Cabinet presents new cybersecurity strategy | News item

News item | 10-10-2022 | 13:05

Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius:

“The digital threat is increasing sharply, with criminals and hostile states threatening our interests, as concluded by the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism. That is why action is needed now to increase our digital resilience, strengthen the system and tackle the threat. Only then will we as the Netherlands be able to safely capitalize on the economic and social opportunities of digitization, while protecting our security and public values ​​at the same time. The Netherlands is one of the most digitized countries in the world. We work digitally, shop digitally and meet each other digitally. Digital systems are the ‘nervous system’ of our society. That’s why we need to protect these systems and make sure we are prepared if something does go wrong.”

Minister Adriansens:

“Digital resilience is really important and we all experience that. For example, if the internet does not work due to a cyber attack, shelves in shops are not filled or industrial production even stops. In these times, this calls for a government that actively contributes to our digital clout. After all, cyber-secure digital devices and systems are not only necessary, but also provide economic opportunities for our businesses and convenience for consumers.”

State Secretary Van Huffelen:

“Security and trust are an absolute precondition in the digital world, just as in the physical world. Strong laws, regulations and supervision should help us make the digital world safer. The entire government must lead the way in this and work together with a network of public and private partners.”

Strategy

Security in the digital world is still far behind that in the physical world. Anyone who buys a car knows that it meets all kinds of safety and quality requirements. And the buyer knows exactly what is expected of him or her in order to be able and allowed to drive that car safely; a driver’s license, no alcohol, annual MOT inspections. This should also become customary for digital security. In the Dutch cybersecurity strategy, the government describes its vision of the digital society and the role of government, companies and citizens in it. In addition, the action plan contains concrete actions for a digitally secure society. In order to realize the vision, goals have been formulated along four pillars. Firstly, increasing the digital resilience of the government, companies and social organisations. Furthermore, offering safe and innovative digital products and services in our country. Thirdly, countering digital threats from states and criminals. And finally enough cybersecurity specialists, education about digital security and digital resilience of citizens.

To achieve these goals, the digital security system will be strengthened. To this end, for example, the National Cyber ​​Security Center, Digital Trust Center and the Cyber ​​Security Incident Response Team for Digital Service Providers will be merged into one national cyber security authority. In addition, there will be legislation and regulations that are clear and verifiable, so that non-commitment for taking measures will become a thing of the past. Requirements for secure hard and software are set in a European context. We also need to gain more insight into the threat, because only then can we increase resilience.

Collaboration

The strategy has been developed with the broad involvement of many public, private and civil society organisations, and in particular with the Cyber ​​Security Council, and builds on previous government-wide cybersecurity strategies from 2011, 2013 and 2018. strategy, all ministries work together, including with public and private partners.