Cybersecurity

The increasing dependence on computer systems, networks and mobile devices makes the field of cybersecurity increasingly important. Not least because digital crime is the fastest-growing form of economic crime. Almost daily, incidents involving hacks, data breaches, phishing and ransomware make the news. This often has hugely unpleasant consequences for the organisations and companies involved. Protecting systems, networks and devices in the right way is therefore an absolute must. This is often a race against time: tomorrow's risks are very different from today's risks. Moreover, criminals are getting smarter in this area. The Netherlands is starting to experience the first major social consequences of attacks on our digital society. For example, Maastricht University was unable to teach for a long time due to hacker attacks. In other countries, even power plants have already been shut down. Thus, cooperation and action are essential to meet this complex challenge.

Disruptive consequences

The Netherlands as a whole is still not sufficiently awake to the risks of attacks on our digital systems. The sense of urgency is often still lacking, even though the risks demand it. The changing energy sector for instance, requires more digital control, with cybersecurity as an important prerequisite. And if drinking water supplies, flood defenses or sewage systems are hit by an attack, it has immediate and substantial social impact. In health care, the consequences are even life-threatening if implants like pacemakers or devices like insulin pumps can be hacked. And if privacy-sensitive patient information becomes public, the consequences can be disastrous. And what happens if we suddenly can no longer use ATM's? Topsector ICT, together with the national ecosystem dcypher, wants to end the fragmented approach and bring parties together and connect them. It is 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.