Cyber security guidance for high-profile individuals

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has today released cyber security guidance for high-profile individuals.

People may become high-profile through the nature of their work and relationships. Some examples of high-profile individuals include:

  • elected central or local government representatives,
  • those appointed to governance roles in major publicly traded companies or public-sector organisations,
  • academics or advisors who have expertise in a field of geostrategic interest,
  • senior public servants with access to or influence over policy decisions, public expenditure, or information that impacts New Zealand’s national security,
  • community leaders or someone with a prominent role within a diaspora.

The guidance outlines best-practice cyber security measures. It explains what high-profile means and details several ways to secure yourself against common threats, including identifying your digital assets, having good password hygiene, and enabling multi-factor authentication.

Alongside this guidance, the NCSC has also produced a cyber-uplift action plan. This is a short four-stage cyber uplift programme to increase individual cyber security.

We encourage all New Zealanders who believe they may be a high-profile individual through the nature of their work or relationships to familiarise themselves with this guidance and engage with the cyber-uplift action plan.

Download the guidance here [PDF, 615 KB]

Download the cyber uplift plan and checklist here [PDF, 110 KB]

Read a condensed web version of the guidance here

For any questions about this guidance and cyber-uplift action plan, contact the NCSC at info@ncsc.govt.nz

If you believe you have been a victim of a cyber security incident, report this immediately to CERT NZ.(external link)

If you would like to learn more about how you can stay secure online, visit Own Your Online.(external link)