New Zealand ranked 18th in the world for cyber attacks

Who would target NZ for a cyberattack? The internet knows no borders. Photo / Getty

Microsoft's leading man in the fight against cyber criminals in Asia Pacific says New Zealand's rate of attacks is low compared to other countries in the region, but attacks are still happening constantly.

Over the last week of April, Keshav Dhakad, head of Digital Crimes Unit, recorded one and a half million New Zealand devices infected with malware, or malicious software.

"This whole notion of 'who would target New Zealanders?' is wrong. The internet has no boundaries," Dhakad said.

Microsoft revealed the top countries under malware threats in its Malware Infection Index 2016 and New Zealand ranked 18th out of 19 Asia Pacific markets. Photo / Supplied, Microsoft

Microsoft revealed the top countries under malware threats in its Malware Infection Index 2016 and New Zealand ranked 18th out of 19 Asia Pacific markets.

The places most affected by cyber threats were developing markets, with Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal topping the table.

Dhakad says despite the positive ranking for New Zealand, businesses and individuals need to remain vigilant against cyber threats.

"Despite New Zealand being a developed market and [cybersecurity] systems are much better placed than in developing markets, cyber crime finds its way in.

"Malware strains are rising and so are the attack vectors."

Microsoft monitored the presence of malware in New Zealand ahead of Dhakad visiting the country to discuss cybersecurity with government agencies and corporations.