Benelux sign Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security
Dutch Minister Ivo Opstelten of Security and Justice, Belgian Minister Stefaan De Clerck of Justice and the Luxembourg Minister of Justice, François Biltgen, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Maastricht for cooperation in the field of Cyber Security. With the MoU, the 3 countries emphasise the importance of close cooperation between government, industry and science. Therefore, within the Benelux initiatives to exchange information and expertise are designed, best practices are shared and public-private partnerships are further improved. Also, the ministers have agreed to talk regularly about Cyber Security. Representatives from industry and science within the Benelux region were also present at the conference.
The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg will work together
The Netherlands, together with Belgium and Luxembourg, will jointly explore the capabilities of the system Honey Spider Network and develop this in the form of a pilot. The Honey Spider Network is a system that can scan many sites simultaneously for any viruses. Thus, proactively respond to this malware. The system was developed by, among others GOVCERT.nl. Unique about this system is that automated websites are researched which is effective in detecting internet malware in a very early stage and therefore reduce abuse and damage. In addition, experiences were shared during the conference on for example the approach of botnets, better insight into the nature and extent of cyber incidents and encouraging information sharing between public and private parties.
National Cyber Security Strategy
The MoU is part of the National Cyber Security Strategy that was
adopted by the Dutch government in February 2011. Priorities here
include increased international and public-private partnerships.
ICT is fundamental to our societies and economies. Simultaneously
the vulnerability, dependency and complexity of ICT creates new
threats. This could include things like skimming (piracy of debit
cards), shutting down sites, Phishing (stealing bank details),
Cyber Espionage and attacking vital infrastructures.