Government also warns non-vital companies: ‘websites not secure enough’

The Dutch government is sounding the alarm. Cyber threats are real and can affect non-vital businesses as well, with potentially significant social and economic consequences. Therefore, it is a good idea to take a moment to consider the security of your own site and systems.

Did you know that 1 in 5 companies face a cyber attack each year? This could be a random attack -a digital shotgun blast- or it could be very specifically targeted at a sector. During the corona crisis, for example, many healthcare facilities became victims of ransomware.

How the government wants to improve cybersecurity

The Digital Trust Center, part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate, will proactively alert companies about digital threats. For now, this is a pilot, with 40 companies able to participate. In the future, the DTC will provide solicited and unsolicited advice to SMEs, institutions and the self-employed when there is a specific threat.

It does not stop at a warning: the DTC also informs about actions an organization can take to prevent or reduce the possibility of harm. Then it could be updating software, installing security patches, contacting the IT vendor or setting new passwords.

Isn’t it already too late when the government sounds the alarm?

Good question. After all, a government is a large and rigid institution that generally takes a long time to make decisions and amend laws. But in this case it’s not about legislation, it’s about signaling. To warnings.

The fact is that the government, in the form of the National Cyber Security Center, has specific threat information that companies do not have direct access to. For example, the NCSC (National Cyber Security Center) has a good picture of DDoS attacks, help desk fraud, ransomware, phishing attempts and data breaches. This is not only because the NCSC is part of the Dutch intelligence community, but also because it is a reporting point for cyber incidents.

Prevent rather than cure

Much of the digital risk that businesses face is preventable. Overdue maintenance has created leaks that hackers and malware can exploit.

For example, hacker groups find entry points in outdated versions of software, missing security certificates and plugins that the developer no longer updates. Easily cracked passwords also remain a problem.

Focus, time an attention on your software, infrastructure and website helps reduce risk. All in all, that also costs less than rushing to fix a digital intrusion or, worse, paying a ransom to a hacker.

How criminals cash in with digital hostages (via nos.nl)

This is how the digital mafia carries out a hacking attack (via nos.nl)

Here’s how 2manydots keeps your site safe

If you let 2manydots develop and maintain your site, the Digital Trust Center has little work for you. We provide the necessary SSL certificates, block notorious IP addresses, always ensure the latest software versions and update your WordPress website. In addition, we only work with plugins that have impeccable reputations, are actively managed and constantly updated.

This active management ensures not only that your site is secure, but also that it runs fast and ranks well in Google. As required, we also improve accessibility for people with disabilities. With all this digital care, we lay the foundation for the ultimate goal: to increase your conversion rate. In other words, attract relevant visitors who will engage in interactions and increase your sales.