- You’ll be aligned with best-practice security standards.
Don’t wait for a Cyberattack to Take Action
Cybercriminals aren’t skipping small-town businesses anymore. The question isn’t if you’ll be targeted, but when. With the right measures in place, you can protect your business and avoid becoming the next cautionary tale.
Let’s talk about how Defender 2.0 can help you stay ahead of cyber threats.
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