ICT is essential to our society and economy. The Netherlands is increasingly turning into Europe’s digital gateway. But the vulnerability, dependence and complexity of ICT systems are leading to new threats.
The government and business sectors are having to work together to make us more resilient and ensure that we can respond effectively. A joint response and joint action are essential to tackling not only cyber espionage, crime, terrorism and warfare, but also disruptions to ICT systems caused by technical or human failure.
This is Madurodam.The Netherlands in a nutshell.
Almost entirely dependent on ICT.
Just like our daily lives.
Imagine what would happen if online went completely offline…
No water, no light, no public transport…
A no longer functioning country.
The Netherlands is home to a world-class digital highway.
An invisible road that is already determining the future of our country.
A digital fall-out can start small, but have enormous consequences.
We need to make sure our society is not struck by black outs.
This means protecting AND preparing ourselves.
So our recovery is as swift as possible when things DO go wrong.
What role can you play?
National Cyber Security Agenda : a cyber secure Netherlands
On April 20th 2018, the Dutch minister of Safety and Justice Ferd Grapperhaus, has presented the government wide National Cyber Security Agenda (NCSA). The agenda consists of seven challenging ambitions which collectively will contribute to a secure, digital Netherlands. The Netherlands is in an outstanding position to capitalize on the economic and social opportunities of digitalisation. At the same time, vulnerabilities and threats in the digital domain are increasing. Security in the digital domain is therefore a top priority for the cabinet. This is why the cabinet committed to a structural extra investment in cybersecurity. The NCSA sets out the framework for the next step required in cybersecurity. The joint direction is laid out and various measures are considered collectively. This enhances the impact of public and private actions.
National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a joint venture between government bodies and business enterprises aimed at forging an integrated approach to cyber security. The Dutch Government Computer Emergency Response Team (GovCert), which since 1 August 2011 has fallen under the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), will serve as a basis for the new Centre.
The Centre combines tactical and operational knowledge and expertise from the government and business sectors. By doing so, it gains a clearer understanding of threats and developments and is better able to help deal with incidents and make decisions in digital security emergencies.
Dutch Cyber Security Council
The Cyber Security Council (CSR) is a national, independent advisory body of the Dutch government and the business community (through the government) composed of high-ranking representatives from public and private sector organisations and the scientific community. The CSR undertakes efforts at strategic level to bolster cyber security in the Netherlands.
