Top 10 Cybersecurity Startups in New Zealand 2025

New Zealand’s tech landscape is quietly but confidently making waves, and nowhere is this more evident than in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. As digital threats continue to become more sophisticated, the need for advanced security solutions has never been greater – and, even more so, there’s no indication that this will be slowing down any time soon.

Enter New Zealand’s next generation of cybersecurity startups: agile, innovative and laser-focused on protecting businesses and individuals in an increasingly connected world. From tackling ransomware and phishing attacks to safeguarding cloud infrastructure and critical data, these startups are stepping up with groundbreaking technologies and forward-thinking strategies.

These cybersecurity startups are not only defending the digital frontier, they’re also shaping the future of security in Aotearoa and beyond. So, whether you’re an investor, a tech enthusiast or simply keen to see where innovation is headed, these companies deserve your attention. Let’s take a closer look at New Zealand’s rising stars in cyber defence.

 

New Zealand’s Cybersecurity Industry Over the Last Decade 

 

Over the past 10 years, cybersecurity in New Zealand has evolved from a niche concern into a national priority. As the country’s digital economy has expanded, so too has the risk of cybercrime, prompting significant investment in cyber resilience and innovation.

Government initiatives like CERT NZ and increased funding for digital security have helped raise awareness and encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors. By 2025, these efforts have translated into a thriving cybersecurity ecosystem, driven by homegrown startups tackling issues such as data protection, digital identity and critical infrastructure security.

Remote work trends and cloud adoption have further accelerated the need for agile, scalable solutions, something many Kiwi startups are uniquely positioned to offer. The country’s relatively small size has proven to be an advantage, fostering close-knit innovation hubs and cross-sector cooperation. With a strong foundation now in place, New Zealand’s cybersecurity sector is poised for even greater regional and global impact.

 

 

The 10 Top Cybersecurity Startups in New Zealand in 2025

 

As of mid-2025, these are the top 10 cybersecurity startups in New Zealand.

 

MEGA

 

Founded in Auckland in 2013 by Kim Dotcom and later managed by a New Zealand-based team, MEGA is more than just a cloud storage provider – rather, it’s a privacy-first platform that puts encryption at the heart of its service.

End-to-end encrypted file sharing and messaging are core features, making MEGA a trusted choice for users wanting secure communication and data storage. Although it’s often associated with its controversial founder, MEGA has evolved into a fully-fledged cybersecurity company with millions of global users and a strong stance on user-controlled privacy.

 

Suthsignal

 

Southsignal is a rising cybersecurity startup based in Christchurch, focused on building secure communications infrastructure for businesses and government. Founded in 2021, it was launched by a small team of engineers who previously worked in military-grade communications.

Southsignal’s strength lies in its encrypted networking tools and resilience solutions for remote and critical environments. The company has positioned itself as a key player in New Zealand’s growing national security tech sector, offering solutions that go beyond the basics and into territory often left to international firms.

 

Qualysec Technologies 

 

Qualysec Technologies, although originally founded in India, launched its New Zealand operations in 2022 to tap into the country’s expanding cybersecurity market. With a presence in Wellington, it delivers penetration testing, compliance audits and mobile app security services.

The expansion of Qualysec has allowed Kiwi startups and SMEs to access affordable, high-quality security assessments tailored to both international and local compliance standards. Their hybrid model, combining automation and expert analysis, has made them an attractive option for tech companies wanting fast and thorough security reviews.

 

Sandfly Security

 

Sandfly Security, based in Christchurch and founded by Craig Rowland in 2018, offers agentless intrusion detection specifically for Linux systems. Rather than installing software on each machine, Sandfly’s platform scans remotely for threats and misconfiguration – ideal for large-scale deployments where uptime and stability are key.

This lean approach to security has earned Sandfly a loyal following among DevOps and cybersecurity professionals across the globe. The company champions transparency and efficiency, with tools built for speed, scale, and forensic-level insight.

 

Endace

 

A mature cybersecurity company with startup DNA, Endace was founded in Hamilton in 2001 and has remained one of New Zealand’s most globally impactful network security firms. The company specialises in high-speed network monitoring and packet capture solutions, used by banks, governments and telcos worldwide.

Endace’s key innovation is its ability to provide indisputable forensic data to help teams analyse security events in real-time and retrospectively. Despite its size, Endace maintains a strong engineering culture and continues to innovate from its Kiwi roots.

 

IT360

 

IT360, based in Napier and launched in 2008, is an integrated IT support and cybersecurity firm catering primarily to small and medium-sized businesses. While not a startup in the traditional tech sense, IT360 has made significant moves into cybersecurity in recent years, offering endpoint protection, ransomware defence and staff training.

Their strength lies in combining approachable service with strong technical offerings, making security accessible to businesses that may not have in-house expertise. Their regional presence also helps them address security needs outside New Zealand’s big cities.

 

Kaon Security Ltd.

 

Wellington-based Kaon Security was established in 2002 and has become a trusted name in IT risk management and governance. While not brand-new, the company operates with the agility of a startup, constantly updating its Cybersecurity Policy Management Platform to help organisations stay compliant and secure.

Kaon focuses heavily on frameworks, user policies and audit preparation – ideal for businesses navigating the maze of regulatory requirements. Their clear documentation and adaptable systems make them a quiet powerhouse in the local cybersecurity landscape.

 

LME Service

 

LME Service, based in Auckland, is a relatively new entrant to New Zealand’s cybersecurity scene, launched in 2021 by a team of IT consultants. The firm provides a range of security solutions, including endpoint monitoring, cloud security assessments and incident response planning.

LME Service’s mission is to bring enterprise-grade protection to SMEs without the hefty price tag. Their strength lies in hands-on support and tailored strategies, offering real-time defence for Kiwi businesses that want robust security but don’t have massive budgets.

 

Cyber Grape

 

Cyber Grape is a boutique cybersecurity consultancy founded in Wellington in 2020. It takes a refreshingly human-centred approach to cybersecurity, focusing on awareness training, phishing simulations and executive-level strategy sessions.

The team at Cyber Grape believes that the weakest link in most systems is still the human element, and they’ve built a reputation for making security relatable and effective. Their quirky branding and straight-talking advice make them stand out in a crowded field of tech-heavy, jargon-filled offerings.