17. Under the International Cooperation Goal, progress includes:  s6(a) There has been particularly close trans-Tasman cyber cooperation, with areas highlighted annually in the Prime Ministers’ Joint Statements.  New Zealand has held two cyber dialogues with China and one each with India and Singapore. There have also been useful cyber security discussions with Israel, the Netherlands and Japan.  Regional cyber security is pursued through the ASEAN Regional Forum and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (Plus). an d D ig ita lM  ic at io ns Why is a new Cyber Security Strategy and Action Plan needed? Cyber security is an essential element of a connected, digital nation This Government has committed to building a connected nation and harnessing digital technology for economic growth, community benefit and innovation. I intend to develop a Digital Strategy for New Zealand which will reflect a joined up response by government to digital technologies. 19. This includes the promotion and protection of digital rights. A secure cyberspace is integral to digital rights, enabling New Zealanders, businesses and organisations to have trust and confidence in the integrity and privacy of their online information. 20. As we embrace digital technology, however, it is apparent that this same technology has provided new avenues for criminals and hostile actors to gain advantage. The widespread use of connected devices and emerging technologies has expanded the attack surface for malicious threat actors. 21. Cyber security is therefore essential to ensure that the gains of digital technology are not eroded, to protect the information and networked systems that are vital to our economic growth, and to enable New Zealanders to interact online without suffering harm. th e M in is te ro fB ro ad ca st in g, C om m un 18. by There are increasing cyber security threats R el ea se d 22. 23. The clear trend is an upward trajectory of cyber security threats. Cyber threat actors are increasingly bold, brazen and disruptive. New Zealand’s geographical location does not exempt us from this threat. Over the last year, New Zealand has recorded an increased level of cyber threats, including the New Zealand implications s6(a) the WannaCry ransomware (May 2017) and the notPetya ransomware (June 2017). 4iz7hypmdw 2018-04-04 16:36:02 ed ia . Page 4