Cybercrime is costing the Dutch government and private sector an estimated €10bn a year according to research by accountancy Deloitte.

The public sector, banks, technology companies and the defence and aerospace industries are particularly vulnerable to cybercrime, Deloitte says in its report. The damage involves the loss of intellectual property exclusivity, money and production process slow-downs.

‘The €10bn estimated loss in value we see as “the cost of doing business” due to the digitalisation of our society,’ Deloitte cyber security expert Maarten van Wieren said in a statement.

‘That brings with it prosperity. Cybercrime is a part of this and one which can be managed… our date enables companies to see how they can further digitalise without running too much in the way of risk.’

Former Dutch military chief Dick Berlijn is now a special advisor on cyber security to Deloitte.

‘It could be a hobby hacker who enjoys breaking into systems, but it could also involve industrial or state espionage,’ he told broadcaster Nos.

Organised crime presents a further problem, he said, pointing out that one Dutch hospital has already had to deal with ransom ware – in which criminals take data hostage and refuse to release it unless they are paid cash.