Starting a business in Aotearoa? Mean as! Getting online is a huge step — and an exciting one — but let’s be honest: the internet has its fair share of digital dodgy blokes. From dodgy domain scams to sneaky email tricks, it’s easy to get caught out if you don’t know what to look for.
So here’s a straight-up, no-jargon guide to keeping yourself — and your new business — safe while getting online. Because you shouldn’t have to learn the hard way.
Who Are the “Online Boogeymen” Anyway?
Think of them like digital tricksters. They can show up as:
- Fake domain renewal emails
- “Tech support” calls that aren’t real
- Lookalike websites trying to pinch your info
- Malware links hidden in innocent-looking emails
- Or just dodgy deals that sound too good to be true
The good news? With a few simple steps, you can avoid 99% of the drama.
1. Register Your Domain from a Trusted NZ Provider
What’s the risk?
You Google “buy a domain” and land on some overseas site that charges triple and gives you no support.
What to do instead:
Use a legit .co.nz domain provider like:
And always register it in your name — not just your web designer’s.
2. Set Up Business Email the Right Way
The risk:
Free Gmail addresses (like yourbiz123@gmail.com) look unprofessional — and worse, they’re easier to spoof or hack.
The fix:
Use your domain to set up an email like hello@yourbusiness.co.nz through:
- Google Workspace (Gmail with your domain)
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook-style email hosting)
- onLine you (Web and email management & hosting)
It’s secure, professional, and easier to recover if anything ever goes sideways.
3. Watch Out for Phishing (It’s Not the Good Kind)
Phishing = fake emails pretending to be real companies, trying to steal your info.
How to spot them:
- Check the sender’s email closely
- Don’t click dodgy links or download weird attachments
- Real companies won’t ask you to “verify your password” out of nowhere
Pro tip:
Hover over a link before clicking to see where it actually goes.
4. Keep Your Website Safe (Even a Simple One)
Even a small brochure site needs basic protection.
Ask your web person (or onLine you!) about:
- HTTPS (that little padlock in your browser)
- Regular software and plugin updates
- Spam filters on forms
- Backups, just in case
It doesn’t need to be complicated — just looked after.
5. Beware of “You Need to Renew Your Domain” Scams
Scammers send out very official-looking emails or letters saying your domain is about to expire — and ask for hundreds of dollars.
What to do:
- Always check who your domain is registered with
- Log in directly — don’t click the links in those emails
- If in doubt, flick it to us at onLine you and we’ll suss it out
6. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Is Your Mate
2FA means even if someone gets your password, they still need your phone to log in.
Use it on:
- Your email accounts
- Domain registrar
- Website platform (WordPress, Shopify, etc.)
- Google or Microsoft logins
Yes, it’s one extra step — but it keeps the boogeymen locked out.
7. Partner With Someone Who’s Got Your Back
Going online doesn’t mean going it alone. Whether it’s setting things up right or sniffing out scams, it helps to have someone in your corner.
At onLine you, we:
- Help set everything up securely from day one
- Keep your domain, email, and website under control
- Spot dodgy stuff before it becomes a drama
- Speak your language — not tech-speak
In Conclusion: How to Stay Safe Online as a Small Biz
Buy your domain from a trusted NZ source
Use professional email (and protect it!)
Watch for dodgy emails and phishing scams
Make sure your site is secure
Set up two-factor authentication
If in doubt, get advice before clicking anything weird
Ready to Build a Business Online — Without the Worry?
Let’s make it easy, safe, and local. Whether you’re just getting started or need a digital check-up, we’re here to help you skip the stress and focus on growing your business.