Leon Harold, Author at Nextro https://nextro.nz/author/leonh/ Managed Telecommunications, Network & Security Solutions NZ Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:41:10 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://nextro.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-image001-32x32.png Leon Harold, Author at Nextro https://nextro.nz/author/leonh/ 32 32 Why New Zealand CISOs Must Embrace Operational Technology Security Platforms https://nextro.nz/why-new-zealand-cisos-must-embrace-operational-technology-security-platforms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-new-zealand-cisos-must-embrace-operational-technology-security-platforms Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:41:05 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6239 As New Zealand’s critical infrastructure and industrial assets become increasingly digitised, cybersecurity risks tied to operational technology (OT) environments continue to rise. In light of these evolving threats, CISOs must rethink their priorities. This Nextro insight explores why embracing an OT security platform is essential for aligning with strategic goals like vendor consolidation and IT/OT convergence.

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Why New Zealand CISOs Must Embrace Operational Technology Security Platforms

As New Zealand’s critical infrastructure and industrial assets become increasingly digitised, cybersecurity risks tied to operational technology (OT) environments continue to rise.

In light of these evolving threats, CISOs must rethink their priorities. This Nextro insight explores why embracing an OT security platform is essential for aligning with strategic goals like vendor consolidation and IT/OT convergence.

From Overlooked to Essential: OT in the CISO’s Domain

Traditionally, OT environments were not the primary concern for CISOs. However, the convergence of IT and OT systems is transforming this paradigm. As IT teams are increasingly tasked with securing OT assets, many face unfamiliar protocols and legacy technologies. This has forced a rethink of traditional IT security policies that were never designed with physical safety and production continuity in mind.

OT Security Demands Outpacing Resources

The ongoing skills shortage across cybersecurity and network roles is magnified in OT, where specialised knowledge is critical. Historically underfunded and overlooked, OT teams are now overwhelmed. Increased cyberattacks have accelerated demand for better protection.

The Platform Advantage

A dedicated OT security platform provides a scalable, centralised solution to secure both IT and OT systems. By extending existing IT platforms into OT environments, CISOs can reduce the need for niche tools and personnel. This approach enables the implementation of zero-trust architecture across the board, streamlines security management, and supports the creation of unified IT/OT Security Operations Centres (SOCs).

Taming Vendor Sprawl

The rise of specialised OT security vendors has created a complex landscape. An OT platform helps simplify this challenge by enabling vendor consolidation. Platforms with built-in capabilities, from initial infrastructure connections to OT-specific security operations (SecOps), support long-term programme maturity.

Optimising IT/OT Convergence

A Fortinet OT platform bridges IT and OT security practices, allowing CISOs to optimise budgets and workforce allocation. With most organisations already running mature IT platforms, the key to convergence lies in selecting the right OT platform that complements existing systems while meeting operational demands

At Nextro, we understand the unique cybersecurity demands of industrial operations in New Zealand. As a trusted partner for converged IT and OT security solutions, we help New Zealand businesses implement integrated OT security platforms that align with strategic goals and strengthen cyber resilience.

Conclusion: A Platform Strategy for Resilience

As cybersecurity leadership in New Zealand expands to include OT risk, CISOs must align their strategies with the dual goals of reducing vendor complexity and achieving IT/OT convergence. A Fortinet OT security platform offers the flexibility, scalability, and integrated intelligence needed to secure the nation’s critical operations against an increasingly aggressive threat landscape.

Ready to secure your OT environment and simplify your vendor landscape? Talk to the team at Nextro today to explore how our Fortinet platform-led security solutions can support your digital and operational priorities.

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Navigating the 2025 Cyber Threat Landscape https://nextro.nz/navigating-the-2025-cyber-threat-landscape/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=navigating-the-2025-cyber-threat-landscape Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:40:15 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6247 The 2025 Fortinet Global Threat Landscape Report paints a stark picture of an increasingly aggressive and sophisticated cyber threat environment.

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Navigating the 2025 Cyber Threat Landscape

The 2025 Fortinet Global Threat Landscape Report paints a stark picture of an increasingly aggressive and sophisticated cyber threat environment.

With automation, artificial intelligence, and commoditised cybercrime tools at their disposal, threat actors are moving faster than ever. For New Zealand organisations, particularly those in critical infrastructure and cloud-first sectors, the shift to proactive cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is imperative.

Automation is Fuelling a Surge in Reconnaissance

In 2024, cybercriminals ramped up automated reconnaissance efforts, with global scan volumes rising by 16.7%. These scans, often using tools like SIPVicious and targeting protocols like SIP and Modbus TCP, were used to map exposed digital assets before organisations had a chance to patch vulnerabilities.

AI and CaaS are Supercharging Cybercrime

Artificial intelligence has now become a staple in the cybercrime toolkit. Threat actors are deploying AI-powered tools like FraudGPT and ElevenLabs to generate phishing content, deepfake videos, and synthetic voices. Combined with the rise of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS), which offers everything from stolen credentials to Initial Access Broker services, the barrier to entry for attackers has never been lower.

Exploitation at Scale: From Initial Access to Persistent Threats

Despite no significant drop in the time it takes to exploit vulnerabilities (remaining near a 5.4-day average), the scale of attacks surged, with over 97 billion exploitation attempts recorded in 2024. Common targets included IoT devices, firewalls, and routers, which are often exploited for lateral movement or botnet control.

Stealth Tactics Post-Breach

Post-exploitation behaviours are increasingly stealthy, with attackers using legitimate Windows utilities and encrypted C2 channels to evade detection. Techniques such as DCShadow and RDP-based lateral movement are growing more common, particularly in attacks involving ransomware or espionage.

Cloud Remains a Soft Target

The cloud remains a primary battleground. Misconfigurations, over-permissioned identities, and exposed APIs continue to allow attackers easy entry.

Telemetry from FortiCNAPP revealed that in 70% of cloud compromise incidents, identity misuse from unfamiliar geographies was a key indicator. Attackers often move laterally within cloud environments using legitimate services for cover.

Stealth Tactics Post-Breach

The report underscores the need for Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM). NZ CISOs must move beyond traditional threat detection and embrace proactive strategies such as adversary emulation, attack surface monitoring, and automated patch prioritisation. With threat actors operating at machine speed, cyber defence must do the same.

Nextro’s Call to Action for New Zealand

For organisations across New Zealand, especially those operating in sectors like energy, transport, education, and government, the findings of the 2025 Threat Landscape Report are a pressing reminder that traditional defences are no longer sufficient. With automated reconnaissance now occurring at a rate of 36,000 scans per second globally, it’s not a question of ‘if’ a vulnerability will be found, but ‘when’.

Nextro works with New Zealand enterprises to anticipate and mitigate cyber risk before adversaries strike. Our team implements solutions aligned with Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), enabling your organisation to simulate real-world threats, prioritise patching based on risk, and reduce your attack surface in cloud, hybrid and OT environments.

Whether you’re facing legacy IoT challenges, cloud misconfigurations, or targeted phishing campaigns staff, Nextro can help you take back control of your cyber terrain. Our partnerships with global leaders like Fortinet give you the insight, tools, and support to operate securely at speed.

Ready to shift left and reduce your risk? Contact the Nextro team today to assess your threat exposure.

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Genetec Enhances Digital Evidence Management with AI-Powered Scene Redaction in Clearance™  https://nextro.nz/genetec-enhances-digital-evidence-management-with-ai-powered-scene-redaction-in-clearance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=genetec-enhances-digital-evidence-management-with-ai-powered-scene-redaction-in-clearance Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:36:43 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6256 Nextro is proud to highlight the latest innovation from our strategic partner Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions. Genetec has announced a major enhancement to its digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance™, with the addition of Scene Redaction, an AI-powered capability that significantly accelerates the process of preparing video evidence for sharing.

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Genetec Enhances Digital Evidence Management with AI-Powered Scene Redaction in Clearance™ 

Nextro is proud to highlight the latest innovation from our strategic partner Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions. Genetec has announced a major enhancement to its digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance™, with the addition of Scene Redaction, an AI-powered capability that significantly accelerates the process of preparing video evidence for sharing.

A Major Step Forward for Video Redaction

Traditional manual redaction is often slow and labour-intensive, especially when dealing with large volumes of footage involving multiple individuals and moving elements. With Scene Redaction, Genetec Clearance leverages advanced AI and machine learning to identify people in a scene and automatically apply blurring, dramatically reducing the time and effort required by investigators and privacy officers.

“Redacting video evidence to protect privacy is both a legal obligation and a practical challenge for organisations around the world. Scene Redaction allows users to do this with unprecedented speed and consistency,” said Samir Sinha, Product Group Director at Genetec Inc.

Built for Public and Private Sector Needs

Genetec Clearance is already trusted by public safety agencies, police, retailers, and private enterprises across New Zealand and internationally. This new redaction capability is particularly relevant for local government, education providers, security firms, and other organisations subject to Privacy Act 2020 obligations in New Zealand.

As privacy regulations become more stringent and public scrutiny of video surveillance increases, the need for reliable and efficient redaction tools is more critical than ever. Scene Redaction ensures compliance without slowing down operations.

Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows

Clearance users can access Scene Redaction directly within the platform’s intuitive interface. It complements the system’s existing redaction tools, which allow for manual redaction or blurring based on facial recognition, and works across footage from various sources, including body-worn cameras, fixed surveillance, and mobile devices.

At Nextro, we see this as a game-changing advancement for businesses across New Zealand. Whether you’re managing critical infrastructure, safeguarding schools, or coordinating a public safety response, this update to Genetec Clearance delivers powerful tools to ensure evidence integrity and individual privacy, fast.

Want to Know More?

To learn how Genetec Clearance™ with Scene Redaction can support your organisation’s evidence management and compliance workflows, contact the Nextro team today.
We’re here to help New Zealand businesses and agencies harness the latest in secure, privacy-forward technologies.

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The Genetec Cloudrunner’s Revolutionary Mapping: Transforming ANPR Investigations Through Geographic Intelligence https://nextro.nz/the-genetec-cloudrunners-revolutionary-mapping-transforming-anpr-investigations-through-geographic-intelligence/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-genetec-cloudrunners-revolutionary-mapping-transforming-anpr-investigations-through-geographic-intelligence Wed, 04 Jun 2025 02:31:10 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6082 Read Nextro’s insight on how Genetec’s precision-based mapping and collaborative camera networks are reshaping vehicle-centric investigations

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The Genetec Cloudrunner’s Revolutionary Mapping: Transforming ANPR Investigations Through Geographic Intelligence

Read Nextro’s insight on how Genetec’s precision-based mapping and collaborative camera networks are reshaping vehicle-centric investigations

Genetec has fundamentally transformed how security professionals conduct vehicle-centric investigations with the introduction of advanced mapping capabilities and collaborative camera discovery for the Genetec Cloudrunner. These enhancements represent more than incremental improvements—they constitute a paradigm shift in ANPR investigation methodology, enabling unprecedented precision and collaborative reach across partner networks.

Precision Geographic Investigations Replace Manual Camera Selection

Traditional ANPR investigations required security operators to manually select cameras based on naming conventions, creating significant potential for oversight and inefficiency. The Genetec Cloudrunner’s new precision-based mapping eliminates this limitation through intelligent geographic search capabilities. The polygon tool within the Vehicle-Centric Investigation System (VCIS) allows investigators to define exact search areas on interactive maps, automatically including all relevant cameras within the selected region.

This geographic approach proves particularly valuable for complex facilities such as airports and ports, where camera networks span extensive areas with varied naming conventions. Rather than attempting to identify relevant cameras through potentially confusing asset names, investigators can simply draw their area of interest and immediately access all available vehicle reads within that geographic boundary. The system provides instant visual feedback, displaying read counts per camera and comprehensive tile views of all detected vehicles.

Collaborative Camera Networks Expand Investigative Reach

The Genetec Cloudrunner’s most significant advancement lies in its collaborative camera discovery and partnership capabilities. The new ‘Cameras’ tab reveals three distinct categories of available cameras: organisational cameras, existing partner cameras, and potential partner cameras marked as ‘discoverable’ by their tenant owners. This transparency enables investigators to identify gaps in coverage and opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

The streamlined partnership request process transforms what previously required complex negotiations into simple administrative workflows. When investigators identify relevant partner cameras during active investigations, they can flag potential partnerships directly to system administrators, who can then submit access requests efficiently. This capability proves invaluable for incidents spanning multiple jurisdictions or facilities, enabling seamless investigative continuity across organisational boundaries.

Real-World Applications in Critical Infrastructure

For New Zealand’s interconnected infrastructure networks, the Cloudrunner’s mapping capabilities deliver immediate operational benefits. Consider a security incident originating at an Airport and extending through surrounding commercial areas—investigators can now track vehicle movements seamlessly across partner camera networks without manual coordination delays. The geographic search tools ensure comprehensive coverage whilst collaborative features enable rapid access to additional camera resources.

Similarly, port security operations benefit from the ability to define precise perimeter searches and identify vehicle patterns across extended facility boundaries. The mapping interface provides intuitive visualisation of vehicle behaviours and movement patterns, enabling security teams to identify reconnaissance activities, track suspicious vehicles, and analyse operational trends with unprecedented clarity.

Enhanced Investigative Workflows and Pattern Analysis

The Cloudrunner’s mapping integration transforms investigative workflows by combining geographic precision with comprehensive vehicle data analysis. Investigators can apply multiple filters—including number plate characteristics, vehicle colour, and type—within specific geographic boundaries, immediately visualising results through both map displays and detailed tile views. This integrated approach enables rapid identification of target vehicles and comprehensive analysis of their movement patterns over time.

The ability to track driving behaviours and patterns across geographic regions provides valuable intelligence for both immediate investigations and long-term security planning. Security professionals can identify recurring patterns, potential vulnerabilities, and suspicious activities that might otherwise remain undetected through traditional investigation methods.

Strategic Implementation for Maximum Effectiveness

Organisations implementing the Genetec Cloudrunner’s advanced mapping capabilities should prioritise camera discoverability settings and partnership strategies. The collaborative features function optimally when camera networks are appropriately configured for discovery and partnership requests, enabling maximum investigative reach across regional security communities.

The polygon search tools require minimal training but deliver substantial efficiency improvements, particularly for organisations managing extensive camera networks across large geographic areas. Security teams should consider integrating these mapping capabilities with existing investigation protocols to maximise operational benefits whilst maintaining comprehensive documentation standards.

The Evolution of Collaborative Security Intelligence

The Genetec Cloudrunner’s mapping advancements represent the future of collaborative security operations, where geographic intelligence and partnership networks combine to create comprehensive investigative capabilities. As these technologies mature, organisations that embrace collaborative ANPR networks will possess significant advantages in incident response, pattern recognition, and community-wide security coordination.

For security professionals managing critical infrastructure, commercial facilities, or transport networks, the Cloudrunner’s enhanced mapping capabilities offer immediate opportunities to improve investigative efficiency whilst building stronger collaborative relationships across the security community.

Discover how Genetec the Cloudrunner’s new advanced mapping capabilities can transform your security investigations. Contact Nextro’s specialists to explore implementation opportunities.

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