Small and medium-sized businesses make an important contribution to the New Zealand economy and now are being urged to protect themselves against cyberattacks, as part of the Government's national Cyber Security Strategy.
Small Business Minister Craig Foss said SMEs made up about 27% of GDP.
"We can't ignore the risks and impacts cyber-threats have on such a big part of the economy.
"SMEs need to take steps to protect their online records as much as they keep their buildings and physical assets safe.''
It was critical for the commercial success of small businesses and for the ability of New Zealand to do business online.
It was also important for protecting the national economy against cyberattacks, he said.
Businesses with good security practices could receive a cybersecurity tick as part of a range of initiatives to help protect small businesses against cyberattacks.
Communications Minister Amy Adams launched what she called a refreshed strategy on Thursday and said although New Zealand had benefited enormously from technology, it had also led to new vulnerabilities.
The threat to New Zealanders and the economy from cyber-intrusions was real and growing and there were serious implications for economic wellbeing and national security.
The pace of change and emergence of new and complex threats meant constant vigilance was required.
Refreshing the action plan each year would help keep pace with emerging threats, she said.
New Zealand was yet to experience a significant cyberattack but estimated economic losses last year alone reached $257million.
Criminals could use the internet to commit offences such as theft, fraud and the distribution of offensive material in new and faster ways, Ms Adams said.
The crimes could have a devastating impact.
Individuals might lose all their stored data or have their information stolen.
For organisations, cybercrime could ruin business reputations and result in major financial losses.
Last year, about 856,000 New Zealanders where affected by online crime, she said.
Cyber security
• New training to help police deal more effectively with cybercrime at the front-line new training programmes
• Checking relevant aspects of Crimes Act 1961 and other legislation to test whether they are fit for purpose in addressing cybercrime
• Working more effectively with other countries and the private sector to help stop crime from offshore
• Improving use of police information to better understand the nature and impact of cybercrime on New Zealanders
