VPN demand in New Zealand rose 35% in early 2026 as cyber threats intensified. Discover how malware alerts and new laws are driving the shift to digital privacy.
Censorship
Digital Rights
VPN Super
February 2, 2026
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Table of Contents
New Zealand has experienced a sustained rise in VPN traffic in February 02, 2026, driven not by a single blackout event, but by a growing wave of cybersecurity threats. Following alerts in December 2025 that over 26,000 devices were infected with data-stealing malware, citizens are increasingly adopting proactive privacy tools.
While no nationwide firewall exists, the steady climb in VPN usage reflects a shift in public consciousness: New Zealanders are "suiting up" digitally to protect themselves against malware attacks, phishing campaigns, and potential future restrictions.
Similar threats could affect you. Anywhere, anytime.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned 26,000+ users of active infections; state-sponsored attacks on public sector increasing
Legislative context:
"Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill" progressing in parliament; potential future bans for under-16s likely fueling proactive adoption
VPN usage trend:
Steady upward trend peaking at +35% above baseline; driven by proactive security rather than reactive bypass
How the trend was measured
App telemetry
Our anonymized data recorded a 35% increase in VPN traffic from New Zealand relative to the period's baseline.
The Trend: Unlike the explosive spikes seen in countries with total blackouts (e.g., +35,000% in Afghanistan), New Zealand's data shows a steady, moderate climb.
The Peak: Usage peaked at approximately +35% on Feb 02, following days of sustained elevated traffic.
Analysis: This pattern indicates "preventative adoption", users are installing VPNs to secure their personal data against theft and surveillance, rather than scrambling to bypass an immediate blockade.
Independent context
This data aligns with recent national alerts. In December 2025, New Zealand’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) issued an unprecedented warning to 26,000 residents that their devices were infected with "Lumma Stealer" malware, designed to harvest passwords and financial data. This mass compromise has likely catalyzed a long-term shift toward personal cybersecurity tools like VPNs.
Chain of events (what happened and why)
December 2025: The NCSC identifies widespread malware infections affecting tens of thousands of New Zealanders, marking the agency's largest-ever direct public outreach.
Late 2025 – Early 2026: State-sponsored cyber campaigns targeting New Zealand's public and private sectors intensify, raising public awareness of digital espionage.
Legislative Horizon: The "Social Media (Age-Restricted Users) Bill," aiming to ban social media for under-16s, advanced in parliament. While not yet law, similar bills in Australia and the UK triggered massive VPN spikes, suggesting Kiwis may be preparing for a stricter digital future.
How to protect your digital privacy in New Zealand
To secure your personal data from malware and cyber threats today, you can download our VPN for any device.
If you are in New Zealand and encounter unexpected blocks or restrictions:
Submit anonymous evidence: Share screenshots of error messages or blocked pages.
Run a test: Use OONI Probe to measure which websites and apps might be restricted on your network.
Together, digital freedom can be defended.
Censorship
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