Banks more trusted than family for advice on scams

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Author: John Weekes
• Publication title: Bay of Plenty Times

That’s according to cybersecurity agency Cert NZ

The agency’s new Cyber Security Behaviour Tracker report found 36 per cent of people trusted banks and other financial institutions for cybersecurity advice.

But only 18 per cent said they trusted family members for such advice.

The agency said there was more awareness of scams and online threats now than a year ago.

Cert NZ said it interviewed more than 1000 adults nationwide and 93 per cent of respondents said cybersecurity was important for New Zealand.

Self-interest rather than altruism drove these concerns, the agency said. A majority (62 per cent) of people said it was important to protect themselves online, but only 35 per cent said it was important to protect other people online.

“Two-thirds of New Zealanders think the actions they take can prevent cyber attacks and crimes, and there is concern the public don’t know what to do to prevent cyber crime.”

About 18 per cent were apathetic and did not believe cyber threats would impact them.

“Cyber vulnerability is a global issue, and societal concerns are on the rise. In fact, concern about hackers is growing at a faster rate than climate change globally,” the report added.

It also touched on perceptions towards artificial intelligence.

“Emerging technologies such as AI are fuelling public fears.”

It seemed the advice dispensed frequently in relation to phishing scams was getting through — 87 per cent of people said it...