Delta Insurance has appointed Wright Communications as its public relations (PR) partner to manage reputation-related communications for clients facing cyber insurance claims.
The partnership is designed to address the rising need for effective crisis communication in the aftermath of cyberattacks, which have been increasing in frequency across New Zealand.
Commenting on the public relations partnership, Kent Chaplin (pictured), group CEO of Delta Insurance, emphasised the importance of quick and strategic communication in the event of a cyber breach.
“Cyberattacks are increasingly varied and unpredictable, striking businesses in ways that can be immediate or unfold over weeks or even months. Whether it’s a sudden data breach or a drawn-out attack, communications are crucial,” he said.
Wright Communications, known for its experience in crisis PR, will work alongside Delta Insurance to provide tailored reputation management services.
Nikki Wright, managing director of Wright Communications, highlighted the need for a customised approach to each situation.
“We’ve seen firsthand how devastating cyberattacks can be, whether through malware like a ransomware attack, distributed denial-of-service, file encryption, or data breaches,” she said. “While our instinct is often to communicate openly with affected parties, we recognise that each situation is unique, and our strategies must be tailored accordingly.”
She also stressed the importance of adhering to New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020, ensuring that all communications during a cyber crisis comply with legal requirements.
“Partnering with Delta Insurance allows us to extend this critical support to even more businesses, helping them not just survive, but emerge stronger from cyber incidents,” Wright said.
The collaboration comes as cybercrime continues to rise in New Zealand
A recent report from cybersecurity firm Gen revealed that global cyberattacks surged by 46% in the second quarter of 2024, with New Zealand experiencing a notable increase in financial scams.
According to the report, New Zealand ranks among the countries most affected by cybercrime, alongside Australia, Canada, and the UK.
The report, based on data from over 500 million users, highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) by cybercriminals to enhance the sophistication of their attacks.
It also found that 95% of cyberattacks occur while users are browsing the internet, with many incidents involving phishing scams or other fraudulent activities.
In New Zealand, residents and businesses are facing various cyber threats, including tech support scams and fake invoices targeting companies. Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public, these types of fraud remain effective, highlighting the need for continuous vigilance.
Tech support scams, where fraudsters pose as legitimate service providers, continue to be a major issue, and fraudulent invoices often trick businesses into making payments to criminal accounts.
In addition to these consumer-targeted scams, the report identified an increase in corporate cyber breaches. Cybercriminals are using malicious software like InfoStealers to access sensitive information, including login credentials and financial data. Other forms of malware are also on the rise, targeting both individuals and businesses.
