Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly deceptive

An increase in New Zealanders being affected by malware raises the issue of how cybercriminals are becoming more devious in their attempts to trick unwitting New Zealanders into downloading malware onto their devices that can have a damaging financial or personal impact.

QR Code Phishing is a type of cyber scam where criminals use QR codes to trick people into giving up their sensitive information and is becoming a common tool for cyber criminals as QR codes become more prominent in day-to-day life.

“Cyber threats continue to evolve, but simple actions can significantly reduce risk. Staying informed, practising good cyber security habits, and reporting incidents all contribute to a safer digital environment for New Zealanders” says NCSC Deputy Director-General Catriona Robinson.

New Zealanders have continued to report cyber security incidents at a consistent rate, which helps us build a stronger understanding of the threats affecting individuals, businesses and organisations across the country.

What does this mean for everyday New Zealanders?

This is a good reminder for all New Zealanders to implement basic cyber security measures and to remain vigilant when browsing the internet in order to avoid malware making its way on to your devices. If something seems too good to be true, it often is. Make sure to double-check a website’s details before you provide any sensitive personal information.  

Also be aware when interacting with QR codes both online and when out and about to ensure what you are scanning is legit.

Read the report

• Read the Quarter 2 Cyber Security Insights 2026 report(external link)
• Read the article: Malware: Silent predators of cyberspace (external link)
• Read the article: QR codes: Think before you scan(external link)

More information

Own Your Online offers helpful guidance on how to stay protected. 

• Protect yourself against malware
• Signs your device may have malware