In this Herald Now Segment, Paul Spain, CEO of Gorilla Technology joins host Ryan Bridge, to share valuable insights into the alarming rise of scams in New Zealand, representing a significant threat to individuals and organisations.
Modern scam tactics are relentlessly evolving, and includes social media giants, particularly Meta, in facilitating fraud, with up to 10% of their revenue potentially linked to scam-related advertising.
While government legislation is aiming to put more responsibility on banks—who may now need to reimburse up to $500,000 in particular negligent cases—the pressure is mounting for businesses to fortify their own defences. This means adopting robust cyber security measures, ensuring thorough staff education, and making “slowing down” part of our digital culture. As companies face tighter scrutiny from banks and regulators, being proactive is no longer optional; it’s essential.
On a personal level, every New Zealander needs to be vigilant. Paul Spain recommended resources such as OwnYourOnline.govt.nz, which can help individuals check suspicious ads or approaches. Whether you’re dealing with transactions or sharing personal data, taking extra time to verify and never reusing passwords across accounts can save more than just inconvenience, it could save hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars.
At Gorilla Technology, we’re committed to helping Kiwi businesses and their teams protect themselves against these ongoing threats. Remember: scams can happen to anyone at any time. By combining smart tech, strong policies, and a culture of stopping and checking, we can all do our part to protect what matters most—at work and at home. If you have questions or want to strengthen your organisation’s security posture, reach out to our team today.
19 November 2025