InternetNZ research shows 94 percent of New Zealanders are concerned about the security of their personal data. Yet despite the high level of fear, researchers found only a fraction of users take practical steps to protect themselves from risk.

Only one-third of New Zealanders surveyed used account authentication, either two-factor or multi-factor. Meanwhile less than half of those questioned make regular data backups.

There is also concern about children being able to see inappropriate content online. The survey found this worries 92 percent of those questioned.

Internet still a net positive

There are positives. Nine out of ten respondents told InternetNZ the benefits of the internet outweigh the negatives. When asked to be more specific about those benefits, 83 percent named having access to information.

Commenting on the survey results, Andrew Cushen, InternetNZ's outreach and engagement officer says: "As more and more of our lives are spent on the Internet, being able to access information online has now become a necessity.

"This is why it’s so important that we continue to try and close digital divides in New Zealand. Every New Zealander deserves the opportunity to harness the power of the Internet".

Cushen says the fact that many people are not protecting themselves online is something we need to improve if New Zealanders are to stay safe online.

Personal responsibility

He says: "We all need to take personal responsibility for our safety on the internet".

Cushen says the concern over inappropriate content is a reminder that families should talk to each other about the different types of content and what to do if they come across anything upsetting. He says; "We need to ensure that people of all ages feel safe on the Internet."

The data comes from an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ and conducted by Colmar Brunton. The research examines local internet attitudes.

Four times as many New Zealanders on 100Mbps as Australians

"Just seven percent of Australian broadband users subscribed to 100Mbps services, compared to 29 percent of New Zealanders."

A report in today's Commsday which quotes S&P Kagan's research on Asia Pacific 100 Mbps broadband usage. However, it isn't clear if S&P is only counting users on 100 Mbps or those on 100 Mbps and higher speeds. The company hadn't responded to a request for more information at the time of writing.

This compares with figures from Chorus which says that 71 percent of mass market customers on the company's network have connection speeds of 100Mbps or higher. Mass market in this context means consumer and small business accounts.

Rolleston, Wigram, Harewood fibre uptake passes 70 percent

Enable reports a fibre uptake of over 70 percent in Rolleston, Wigram and Harewood. The company says 12 towns and suburbs in its are have uptakes of over 60 percent.

Gartner: NZ comms spend will hit $4.4 billion this year

Research company Gartner forecasts that New Zealanders will spend $13.5 billion on technology products and services this year. That's up up 2.6 percent on last year.

Gartner says the total will reach $13.9 billion next year. With a spend of $4.4 billion, communications services, which was previously the top category, is now second behind IT services. Thanks to cloud computing, IT services will be worth $4.5 billion.

Huawei faces US criminal charges

Trade tensions between the US and China continue to escalate and telecommunications equipment giant Huawei remains in the front line. This week the US Justice Department announced criminal charges against Huawei. The company stands accused on 13 counts including bank fraud, wire fraud and breaking US sanctions against Iran. There is also a charge of conspiring to obstruct justice.