What will the planned agreement with New Zealand offer for Australia's cybersecurity?

Global cybersecurity is becoming more and more of a problem. That's why it's so important for us to be banding together with our nearest neighbours to combat it.

For many Australians, the realities of cybercrime are clear in their lives. A huge number of us have been affected already, and in this growing digital age, many more could be. Unless, of course, steps are taken to minimise and then remove the threat entirely. Our government is already making a move towards implementing this, but what could it mean for the average household? And how could you be affected by these moves?

Teaming up once again with our Kiwi neighbours

On February 19 this year, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met with NZ Prime Minister John Key to discuss the next steps forward at the annual Australia-New Zealand Leaders' Meeting(1).

Among the topics discussed were immigration policies, security cooperation, trade partnerships, innovation and, of course, the growing trend of cybersecurity(1). And it's certainly a big statement for this topic to come up amongst heavyweights in the foreign policy arena. When you envision a meeting between the leaders of two countries, does cybersecurity feature in your imagination? We didn't think so. That's why it's so noteworthy. And as a country, the potential changes being made will make your digital landscape so much safer.

The words used to describe the partnership in cybersecurity and moving toward better internet safety with our fellow friends across the Tasman Sea include "free", "open" and "secure", as noted in an official release from the Beehive in New Zealand(1). Chances are high that you've experienced a cyberattack in your life as well.

The Veda Cybercrime and Fraud Report from 2015 states that 25 per cent of Australians have been a victim of this threat in the last year(2) - that's a figure up by 7 per cent in just a 12 month period as well(2). It's staggering how quickly this dark industry is evolving and becoming a prevalent threat to us, but our government is taking steps to reduce it, and that's great news.

How will it affect you?

Well, for one thing, at some stage in the future, there will be an open and secure network connection all across Australia and New Zealand. No amount of advances in cybercrime will be able to combat it, and that should instil confidence in our usage of the internet which is becoming something we all rely on so much. A huge amount of sensitive information is typed in and recorded on the internet every single day, and it can all be used against you.

Taking steps to ensure your own safety is of the utmost importance. Veda suggests that a date of birth is among one of the top ways a hacker can steal your identity, and 32 per cent of Australians publish their full birthdays online(2). Securing websites and profiles where your birthday is present is a good start - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all easily made private, for example.

McAfee states that the global cost of cybercrime every year is well over $650 billion(3). Have your losses from cybercrime been among that figure in the past?

Whether you've been affected by a phishing scam, a piece of malware on your device or the more recent spat of ransomware attacks, on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Identity Watch can help. Our team of ethical hackers will patrol the web for your personal information and help you to take the best steps if anything is uncovered. It's as simple as signing up.

1. Beehive. Joint Statement - Australia and New Zealand. Accessed April 2016.

2. Veda. Cybercrime and Fraud Report - 2015. Accessed April 2016.

3. McAfee. Net Losses: Estimating the Global Cost of Cybercrime. Accessed April 2016.