Known as Scareware, often caused by dodgy online ads, many from Face book, these “Virus Alert” popups are effective because they prey on fear and confusion. However, they’re often fake! How to tell a Fake Alert from a Real One Many fake virus alerts share the same tell‑tale signs: A simple test you can do
Have you received a Virus Alert – Scareware Popup – on your device? Read More »
Spyware isn’t just the scary malware you hear about in what feels like semi-daily headlines. In fact, it’s already on your phone—often disguised inside everyday apps. Instead of stealing files, most spyware quietly abuses the permissions you grant. It may track your location, or even tap into your camera and microphone, sending that data back
Hidden Spyware: How Apps Abuse Your Permissions Read More »
Last week was National Cyber Smart week, and this year’s theme was “Own Your Online”. Cyber-crime today is more sophisticated than ever before. In the last six months, 54% of New Zealanders have experienced an online threat with over $1000 lost on average per incident. Following on from Cyber Smart last week we’re sharing some
CYBER SMART WEEK 2025 Read More »
In today’s digital landscape, small businesses across the Rangitikei and Manawatū are increasingly being targeted by cybercriminals. We know many business owners invest in antivirus software and firewalls, however, sometimes the breach point isn’t technical—it’s human! According to CERT NZ (Computer Emergency Response Team), over 80% of cyber incidents in small businesses stem from staff
Cybersecurity Starts with Your Team: Don’t Let One Click Cost Your Business Read More »
When we think of cybersecurity, we often picture antivirus software or strong passwords. But there’s one device quietly running in the background that’s often ignored — your home router. It’s the gateway between your devices and the internet, and if it’s not properly secured, it’s like leaving your front door wide open. Cybercriminals are increasingly
Your Router Is the Front Door to Your Digital Life — Is It Locked? Read More »
Do you own an Apple Mac and do you know how secure it really is? For years, many believed that Apple Mac operating systems, commonly known as MacOS, were immune to malware and didn’t require antivirus protection. That might have been true in the past, but the landscape has changed, and unfortunately not positively. With
Is Your Apple Mac Really Secure? Read More »
Do you have a Gmail account? Google Gmail is a very popular email platform, with approximately 2 billion users sending an estimated 350 billion emails every day! But, due to Gmail’s popularity, attackers are always dreaming up new improved ways of attacking the platform and the people that use it. In response, Google has recently
The Gmail Security Upgrade You Didn’t Realise You Needed Read More »
Every year in October, CERT NZ, the Computer Emergency Response Team, together with the National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC), businesses and organisations combine to hold “Cyber Smart Week”. This year Cyber Smart Week is from Monday 6 October to Sunday 12 October and will focus on the importance of cybersecurity, helping businesses, organisations and home users
Cyber Smart Week 2025 is coming! Read More »
On May 14th (2025), the New Zealand National Cyber Security Centre (part of the Government Communications Security Bureau – GCSB) released the results of their annual survey which is conducted by The Research Agency (TRA). The annual survey analyses and tracks New Zealanders’ cyber security knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. The results made for both good
New Zealand’s loses to Cybercrime keep rising Read More »
Have you heard of the Digital Personal Assistant, or do you use a Digital Personal Assistant on your device for your business and/or day to day life? Digital Personal Assistants can be useful for managing reminders, shopping lists or requesting information like checking the weather forecast, examples of these include Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri,
Beware the Digital Personal Assistant Read More »
