Research shows Kiwi are stepping up their online security
New research shows most New Zealanders know online security matters, and more are taking action. But, with nearly half experiencing an online threat, there’s still work to do to turn awareness into consistent habits.
New Zealanders agree that it is important to protect themselves online
New research* from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) shows 95% of New Zealanders agree that it is important to protect themselves online and showed a significant increase in people enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on their online accounts, along with an increase in the use of password managers.
Read the latest Cyber Security Behaviour Report(external link)
“People are exercising safer behaviours with their finances, prioritising these security actions for banking accounts, followed by email and then social media accounts,” said NCSC Chief Operating Officer, Michael Jagusch.
“The use of two-factor authentication on main accounts, ensuring passwords on accounts and devices are long, strong and unique, and using password managers are highly recommended key cyber security actions”, Mr Jagusch said.
“Better password management and the use of 2FA have been key themes the NCSC has emphasised in campaigns over the past couple of years, so it is really good to see this behaviour change but the job is never done”, Mr Jagusch says.
“The increase in use of 2FA is great, but we would like to see that number increased further for New Zealanders’ online protection”.
The job’s not done
Almost half the population (48%) of adult New Zealanders experienced an online threat in the last six months, and 27% of adult New Zealanders who were exposed to a threat experienced severe or significant impact.
The research also showed just 56% said they reported a threat. Those 55 years old and above were significantly less likely to report an online security threat (47%), with apathy being the key barrier.
“Reluctance to report threats or to perform key cyber security actions can come from a feeling of not knowing how to or feeling it is too complicated”, Mr Jagusch said.
“We face a range of online threats, and we need people to report them so the NCSC can understand these threats and to inform our response”.
This helps everyone to keep secure from similar attacks, reducing financial and emotional harm.
Online security threats can be reported on the NCSC website.
Report an incident(external link)
*The annual online survey interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,011 New Zealanders, aged 18 years and over, between 20th November – 30th November 2025.