Why is information security important and how do you assume your role as a council member? The VNG has produced a fact sheet that explains the importance of information security in simple terms. The fact sheet also explains how council members can fulfil their role in this regard.
Fact sheet Council members and information security (pdf, 1.2 MB)
Council members interested in learning more can participate online on April 12 in Council on Saturday where the VNG (in round 1) is holding a practical session on information security. Among others, council member Alda van Zijl-Hoek (Buren) and alderman Joost Pals (Bergen op Zoom) will talk about their experiences. From Hof van Twente participate municipal secretary Dennis Lacroix and councilman Eric Rikkert, chairman of the council committee Information Security.
If information security goes wrong, there can be serious consequences. The municipality will then be unable to continue providing services to citizens and business owners. Consider the provision of benefits, passports, permits. The operation of bridges and locks can also be compromised. Or sensitive data could be out on the street, since municipalities have a lot of sensitive information at their disposal.
City councils and individual council members can have a lot of influence on information security. Alda van Zijl-Hoek: 'It is important to get in position. Organize it smartly: assign the subject to a portfolio or committee, get informed, ask questions and make use of support, such as the handy fact sheet from the VNG.'
'Hof van Twente has a council committee on information security. This was formed after a hack to better ensure the council's responsibility in the field of I&A and information security,' said chairman Eric Rikkert.
Nathan Ducastel, managing director VNG Realisatie: 'Good information security is gaining in importance due to the increased threat (cybercrime) and because municipalities will have to deal with the Cyber Security Act this year. This makes municipalities responsible for managing cyber risks. Doing nothing is therefore not an option'.
The VNG is holding a webinar on the Cybersecurity Act for colleges and municipal councils. More information about the law can be found in the recently sent member letter (93 kB). The Information Security Service (IBD) of the VNG offers products and services for the official organization in the preventive area, for the implementation of the new law, and supports municipalities with advice and assistance in information security incidents.
