The majority of Dutch companies do not have cybersecurity in order

The corona crisis has made it clear, among other things, how rapidly the economy is becoming more digital. More and more companies are using online work systems and more and more employees are working from home. Various studies show that a large proportion of them want to continue doing this in the future. Where Dutch companies are doing more online, you would expect cybersecurity to improve. However, the opposite appears to be true: more than two-thirds of Dutch companies are not well prepared for cyber attacks.

Research agency Forrester has conducted research on behalf of insurer Hiscox among more than 5,500 professionals involved in the cybersecurity of their organization. This shows that there has been an increase in the total available ICT budget. For example, the share spent on cybersecurity has increased by 30 percent. At the same time, it appears that more than two-thirds of Dutch companies have not built in sufficient precautions to ward off digital attacks.

In the research comparative research is also conducted in Europe. This shows that French companies invest the most in cybersecurity, an average of 2.7 million euros per organization. Dutch expenditure is 18 percent lower. A remarkable fact, because the Netherlands is seen as one of the frontrunners in the EU in the field of digitalization.

The awareness of cybersecurity must therefore be increased in the Netherlands. For example, more than 30 percent of Dutch companies have already come into contact with cybercrime. Especially among small companies (maximum ten employees) insufficient action appears to be taken. Internationally, the Netherlands is at the bottom in this respect.

What can be done now?

For smaller companies, there are quick steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of a cyber attack. In any case, ensure external backups and make the organization aware of the importance of up-to-date and well-functioning cyber security. In addition, perform a regular security evaluation, perhaps in collaboration with ethical hackers. They test the cyber security of a company and show the weak spots.

Knowing more?
On October 16, FHI is organizing an interaction between industries event on cybersecurity. How can this be secured as well as possible? More information about registration and the program can be found on the event page.