In a world where cyber threats are continuously increasing, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy established the Digital Trust Center (DTC) in 2018. The DTC’s mission is ambitious: to make more than 2.3 million Dutch businesses cyber-resilient, from freelancers to large corporations. Manager Michel Verhagen explains how the DTC supports business owners and highlights its critical importance: “Last year, we alerted individual businesses about cyber threats 140,000 times.”
Cyber threats pose a significant challenge for Dutch businesses. Regrettably, the digital resilience of many organisations remains inadequate. For instance, it was found that the majority of businesses affected by ransomware had no backups. Moreover, 19% of small businesses take no action towards their digital security. These alarming statistics underline the urgent need for action. DTC assists businesses in becoming more resilient through various means.
Verhagen explains: “A crucial aspect of our work involves alerting businesses through the DTC notification service. We receive daily information about vulnerable or compromised systems. This information is carefully verified before any concrete threat to a Dutch business is immediately communicated to ensure they can take prompt action. Thanks to our automated process, we can efficiently contribute to enhancing the Netherlands’ cyber resilience with a small team. In 2023, we issued nearly 140,000 warnings specific to business threats.”
Community
Besides the notification service, the DTC also disseminates general information about cyber threats across various platforms, including the DTC Community. This private cyber forum allows over 4,000 business owners and cybersecurity professionals to exchange knowledge. Verhagen states, “This platform facilitates practical queries as well as in-depth discussions among professionals. We also share straightforward knowledge, information, and advice through other channels that business owners can immediately use, such as web pages filled with information, handy tools, quizzes, inspiring stories from entrepreneurs, and awareness campaigns. We encourage collaborations where business owners engage with other organisations to boost cyber resilience, within and across non-critical branches, sectors and regions.”
One central cybersecurity organisation
What plans and ambitions does the DTC have? Verhagen shares, “We are currently focused on integrating the DTC with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Computer Security Incident Response Team for Digital Service Providers (CSIRT-DSP). These three governmental bodies are merging into one central cybersecurity organisation. The merger will be completed by no later than 1 January 2026. Meanwhile, we continue to work closely together, such as by operating a joint desk for reporting threats and vulnerabilities. We will strive to reach and engage business owners throughout 2024 and 2025.”
Networking
Could we expect more events like the Digital Trust Community Event (DTCE24) held last May? Verhagen hopes so: “The first DTCE24 was a valuable afternoon at the Prodent factory in Amersfoort, featuring twelve substantive sessions led by speakers from the DTC Community and extensive networking opportunities. The 400 attendees provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. This event not only fostered greater connection and trust but also helped strengthen the cyber resilience of businesses.”
Safety tips
What critical cybersecurity advice does the DTC have for entrepreneurs? Verhagen advises, “Start with the basics. Ensure that you regularly back up your most important files. Use multi-factor authentication, and keep your automatic updates activated. With the CyberSafe Check for freelancers and SMEs, you can identify gaps in your digital security within five minutes and learn how to improve it. Also, determine which business-sensitive information, customer data, and systems need protection. You can achieve this by conducting a risk analysis.”
