The latest report published by the New Zealand Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT NZ) found that the country experienced its highest ever recorded quarterly financial losses due to cybercrime in Q2.
The report claims that New Zealanders reported $6.5 million in direct losses nationwide in Q2 of 2019. A total of 1,197 incidents were recorded in the second quarter, over 21% more than the incidents reported in the first quarter.
In the fourth quarter of 2018, there were actually more cyber incidents reported, 1,333 to be exact, but it was Q2 of 2019 that cost New Zealanders' the most in financial losses.
Scam and Fraud was the highest reported category for cyber incidents in Q2, making up over 38% of all incidents reported. 458 scam and fraud incidents were reported - 19% of which were found to be related to buying and selling goods online.
Ransomware also reportedly increased in the second quarter, jumping 38% over the previous quarter. Like most security professional, CERT NZ does not suggest victims give into hackers demands and pay the ransom demand. Paying the criminals only incentivizes them to continue their illegal activity and does not ensure that you will get your access to lost files or locked systems.
To learn how to defend against today's most devastating ransomware, request access to NNT's Ransomware Mitigation Kit.
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