Palo Alto Networks Expands CyberFit Nation to New Zealand: A Commitment to Cybersecurity Education
AUCKLAND, Oct. 29, 2024 — In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity awareness and education, Palo Alto Networks, the global leader in cybersecurity, has announced the expansion of its innovative CyberFit Nation program into New Zealand. This free online educational initiative is designed to address the unique cybersecurity learning needs of various key stakeholder groups, ranging from board directors to school children, with the overarching goal of making each day safer and more secure than the last.
The Growing Need for Cybersecurity Awareness
As digital connectivity becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, the importance of cybersecurity education has never been more pronounced. Recent statistics from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reveal that New Zealanders lost a staggering $6.8 million to cybercrime in the second quarter of 2024 alone. Notably, incidents involving “unauthorised access” accounted for a significant portion of this loss, totaling $3.6 million. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive cybersecurity education and awareness across all demographics.
Introducing CyberFit Nation
CyberFit Nation is Palo Alto Networks’ comprehensive educational portfolio aimed at making cybersecurity knowledge accessible to everyone. The program features a diverse range of masterclasses and clinics designed to fill educational gaps for various audiences, including board members, startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), workplace professionals, end users, and children.
The initiative offers free online safety and security education that spans from early childhood to the boardroom. Its mission is to enhance the cyber safety and security skills of all New Zealanders, with additional face-to-face sessions available through industry partnerships as needed. The CyberFit Nation website hosts a series of on-demand webinars and a wealth of resources that individuals and organizations can utilize to improve their cybersecurity posture.
Educational Offerings Tailored for Diverse Audiences
The CyberFit Nation program includes a variety of educational sessions tailored to meet the needs of different groups:
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Board of Directors: Cybersecurity Masterclass
This masterclass is specifically designed for board members, directors, and C-level executives. It covers the new requirements under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018, emphasizing the necessity for directors to attest to their company’s risk management practices. The course aims to elevate the cybersecurity proficiency of directors, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. -
Enterprise and Government Workshops
Recognizing the need for agility in modern enterprises and government entities, this online workshop provides a practical approach to enhancing cybersecurity strategies. Participants will learn how to bolster their cyber resilience and implement effective security controls and technologies, ultimately fostering a safer digital environment. -
Cybersecurity Fundamentals for SMEs & Startups
These online workshops are tailored for owners, operators, and managers of SMEs and startups. They focus on pragmatic cybersecurity strategies that can be implemented to mitigate risks, ensuring that smaller organizations are not left vulnerable in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. - Cyber Safe Kids for Parents & Children
Aimed at children aged five to ten, this interactive 30-minute online session equips young learners with essential skills to protect themselves and others online. It also emphasizes the importance of being a responsible digital citizen, laying the groundwork for a safer online experience as they grow.
Empowering New Zealanders for a Safer Digital Future
Misti Landtroop, Managing Director for Palo Alto Networks New Zealand, emphasized the importance of empowering New Zealanders with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world safely. “As technologies advance and cyber threats become more sophisticated, we aim to empower New Zealanders with the skills to stay safe online,” she stated. Landtroop highlighted that the most commonly reported incidents include phishing and credential harvesting, making the need for comprehensive education even more critical.
“Our CyberFit Nation program is free and accessible from anywhere, designed to close knowledge gaps so that everyone has the power to be digitally safe,” she added. The initiative is a proactive response to the evolving digital landscape, ensuring that all New Zealanders, from board directors to school children, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves online.
Building Partnerships for Enhanced Cybersecurity
The launch of CyberFit Nation in New Zealand follows Palo Alto Networks’ recent partnership with Network for Learning (N4L) to deliver Managed Network services to schools and Kura across Aotearoa New Zealand. This collaboration enables Palo Alto Networks to provide on-premise firewalls and advanced cybersecurity and web filtering services, ensuring that educational institutions can effectively support their evolving digital needs.
About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is a global leader in cybersecurity, dedicated to making each day safer than the last through industry-leading, AI-powered solutions in network security, cloud security, and security operations. With a commitment to innovation and security, Palo Alto Networks employs Precision AI to deliver precise threat detection and rapid response, minimizing false positives and enhancing overall security effectiveness.
The company’s platformisation approach integrates diverse security solutions into a unified, scalable platform, streamlining management and providing comprehensive protection. From defending network perimeters to safeguarding cloud environments, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to achieve Zero Trust security and confidently embrace digital transformation in an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Recognized as a top workplace, Palo Alto Networks has been named among Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces (2021-2024) and has received accolades for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, including a perfect score on the Disability Equality Index and recognition as one of the Best Places for LGBTQ+ Equality.
Conclusion
Palo Alto Networks’ expansion of CyberFit Nation into New Zealand marks a pivotal step in enhancing cybersecurity education and awareness across the nation. By providing accessible resources and tailored educational sessions, the initiative aims to empower all New Zealanders to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. As cyber threats continue to evolve, initiatives like CyberFit Nation are essential in fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and resilience.