The Hague has initiated the Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program with the aim of enhancing the digital security of humanitarian NGOs operating within its jurisdiction.
The program – a joint project between CyberPeace Institute, and The Hague Humanity Hub, shows their determination to protect the city as well as the global community. The Hague NGO cybersecurity support program falls in line with Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
This initiative was officially inaugurated during the Holland Conference on October 3rd and 4th, 2023, with Mr Jan van Zanen, the mayor, playing a prominent role as one of the key participants.
The Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support program aims to provide cybersecurity support and training to nearly 200 humanitarian NGOs across the Netherlands over the next 18 months.
Mayor van Zanen stated, “For more than a century now, we have been the city of peace and justice, home to international institutions, and surrounded by an extensive network of businesses and organizations. This unique collection of organizations and institutions raises security issues. The urgency of this issue is something I experience daily.
“Non-governmental organizations, businesses, and people must learn to deal with the opportunities and threats brought by digitalization. As a city, we are, therefore, launching a cybersecurity program for NGOs.
The Motive of Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program
The decision to launch “Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support program” stems from the increasing cyber threats faced by NGOs in The Hague, which are actively engaged in peace, justice, and security efforts worldwide.
These organizations often find themselves targeted by state actors and criminal entities, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Recent incidents have affected both large international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN agencies and smaller NGOs like Roots of Peace and Insecurity Insights.
Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program seeks to empower Dutch NGOs by enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities.
The team plans to achieve its goal by conducting cybersecurity assessments, offering free resources, tools, and support, providing automated vulnerability scanning solutions, delivering targeted training, and promoting best practices in digitalization and cyber hygiene, all tailored to the specific needs of each participating organization.
The ultimate goal of this project is to fortify the NGO ecosystem in The Hague, enabling these organizations to have a more substantial international impact by strengthening their cybersecurity defenses.
The Hague NGO cybersecurity support program is part of the broader “Strategy for a Cyber Secure The Hague” introduced by the city executive in 2022.
Developed with input from over 100 stakeholders, this strategy recognizes The Hague’s unique cyber risk profile as an International City of Peace and justice and emphasizes the need to enhance the local critical infrastructure’s cyber resilience.
The NGO support program is one of several projects outlined in the strategy, set to be executed in 2023-2024 to achieve its overarching objectives.
Notable Participants in Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program
The Key players of “Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program” are as follows:
CyberPeace Institute: Founded in 2019, this Geneva-based organization is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable in cyberspace.
The institute conducts investigations, analyzes the human impact of cyber threats, delivers free cybersecurity assistance, monitors compliance with international laws and norms, and forecasts cyber threats.
Notable programs include the CyberPeace Builders Program and the Humanitarian Cybersecurity Center.
The Hague Humanity Hub: Established in 2018, The Hague Humanity Hub is a non-profit foundation that aims to support and strengthen the ecosystem for a more peaceful and just world.
It fosters connections, innovation, and knowledge exchange, fostering new alliances and collaborations among diverse actors.
Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD): Founded in 2019 and based in The Hague, DIVD focuses on making the digital world safer. The institute conducts research on vulnerabilities in information systems, reports discovered vulnerabilities to stakeholders, and offers assistance in resolving them.
DIVD collaborates with volunteers committed to its code of conduct, and it has been instrumental in identifying and reporting over 200,000 IP addresses with vulnerabilities.
CSIRT.global: A global, volunteer-led, not-for-profit organization with a mission to enhance global cybersecurity by addressing overlooked vulnerabilities.
In 2022, CSIRT.global took over international CSIRT activities from DIVD, marking the first step in building an international network of like-minded individuals dedicated to cybersecurity.
The “Cyber Secure The Hague: NGO Support Program” represents a significant stride towards enhancing the cybersecurity posture of humanitarian NGOs operating in The Hague.
As these organizations play a pivotal role in promoting global peace, justice, and security, this initiative underscores The Hague’s commitment to safeguarding their digital resilience in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable world.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.
