Weak cyber defences put Dutch national security at risk

The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) calls the weak digital resilience of Dutch organisations and companies a serious risk to national security. It says so in its Cybersecuritybeeld Nederland 2026, as threats grow faster than defences.

"Because of AI, cyber threat is accelerating and we must act now," says NCTV head Marc Kuipers. "We mustn't let the complexity paralyse us. The ball is in the court of the people running these organisations, and digital resilience has to go up, otherwise technology will overtake us faster and faster."

According to the NCTV, the weak resilience raises the risk of espionage, data theft, sabotage and the failure of digital processes, which could cause widespread disruption. It says AI is increasing the speed and scale of cyberattacks and makes it easier to find and exploit vulnerabilities.

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea have cyber programmes that they also use to target the Netherlands, the NCTV writes. Russian hackers went after Signal and WhatsApp accounts of government employees, including Dutch civil servants.

Russian hackers also targeted internet-connected cameras in the Netherlands. They used them to gather information on military transport routes and the logistics of equipment deliveries to Ukraine.

Administrators must act and digital resilience must rise, otherwise technological development will overtake us ever faster.Marc Kuipers, head of the NCTV

The cabinet has an action programme on digital resilience. It is meant to improve cooperation between government and business during incidents and crises.

Justice and Security Minister Van Weel urged companies and organisations to use the latest technology to defend their networks effectively. After the council of ministers he said: "Some say a cyber version of 9/11 is needed to wake us all up. I hope not."