New Zealand Names China Most Persistent State Cyber Threat

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) identified the People's Republic of China as the most persistent and capable state-backed cyber threat to New Zealand in its annual Cyber Threat Report released on September 24, 2026. The report found that 86 of 369 cyber incidents of potential national significance in the year ending June 2026 had suspected state links, involving actors from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Targets included government agencies, IT managed-service providers, and organizations within the health and education sectors. The NCSC warned that geopolitical competition in the South Pacific is currently driving espionage against essential public services and infrastructure.

The Government of China denied the allegations. During a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged New Zealand to stop spreading lies and stoking discord, asserting that China opposes hacker attacks and the use of cybersecurity disinformation for political purposes. He called on the NCSC to instead foster mutual trust and understanding between the two nations.