All threads lead to Amsterdam, like in the field of communication with the AMS-IX and other internet networks. The Cyber Security Council research has shown that very many dependencies and critical infrastructure are concentrated in and around Amsterdam. The critical branches, like the financial and tech sector are concentrated in the capital.
What the Hague, Eindhoven and even Apeldoorn have, does Amsterdam not have: a central point where citizens, companies, government offices and schools can turn to if under cyber threat. It’s high time, especially in the light of the recent cyber-attacks. Amsterdam is the very heart of it all.
Security Delta in the Hague, the Brabant house of Cyber in Eindhoven or the Centre for Security and Digitalization (CVD) that keeps Apeldoorn safe: all of these regional knowledge centres gather cyber security knowledge for citizens, companies, government offices and schools.
A cyber hub must be set up in Amsterdam. In particular in the light of the recent hack attempt on Ahold Delhaize. “Hard to believe,” says Herbert Bos that there is no such centre in the capital.
“Amsterdam is not only the biggest tech city of the Netherlands but also the primary goal for cyber attackers.”
All threads lead to Amsterdam, like in the field of communication with the AMS-IX and other internet networks. The Cyber Security Council research has shown that very many dependencies and critical infrastructure are concentrated in and around Amsterdam. The critical branches, like the financial and tech sector are concentrated in the capital.
According to Bos the knowledge about cyber security, cyber-crime and related security issues is fragmented. “Municipalities cooperate and higher education institutions do exchange knowledge. But only among themselves. Individual entrepreneurs and citizens have less options for cooperation.”
In the field of cyber security American companies are the anchor as no alternatives are available in the Netherlands and in Europe. “While the municipality of Amsterdam has the ambition to achieve digital autonomy in 2035.”
Cyberhub as an outpost
Bos is now in the lead: a cyber hub where Amsterdam and surroundings can turn to – be it governmental institutions, companies, scientific institutions, educational institutions or citizens. A cyber hub that can serve as outpost of the National Cyber Security Centre.
“Much of threat related information is relevant for small businesses, still most of the medium sized businesses don’t even know what a PHP is.”
“The gap between national institutions and the target group is too big. A lot to threat related information is relevant for small businesses, like the PHP vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, these are prioritized by the NCSC. NCSC focuses on large, critical sectors.
The new cyber hub should be independent “stand above municipalities, science and entrepreneurs.” Universities and knowledge institutions are ready to help. However, broader support is needed. The government needs to play a bigger role in this, also financially.” Brabant House of Cyber has 14,5 million Euro at their disposal, out of which the province of Brabant contributes 3 million. The Hague Security Delta has an annual budget of 2,3 million euros.
Need to keep tech talent
A cyber hub, according to Bos, should have an accelerator role regarding the innovation and new companies in the field of digital security. “In the past years, I had to witness, with pain in my heart that my PhD’s, the best cyber security people in the world, left for American big tech. Because there are too few opportunities in the Netherlands and in Europe. They would dearly like to stay in Amsterdam or set up start-ups. A hub like that could play a role in enabling this.”
Next spring a new plan should be ready for a cyber hub in Amsterdam and surroundings. Bos: “We frequently meet to discuss how we will set it up. Next month we will meet again.”
Amsterdam hub needn’t be a building – it should rather be a network of people.
Unused opportunities
The basis is available. “Regarding tech knowledge Amsterdam is one of the most important cities in Europe, maybe even in the entire world. Especially regarding the AI and cyber security. In addition to our research group, the CWI plays a major role. There are very capable researchers at the UVA and at the Science park, and there are several scientific institutions with extensive expertise in the digital world.”
“Companies, too, possess a lot of knowledge in this field, for example regarding the data centres and also all the AI companies. And of course, the criminologists who understand how the hackers operate. Nowhere in the Netherlands there is such a concentration. The city is not only the target but also the place of unused opportunities.”
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