The Government information security baseline (in Dutch: Baseline informatiebeveiliging Overheid or BIO) is a basic information security framework. It encompasses all layers of the public sector: central government, municipalities, provinces and water boards. Prior to BIO, every layer had its own baseline. Thanks to a common effort, BIO is now the sole baseline for the entire government.
One framework of standards
Using one framework of standards for the entire government offers a number of advantages:
- Improving chain coordination between governmental and other parties will enhance information security;
- The administrative burden for government and businesses, both on the supplying and receiving end, will decrease when unified security standards are implemented throughout the government;
- Meeting with international regulations and standards;
- Lessening maintenance costs.
Implementation of BIO
The BIO has been established by the Ministerial Board for the central government in December 2018. Prior to that, municipalities, provinces and water boards had already decided to implement the BIO. In the course of 2019 and 2020, the BIO will be implemented across all layers of government. The governmental layers are themselves responsible for implementing the BIO.
