New Zealand's Internet insights 2018

Each year we commission research about Kiwis' attitudes to the Internet. We commissioned market research company Colmar Brunton to undertake a survey and ask New Zealanders about their hopes and fears regarding the Internet. We will continue to fund this research each year to build a useful resource and determine trends over time that input into our work planning.

Here's a teaser of some of this year's interesting findings:

• 94% of people are concerned about the security of personal data but many are not taking appropriate steps to protect themselves online. (e.g. only 30% of people are using 2 factor or multi-factor authentication on any or all of their accounts, only 45% of people regularly back up their content, 62% regularly update software and only 86% use a pin or password).
• 92% of people are concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content on the Internet. 
• The biggest benefit of the Internet is identified as access to information.
• 65% of people say that being able to work from home is a key benefit of the Internet (this is a new-ish topic that people seem to be very interested in but not many people are talking about it yet). Also, 29% say their employer doesn’t offer flexible working options.

Here are four things you can do to protect yourself online.

• Use a PIN and password on all devices.
• Regularly update the software.
• Regularly back up the content.
• Use two factor or multi factor authentication on all accounts.

Safety online is something we often talk about. You can stay in touch with us by following us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) or signing up to our monthly newsletter, dotNews, below