An internet working group is calling on Maori businesses and communities to improve their digital security as broadband is rolled out in rural areas.
Nga Pu Waea is raising awareness about online security threats in a week-long initiative called Connect Smart.
Chair Antony Royal said as internet usage increased, Maori must pay more attention to protecting their culture, knowledge and information from risks such as viruses, scams, privacy invasion and copyright issues.
He said successful businesses could be targets online, and that managers needed to keep their wits about them.
Mr Royal said passwords should be changed regularly, firewalls installed and wireless networks secured.