Cyber crime is a threat to the Dutch economy, says security chief

The Netherlands is at greater risk of digital attacks than other countries because of its high concentration of internet facilities, according to the acting head of the Dutch security service AIVD at an international cyber crime conference.

‘We have no idea what is going to happen to use in terms of digital attacks and espionage, and we need to get ready,’ Marc Kuipers told the congress.

The Netherlands has three main ports – Rotterdam sea port, Schiphol airport and the digital port to the rest of Europe,’ Kuipers is quoted as saying by the Financieele Dagblad.

Income

‘The AIVD is concerned about the potential impact on essential processes and damage to the way the Netherlands earns its income,’ he said.

The number of cyber attacks on companies and government institutions is increasing every year. ‘Internet is a game changer when it comes to espionage,’ he said. ‘Our digital infrastructure is being abused.’

The Netherlands spends a large amount of money on encouraging key industry every year ‘without realising how easy it is to steal information via the back door’.

While the government does have a role in ensuring cyber security, companies have the primary task, the security chief said.

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