NCSC welcomes expansion of Malware Free Networks® protection by One NZ

Millions of New Zealanders are now better protected from a range of cyber threats with the rollout of the National Cyber Security Centre’s Malware Free Networks® (MFN™) capability to One NZ’s domestic broadband and mobile customers.

Lisa Fong, GCSB’s Deputy Director-General and responsible for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said this significant expansion of the MFN™ service provides millions of New Zealanders with a better level of protection against known malicious cyber activity.

“Since One NZ went live with the service last week, close to 75,000 events have been disrupted by MFN™. These events typically relate to malware activity, remote scanning or exploitation, and phishing,” Ms Fong said.

“Through the MFN™ service, the NCSC provides indicators of malicious activity to our MFN™ partners so they can use that information to help protect their customers. MFN™ has been designed so that it can be delivered without the need for the NCSC to see private data.

“However, the NCSC does receive some analytical feedback from partners, which helps the NCSC increase the effectiveness of the feed.

“Also, where a partner’s customer has consented, the NCSC can receive information about when an MFN™ indicator has been seen and disrupted on the consenting customer’s network,” Ms Fong said.

“We welcome and appreciate One NZ’s commitment to the MFN™ partnership and their collaboration with their integration partner, DEFEND, to ensure customers and their businesses are safer.

“The NCSC continues to work with a range of organisations to scale up and enhance the protection our MFN service offers,” she said.

Note to Editors:

The NCSC is part of the Government Communications Security Bureau. Our mission is to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s wellbeing and prosperity through trusted cyber security services.

For queries about Malware Free Networks®, please contact: media@nzic.govt.nz