Cyber security technologies

With the increasing dependence on computer systems, networks and mobile devices, the field of cyber security 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. The Netherlands too has already seen several major cyber security incidents with disruptive consequences, such as various DDoS attacks on Dutch banks, the crippling of large container terminals in the port of Rotterdam, the cyber attacks on VDL Groep and the University of Maastricht, which was unable to provide education for a long time due to hacker attacks. 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.

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 Cyber security 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 Cyber security 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.

Dealing with risks of damage or failure of digital systems and the availability, integrity and confidentiality of data should also be higher on the agenda. Again, cooperation is essential to meet these complex challenges. Topsector ICT, together with the national ecosystem dcypher, wants to end the fragmented approach and bring parties together and connect them. It's time for more action!

To get Cybersecurity properly on the radar and work collectively to get it right, dcypher has been established. This platform focuses on the entire Cybersecurity chain and has three main objectives. First, it should ensure an increase in expertise and cybersecurity training. Furthermore, it aims to strengthen the Dutch knowledge position in the field of Cybersecurity. Finally, it focuses on valorising the knowledge gained so that the necessary (financial) resources can be raised.

Chain approach needed

The platform dcypher was established to get Cyber security technologies properly on the radar and work together to get it right. dcypher focuses on the entire chain for Cyber security technologies and has three main objectives. First, it aims to ensure an increase in expertise and cybersecurity training. It also aims to strengthen the Dutch knowledge position in the field of cyber security technologies. Finally, it focuses on leveraging the knowledge gained so that the necessary (financial) resources can be raised.