To better protect the Netherlands and its allies against ever-growing cyber threats, the Defense Cyber Strategy (DCS) has been revised. This was sent to the House of Representatives today by Minister Brekelmans and State Secretary for Defense Tuinman.
The new cyber strategy makes clear how the Department of Defense must, will and can deploy its cyber capabilities against cyber threats. Both directed against the Netherlands and against allies. The number and scale of cyber attacks on Dutch interests and Defense are increasing unabated. This calls for a strong defense organization with combat power in the cyber domain.
Minister Brekelmans: "Cyber threats from Russia and China in particular are increasing. Defending against them requires a proactive and permanent commitment. Also in the 'gray zone' between war and peace in which we now find ourselves. This means that we must be able to recognize aggressive cyber actors more quickly. In armed conflict, we must be able to disrupt attacks and render their instruments useless with cyber. So with this strategy, we are opting for a more offensive deployment. We are also investing in the necessary people and capabilities. All aimed at keeping us digitally secure."
The DCS gives focus to Defense's tasks in the cyber domain. First, the military organization must keep its own systems secure. After all, Defense is a daily target of cyber attacks. Proactive measures are therefore taken to manage cyber risks. And to take timely action in the event of any cyber incidents.
The second task is to conduct military cyber operations. The armed forces must be able to independently achieve effects from the cyber domain that can serve military objectives. For example, military cyber operations can be supportive of information operations that are in turn integral to a military campaign.
Finally, Defense contributes to the overall cyber resilience of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its allies. Although this is primarily a civilian matter, Defense does play a significant role from, for example, its intelligence and security mission and possible military support.
Defense therefore conducts military cyber operations to protect the Netherlands and support allies. Furthermore, the armed forces continues to invest in cooperation with other departments, private parties, knowledge institutions and allies.
To perform these cyber tasks, Defense must have qualified cyber personnel. Since such personnel are scarce, Defense must be an attractive employer. Not only to attract such personnel, but also to retain them. Thus, Defense itself trains high-quality cyber personnel and enters into strategic partnerships with companies, schools and other knowledge institutions.
In addition to qualified cyber personnel, the innovative capability of the Defense Department is also necessary to perform cyber tasks. Here it is important to work closely with private parties to tap into their knowledge and expertise. For example, in the field of quantum cryptography and artificial intelligence.
Secretary of State Tuinman: "Where steel and gunpowder used to be decisive, now data and algorithms are. IT ís combat power. By strengthening our digital foundations, we increase the fighting power of the armed forces in the cyber domain."
