Internet Task Force seeks to create an Internet fire brigade

Internet Task Force seeks to create an Internet fire brigade

Media release – 28 October 2015

The New Zealand Internet Task Force (NZITF) has today launched a public funding campaign to build a proof of concept Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) to serve New Zealand’s small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

NZITF chairman Barry Brailey says the task force wants to demonstrate the value of a CSIRT by getting something happening and making a positive, operational contribution to Internet security.

“To prove the concept of a CSIRT that helps the private sector and charities, we want to partner with like-minded companies to fund, guide and shape the future of national incident response capabilities here in New Zealand,” Brailey says.

The NZITF is seeking funding partners and is working with government agencies to make sure that the aggregate data and typologies that CSIRTnz deals with can be fed into the ongoing work to build a national Computer Emergency Response Team.

“We are very grateful for, and encouraged by, the early support from ASB, our first platinum partner, and Trade Me who has signed up to be our first silver partner.” Brailey says.

ASB’s executive general manager technology and innovation Russell Jones says ASB is proud to be a platinum partner of the CSIRTnz initiative. “We believe it is a significant step forward in the development of New Zealand’s cyber resilience. The proof of concept will be a valuable learning and information-gathering opportunity to help establish a permanent, national CSIRT capability in New Zealand,” Jones says.

The NZITF wants to talk to, and work with, any organisation that wants to work with us and help improve New Zealand’s cyber security.

For more information about CSIRTnz go to www.csirt.nz or email info@csirt.nz

ENDS

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