Utrecht, 1 September 2026 – Just before the introduction of the new Cyber Security Act, only 4,144 organisations had registered or been listed as affiliated organisations, whilst an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 organisations fall under the Act. This is according to an analysis by Computable, the IT platform of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, based on data from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The findings illustrate how new legislation and growing cyber threats are increasing the need for knowledge and collaboration. These themes will take centre stage at Cybersec Netherlands at Jaarbeurs, where on 9 and 10 September the government, the business community, experts and knowledge institutions will come together to strengthen the Netherlands’ digital resilience.*
New cyber law increases the need for knowledge and collaboration
The urgency is high. Since the introduction of the Cyber Security Act on 15 August, thousands of organisations have had to comply with new digital security requirements. However, a survey by Computable* reveals that, shortly before the Act came into force, only 4,144 organisations had registered or been listed as affiliated organisations, compared with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 organisations falling under the Act. The Act highlights a broader trend: cyber security has evolved from an IT issue into a strategic priority for senior management. At the same time, cyber threats are on the rise and dependence on foreign technology is growing. At Cybersec Netherlands, experts, policymakers and organisations come together to share knowledge and exchange experiences on these issues.
From cyber security to digital sovereignty
Nowadays, cybersecurity is not just about preventing attacks, but also about the extent to which organisations actually have control over their data, systems and technology. Growing geopolitical tensions and dependence on foreign suppliers make digital sovereignty a strategic issue for decision-makers. One of the speakers at the event is Pieter van Oordt, known for his role as a whistleblower in the DigiD case. He will speak in a personal capacity about the lessons learnt from the Solvinity case, in which a proposed takeover of a Dutch provider of critical government services raised questions about digital autonomy, the public interest and national security. “Sovereignty is not about completely avoiding foreign technology, but about whether organisations retain sufficient control when circumstances change. Can you switch providers if necessary? Do you have a clear picture of your dependencies? And are responsibilities properly assigned? Ultimately, this means that digital sovereignty is not a technical issue, but a governance issue for directors, regulators and organisations.” It is precisely for this reason that cybersecurity is becoming an integral part of governance, risk management and strategic decision-making.
Cyber threats do not stop at our national borders
Cybersec Netherlands will focus not only on legislation and regulations, but also on the mounting pressure from cyber threats, the importance of digital autonomy and our national security. For example, Bas Dunnebier, Chief Science & Technology Officer at the AIVD, will lead a session on the role of collaboration between government, research institutions and the business community in strengthening the Netherlands’ digital resilience. “Digital resilience requires a joint effort by the government, the business community and research institutions. By sharing knowledge and expertise and actively seeking each other out, we can better prepare for threats and strengthen the Netherlands’ resilience.”
The European dimension will also feature prominently on the programme. MEP Bart Groothuis will discuss digital sovereignty, geopolitical developments and the impact of AI on European cyber security during Cybersec Netherlands. “Cyber threats do not stop at our national borders. Now that AI can further increase the speed and scale of cyberattacks, we must also strengthen our digital resilience at European level. This requires fewer strategic dependencies, strong cooperation between Member States and a clear direction for the technologies that will shape our digital future.”
Cybersecurity is becoming a strategic issue for the Netherlands
With this event, Jaarbeurs underlines its role as a connector between professionals, sectors and societal issues. By bringing together experts, policymakers, businesses and knowledge institutions, Jaarbeurs stimulates innovation and growth in crucial markets such as cybersecurity. Jordi van Herk, IT Cluster Manager at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs: “Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It affects the continuity of businesses, our public services, national security and the question of how dependent we want to be on foreign technology. That is precisely why, at Cybersec Netherlands, we are bringing together government, the business community, experts and research institutions. Not only to share knowledge, but to make the Netherlands more digitally resilient and less dependent.”
Leading speakers will make Utrecht the centre of cyber knowledge for two days
Cybersec Netherlands brings together dozens of national and international experts to discuss today’s most pressing cyber challenges, ranging from cyber threats and digital sovereignty to AI, regulation and national security. Speakers include former MIVD director Pieter Cobelens, Martin de Vries (VDL Group), Anne Visser (Security Delta Nederland), Mandy Andress and Minister for Justice and Security David van Weel. Together, they will share their views on the Netherlands’ digital resilience and the role of the government, the business community and research institutions in this regard.
Held alongside Data Expo on 9 and 10 September 2026 at Jaarbeurs Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs, Cybersec Netherlands is the largest Dutch knowledge platform at the intersection of cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence. For two days, Utrecht will be the centre of knowledge-sharing, innovation and collaboration aimed at building a digitally resilient Netherlands.
*Source: Computable, based on data from the National Cyber Security Centre (August 2026). At that time, 4,144 organisations were registered or listed as affiliated organisations in the Cbw Entities Register, compared with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 organisations falling under the Cyber Security Act.
