New Zealand’s Minister for Security and Intelligence, Judith Collins, has approved new measures to protect the country’s start-up and emerging technology sectors from the growing risk of economic espionage. This guide, developed by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) and the Government Communications Security Office’s National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC), provides targeted security recommendations for businesses facing a global security threat landscape. sophisticated security.

“As a country known for our ingenuity and collaborative, solutions-focused approach, we must be aware of the vulnerabilities that come with open innovation,” Minister Collins said. “Our innovative advancements make us a target, and we see a growing number of both state-sponsored and criminal actors seeking to exploit our technological and intellectual advancements to gain commercial or military advantage. »

The guide, titled Secure Innovation: Security Tips for Emerging Tech Companieswas released in conjunction with similar advisories from New Zealand’s Five Eyes security partners: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States. This collaborative approach underscores the international security community’s recognition of the growing threats facing technology innovators around the world.

As New Zealand’s technology sector continues to grow, its contribution to the national economy is undeniable. In 2022, the sector exported $10.7 billion worth of goods and services, becoming the country’s third largest export industry. Additionally, the sector’s contribution to the national gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at $23 billion, making it a critical area for both economic growth and national security.

“Security should not be seen as a barrier to innovation,” Collins continued. “In fact, when built in from the start, robust security can protect valuable intellectual property and ultimately increase the value of products and services. »

The new directions are particularly relevant to Collins’ ministerial portfolios, which include science, innovation and technology, defense and space – areas rich in local research, technology and development that are particularly well placed to shape the the future of New Zealand. With these protections in place, Collins hopes to strengthen the resilience of New Zealand’s tech-driven economy to emerging threats.

The Five Eyes alliance, a long-standing intelligence collaboration between New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, has collectively decided to more openly share the security risks facing are faced by their respective technological sectors. By raising awareness and providing practical advice, these countries aim to help companies recognize potential red flags and effectively protect their innovations.

These proactive directions are a crucial step toward creating an environment in which innovation can thrive without falling prey to foreign exploitation.