Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand’s cyber security agency has joined its Five Eyes partners in warning organisations to prepare for a rise in cyber threats driven by artificial intelligence.
The National Cyber Security Centre says AI is increasing the speed, scale and sophistication of attacks, reducing the time between a vulnerability being discovered and exploited.
Deputy director general for cyber security Catriona Robinson said organisations that once had to deal with “tens” of software patches may now face “hundreds”.
“We believe that the speed, scale and sophistication of the cyber threats that are going to impact on New Zealand organisations are just going to get faster and faster,” she told RNZ.
The warning comes as the New Zealand government continues to promote AI as a way to improve efficiency across the public service.
Chris Penk, the minister responsible for the GCSB and NZSIS, said AI could be used as both a “shield” and a “sword”.
“We know that malicious actors are able to use AI to threaten our systems, both public sector and private sector, in this country,” he said.
The Five Eyes agencies urged leaders to act now, saying AI is “not a future consideration” but already here.
They advised organisations to reassess which systems need to be online, remove unnecessary internet connections, update legacy systems, accelerate patching and test response plans.
The agencies also said AI should be used deliberately to strengthen defence, not merely to cut costs or improve efficiency.
