Ransomware, DDoS attacks, identity theft, hacks of political dossiers, or even the hostile takeover of critical infrastructures through a vulnerability in computer systems: cyberattacks have become an omnipotent monster with the potential to bankrupt citizens, disrupt electricity networks or demobilise entire countries.

Security and trust are essential requirements for all other themes, and the trustworthiness of our systems is a conditio sine qua non in a society that depends on ICT in its most critical domains. High levels of security and trust require a deep understanding of vulnerabilities, attacks, attacker strategies, and defences – in a research field that spans disciplines such as theory, systems, hardware, networks, languages, cryptography, reverse engineering, and many others. The pivotal role of security in today’s world is also reflected in the tremendous growth of the cyber security industry over the past decades and the increasing economic opportunities associated with this growth.

Face the threats

To face the threats of cybercriminals and hostile state actors, and at the same time seize these economic opportunities, Dutch academia, knowledge institutions and industry are actively working together. In particular, the Cyber Security Council (CSC) is the official advisory body of the Dutch Cabinet that includes high-level representatives from government, industry, and academia, while dcypher takes care of bottom-up agenda setting and coordination of cyber security research and higher education.

Relevant organisations and programmes

Relevant agendas

Relevant agendas: