Cyber security vital to businesses making the most of the Internet
EMBARGOED UNTIL 5.50am WEDNESDAY JUNE 18 2014
The Innovation Partnership has welcomed a new government toolkit aimed at helping small business protect themselves and
their customers online.
The Connect Smart for Business SME Toolkit is a free, user-friendly checklist of protection measures and useful tools
and templates.
Innovation Partnership Chair Murray Sherwin says it is vital for businesses to be aware of cyber security so they can
make the most of the potential of the Internet for growth and productivity.
“Research released by the Innovation Partnership shows that Kiwi businesses could add $34 billion to the New Zealand
economy if they make effective use of the Internet,” Mr Sherwin says.
Businesses that make effective use of Internet services, for example using online tools to find new customers, improving
their data collection and customer service, and doing their work in the cloud, are six per-cent more productive than
average businesses in their industry.
“Even more impressive is that these businesses are 73 per-cent more productive than businesses that make little use of
the Internet.
“All SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) need to be using the Internet effectively to stay competitive. It is
equally important that they think about their cyber security.”
Recent research by Vodafone shows that small businesses are the target of 30 per-cent of online attacks.
Mr Sherwin recommended that businesses that want to understand how they can make more effective use of the Internet take
the free assessment at digitaljourney.co.nz to work out how well they are using online technology, and get a customised action plan on how to get more productive
by getting online.
ENDS
About the Innovation Partnership
The Innovation Partnership is a group of organisations and individuals dedicated to New Zealand becoming a world-leader
in using the Internet to drive business growth, public sector excellence, and educational achievement. Find out more at InnovationPartnership.co.nz