New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Mission and Purpose

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) protects New Zealand's international priorities and advises on global developments.
• MFAT aims to improve the well-being of New Zealanders by fostering domestic and international prosperity, stability, and security.
• A core function involves ensuring the protection of secure systems and critical data for New Zealand's international relations.

Key Functions

• MFAT represents New Zealand, communicating formally with other nations and international bodies like the UN, APEC, and WTO.
• Safeguarding diplomatic communications and data across international platforms is vital.
• MFAT aims to open market access for New Zealand exporters, negotiate trade agreements, and assist businesses in international expansion.
• Cybersecurity is crucial in protecting trade agreements and sensitive economic data to support trade initiatives.
• The New Zealand Aid Programme, managed by MFAT, seeks to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, especially in the Pacific region.
• Securing digital platforms in development programs, especially those in high-risk regions like the Pacific, is important.

Organizational Structure

• MFAT has a hierarchical structure.
• The Chief Executive and Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry, oversees ministry operations.
• The Senior Management Team includes executives for People and Operations, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Information Officer, and the Chief People Officer.
• Consular efforts, trade, and development are handled by regional and functional teams.

Key Ministers

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the ministry's foreign policy.
• The Minister for Trade focuses on trade negotiations and economic partnerships.
• The Minister of State for Trade assists in trade-related issues.
• The Minister of Climate Change addresses international climate change negotiations.
• The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is important in securing information systems.

SOC Analyst: Key Responsibilities

• SOC Analyst provides support to the Ministry's cyber security operations, protecting sensitive data and systems.
• Continuous security oversight for MFAT's digital infrastructure is essential for protecting critical data through security monitoring and incident detection.
• SOC Analyst needs to Identify, analyze, and respond to security incidents, and partner with relevant stakeholders to mitigate risks.
• Conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend mitigation strategies is vital.
• Staying updated on emerging cyber threats and improving security protocols is essential for continuous improvement.

MFAT's Strategic Priorities

• Deepening relationships with India, Southeast Asia, and ASEAN will strengthen ties.
• It is important to protect diplomatic ties, trade agreements, and sensitive discussions by using cybersecurity.
• Collaborating with Australia in Pacific Partnerships will enhance regional security and economic development.
• Addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges in remote regions and improving security resilience in those regions is vital.
• MFAT is expanding New Zealand's export value and economic resilience through Trade Growth.
• It is important to secure international business dealings while MFAT works to expand export options.

Global Affairs Awareness

• Being aware of international developments, especially those relevant to New Zealand is important.
• Cybersecurity risks have increased due to New Zealand imposing sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine.
• Climate Change Initiatives are being addressed, MFAT's focus on climate finance includes adaptation, mitigation and capability building.
• MFAT working with global climate partners can ensure secure data-sharing for climate change efforts.
• Human Rights consideration is key when integrating New Zealand’s foreign and aid strategy and integrating human rights within cyber security frameworks.

Recent Publications and Statements

• Strategic Intentions 2024–2028 is a document that outlines MFAT's long-term objectives.
• The United Nations Handbook 2024–25 provides insights into New Zealand's engagement with the UN.
• Diversity and Inclusion Reports focuses on gender, Māori, Pacific, and Ethnic Pay Gap Action Plan 2024-2025.

Security Questions

• There is a need to improve detection of advanced security threats and strengthen the understanding of cloud security.
• Short term goals include gaining hands-on in cloud security experience and pursuing relevant certifications.
• Long term goals include transitioning into a leadership role to help set cybersecurity strategy.
• Important international experience comes from working with international teams/clients and participating in global competitions.
• Important Cybersecurity commitment to incorporate global security, climate action, and human rights.

Defining Risk

• Risk: the potential for loss or damage when a vulnerability is exploited by a threat
• Vulnerabilities: weaknesses, such as unpatched software or poor access controls
• Threats: could be a cybercriminal, state-sponsored attacker, or insider threat

Encryption methods

• Symmetric Encryption: AES is efficient for encrypting larger data sets, such as reports in cloud environments.
• Asymmetric encryption: RSA is ideal for sensitive communications between embassies and headquarters, ensuring data is only able to be decrypted by authorized users.

Incident Response Process

• Detection: Use SIEM tools like Microsoft Sentinel to look for issues and unusual behavior like malware or suspicious activity.
• Identification: Pinpoint and confirm attack types
• Containment: Isolate affected systems to prevent further spread.
• Eradication: Clean systems and patch vulnerabilities
• Recovery: Restore backups and verify system security.
• Lessons Learned: Review post-incident, refine incident response plans, and implement more safeguards so similar attacks are reduced.

TCP Handshake

• TCP handshake connects clients and servers but is vunerable to SYN floods
• Employ tools like Wireshark to detect anomalies, ensure rate-limiting on firewalls and use Intrusion Detection/Prevention systems to prevent attacks like SYN floods

Emerging Threats

• Use threat intelligence platforms like AlienVault, MISP, Dark Reading and security conferences to stay up to date on emerging threats and apply learned knowledge to your role.