In today’s digital age, the threat of cybercrime looms larger than ever before. As technology advances, so too do the tactics of cybercriminals, leaving individuals and organizations vulnerable to a wide range of scams and attacks. In New Zealand, cyber scams surged by 33% in 2023, resulting in a staggering $198 million lost to online fraud and deception. While these statistics paint a grim picture of the state of cybersecurity, they fail to capture the human impact and scale of the problem.
Recognizing the need to shed light on the often unseen consequences of cybercrime, CERT NZ, the New Zealand Government Cyber Security Authority, embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to raise awareness during Cyber Security Week. The result? ‘EXPOSED: A photography exhibition through the lens of a hacker.’
Unlike traditional awareness campaigns that rely on statistics and warnings, ‘EXPOSED’ took a more candid approach to the issue by putting a human face to cybercrime. Ten real victims of cybercrime bravely stepped forward to share their stories and experiences, allowing CERT NZ to capture their images in a unique and unexpected way. Rather than staging a traditional photo shoot, the images were captured literally through the victims’ devices, mimicking the uninvited gaze of hackers.
The ‘EXPOSED’ exhibition made its debut during Cyber Security Week, drawing attention to the pervasive threat of cybercrime and its impact on individuals and communities. Through a series of compelling photographs, visitors were invited to confront the harsh reality of online scams and the toll they take on their victims. From identity theft to financial fraud, each image served as a powerful reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world.
But the impact of ‘EXPOSED’ extended far beyond the walls of the exhibition space. Leveraging a multi-channel approach, CERT NZ ensured that the campaign reached a wide audience across New Zealand. In addition to the physical exhibition, ‘EXPOSED’ was promoted through out-of-home advertising and featured prominently in major news outlets, reaching over 4.7 million Kiwis nationwide.
By shining a spotlight on the human faces behind cybercrime, ‘EXPOSED’ sparked important conversations about online security and safety. It challenged the notion that cybercrime is a victimless crime, highlighting the real-world consequences for those who fall prey to scammers and hackers. Through the power of storytelling and visual imagery, CERT NZ succeeded in raising awareness and empowering individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves online.
The success of the ‘EXPOSED’ exhibition underscored the importance of engaging and innovative approaches to cybersecurity awareness. By capturing the attention of millions and igniting conversations about online safety, CERT NZ demonstrated the potential of experiential campaigns to drive meaningful change in attitudes and behaviors towards cybersecurity.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, initiatives like ‘EXPOSED’ serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and resilience in the face of digital dangers. By working together to raise awareness and build a culture of cybersecurity, we can create a safer and more secure online environment for all.
