What is a CERT?
A CERT is an internationally recognised organisational structure that:
- receives cyber incident reports,
- tracks cyber security incidents or attacks, and
- provides advice and alerts to its customers on how to respond and prevent further attacks.
CERT NZ was established as part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). CERT NZ was integrated with the NCSC, part of the GCSB, in 2023.
CERT NZ history
2016
The Government announced an investment of $22.2 million to set up a new national CERT. In establishing a CERT, New Zealand joined an international network of CERT’s. This improves our access to information on potential or real-time cyber attacks and helps us play our part in the global effort to improve cyber security.
CERT NZ was an independent business unit within the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
2021
The Government allocated about $30m to a suite of initiatives to increase the country's cyber resilience and help more people targeted by cybercrime. CERT NZ is a key component of New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy, contributing to the delivery of the Strategy’s vision of a confident and secure digital New Zealand.
New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy 2019
2023
The Minister for the Public Sector, Andrew Little, announced that CERT NZ would be integrated into the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) as part of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
2024
CERT NZ’s transition into the GCSB was completed.