Dealing with risks of damage or failure of digital systems and the availability, integrity and confidentiality of data should be high on the agenda. Cooperation is essential to meet these complex challenges. Digital Holland (formerly Top Sector ICT) together with the national ecosystem wants to end the fragmented approach and bring parties together and connect them. It's time for more action!
With the increasing dependence on computer systems, networks and mobile devices, the field of Cybersecurity Technologies is becoming increasingly important. Not least because digital crime is the strongest growing form of economic crime. Almost daily, incidents surrounding hacks, data breaches, phishing and ransomware make the news.
Often, properly protecting systems, networks and devices is a race against time: tomorrow's risks will be very different from today's risks. Moreover, criminals are getting smarter in this area.
Action Agenda
Under the coordination of Digital Holland — and in close consultation with coalitions and representatives from the field — work is underway on the Cybersecurity Technologies Action Agenda, which stems from the National Technology Strategy (NTS).
Cooperation required
The business community in the Netherlands has not yet sufficiently woken up to the risks of attacks on our digital systems. A sense of urgency is often lacking, even though the risks require it. For example, more attention needs to be paid to Cybersecurity Technologies in the context of the transformation of the energy sector, and this is also the case for drinking water supplies, water or sewage systems and healthcare. If these sectors are affected by an attack, it will have an immediate major social impact. Sometimes the consequences can even be life-threatening. By investing in Cybersecurity Technologies, the Netherlands can protect its digital infrastructure, reduce economic damage and better secure personal data. It also allows us to promote knowledge and innovation and strengthen our international position. This is not only a task for the government, but also requires cooperation between companies, research institutions and society as a whole. Only through joint efforts can we meet the challenges posed by digitisation and fully reap the benefits of digital and information technologies.
Chain approach preferred
To get cybersecurity properly on the radar and work collectively to get it right, dcypher was established. This platform focused on the entire cybersecurity chain and had three main objectives. First, ensuring an increase in expertise and cybersecurity training. Furthermore, it aimed to strengthen the Dutch knowledge position in the field of cybersecurity. Finally, it focused on valorising the knowledge gained so that the necessary (financial) resources could be raised.