This Cyber Smart Week consider how digital and cybersecurity standards can help your business
New Zealand marks Cyber Smart Week 2026 between 5 to 11 October. This is a good time for your organisation to think about how you manage digital and cybersecurity risks.
The video begins with a series of clips showing Auckland. Then a series of concurrent clips around 2 seconds each follow showing graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics, CCTV and x-rays and people talking while using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: Almost every organisation in New Zealand depends on digital systems from websites, email communications and electronic payments to data management, AI integration, cloud storage and digital trade. All of which are critical to how we operate and grow as an economy.
With digital systems come new risks. Cyber threats and data breaches are evolving. AI is advancing faster than governance frameworks and regulation. Data is moving across organisations borders and platforms. Without proven and consistent approaches, risk increases and trust breaks down.
Digital standards turn best practice into repeatable practice. They provide structure and specificity across security, privacy, authentication, data management, biometrics, and AI. So, organisations don't have to design solutions from scratch.
For organisations managing risk, standards provide clear, internationally recognised, and trusted guidance.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Maria Robertson, Chair of Digital Identity New Zealand says, ‘Well, when an organisation relies on an internal framework rather than an international body of knowledge like a standard, it means that actually they can suffer from bias or blind spots. Having frameworks and parameters like standards actually provide some confidence that there are some guard rails for people and that they can rely on those to keep them safe, their family's data safe and ultimately their identities safe.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Standards also create interoperability, allowing systems, data, and organisations to work together seamlessly. And they support assurance, enabling organisations to demonstrate compliance, security, and trust to customers, regulators, and business partners.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Monica Greenan, General Manager at Government Digital Delivery Agency says, ‘So standards for digital technologies are fundamental to delivering tailored joined up services for New Zealanders. They provide a shared foundation that help agencies design services that are secure, accessible, reliable, and trusted.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: Far from limiting innovation and emerging technologies, standards enable it. They reduce uncertainty, accelerate adoption of technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cloud storage and make it easier to scale securely. At a national level, standards support secure digital trade, stronger interoperability, and greater global competitiveness.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Madeline Newman, AI Executive Director at AI Forum New Zealand says, ‘If you're dealing with personal private information, sensitive information, or if you're dealing internationally with organisations that may not even know where New Zealand is or may not know who your company is, they at least have this basic standard that they understand that you meet. That can be really important. That's the difference between getting a deal and not getting a deal.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: In a digital economy, trust and consumer confidence is critical. Standards provide the foundation for that trust, enabling innovation, protecting systems, and driving competition, growth, and innovation.
From new startups to established global businesses, good practice starts with digital standards. Discover digital technology standards at standards.govt.nz.
The video closes with a view of Wellington and the logo for Standards New Zealand, MBIE and NZ Government.
The video begins with a series of clips showing Auckland. Then a series of concurrent clips around 2 seconds each follow showing graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics, CCTV and x-rays and people talking while using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: Almost every organisation in New Zealand depends on digital systems from websites, email communications and electronic payments to data management, AI integration, cloud storage and digital trade. All of which are critical to how we operate and grow as an economy.
With digital systems come new risks. Cyber threats and data breaches are evolving. AI is advancing faster than governance frameworks and regulation. Data is moving across organisations borders and platforms. Without proven and consistent approaches, risk increases and trust breaks down.
Digital standards turn best practice into repeatable practice. They provide structure and specificity across security, privacy, authentication, data management, biometrics, and AI. So, organisations don't have to design solutions from scratch.
For organisations managing risk, standards provide clear, internationally recognised, and trusted guidance.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Maria Robertson, Chair of Digital Identity New Zealand says, ‘Well, when an organisation relies on an internal framework rather than an international body of knowledge like a standard, it means that actually they can suffer from bias or blind spots. Having frameworks and parameters like standards actually provide some confidence that there are some guard rails for people and that they can rely on those to keep them safe, their family's data safe and ultimately their identities safe.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Standards also create interoperability, allowing systems, data, and organisations to work together seamlessly. And they support assurance, enabling organisations to demonstrate compliance, security, and trust to customers, regulators, and business partners.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Monica Greenan, General Manager at Government Digital Delivery Agency says, ‘So standards for digital technologies are fundamental to delivering tailored joined up services for New Zealanders. They provide a shared foundation that help agencies design services that are secure, accessible, reliable, and trusted.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: Far from limiting innovation and emerging technologies, standards enable it. They reduce uncertainty, accelerate adoption of technologies like AI, quantum computing, and cloud storage and make it easier to scale securely. At a national level, standards support secure digital trade, stronger interoperability, and greater global competitiveness.
A woman appears on screen in an office environment.
Madeline Newman, AI Executive Director at AI Forum New Zealand says, ‘If you're dealing with personal private information, sensitive information, or if you're dealing internationally with organisations that may not even know where New Zealand is or may not know who your company is, they at least have this basic standard that they understand that you meet. That can be really important. That's the difference between getting a deal and not getting a deal.’
The video returns to brief graphical interpretations of digital communications, technology being used including bio metrics and people using computers, and mobile phones with narration overlaid.
Narrator: In a digital economy, trust and consumer confidence is critical. Standards provide the foundation for that trust, enabling innovation, protecting systems, and driving competition, growth, and innovation.
From new startups to established global businesses, good practice starts with digital standards. Discover digital technology standards at standards.govt.nz.
The video closes with a view of Wellington and the logo for Standards New Zealand, MBIE and NZ Government.
Cyber Smart Week encourages individuals and businesses to build stronger online security habits, and standards provide practical tools and internationally recognised guidance to help make that happen.
Digital technology is in all businesses
Digital technology is part of almost everything we do, from delivering public services and running businesses to communicating, banking and shopping online. As technology evolves and cybersecurity threats become more sophisticated, organisations need trusted ways to manage risk and make informed decisions. Standards help provide that confidence.
Digital and cybersecurity standards offer practical guidance for designing, managing and improving digital products, services and systems. They establish a common approach that organisations, suppliers and customers can rely on, helping improve security, support interoperability and reduce uncertainty when making technology investments.
For New Zealand organisations, standards can help strengthen cyber resilience, support regulatory and procurement requirements, and improve trust in digital services. They can also help organisations identify risks, implement consistent security practices and respond more effectively to emerging threats.
Learn more about Cyber Smart Week:
Cyber Smart Week(external link) — National Cyber Security Centre
Use international good practice
Standards New Zealand plays an important role in bringing global standards closer to home. We assess international standards for New Zealand use, support joint Australian and New Zealand adoption where appropriate, and provide pathways for New Zealand experts to contribute to the development of international standards.
Cybersecurity standards are a good example of this value in practice. Standards such as 'AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27001:2023 Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection – Information security management systems' and 'AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27002:2022 Information security controls' provide organisations with practical frameworks for managing information security risks and selecting suitable controls. Together, they help organisations take a structured approach to protecting information, systems and services.
Where to begin
Many organisations, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, may be unsure where to start with cybersecurity. Standards can provide a clear foundation for understanding good practice and identifying actions that are proportionate to an organisation’s size, risk profile and operating environment.
Standards are also about shaping New Zealand's digital future. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are increasingly influenced by international standards. New Zealand experts can contribute to this work through Standards New Zealand committees, helping ensure future standards reflect local needs and perspectives.