Cybersecurity Northern Netherlands: Accelerating and showcasing knowledge development

With the increasing digitalisation of our society, the number of cyberattacks is also rising. Cybersecurity is therefore becoming an essential part of the digital ecosystem. There is an urgent need for knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy has explicitly designated the Province of Groningen as a frontrunner in the field of the digital economy and digital security. The project focuses on both legal and technical research.

Research question

To address challenges related to cybersecurity, collaboration is essential. By conducting more research together, new knowledge is generated. This new knowledge leads to new products and services that can be used by companies and provide start-ups with opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship. 

Goal

The project aims to:

• accelerate and increase the visibility of research and knowledge development in the field of cybersecurity;

• strengthen the resilience of (SME) companies through improved knowledge and expertise sharing;

• provide access to testing facilities for the development of technologies and services;

• educate cybersecurity professionals, both within formal education and through professional education programmes;

• ensure the growth of the programme during its implementation and its continuity after the funding phase.

Research line

Hanze University of Applied Sciences Groningen is responsible for the Cybersecurity by Design component. This includes a focus on ICT SME Security by Design, secure accessibility of medical information in eHealth, and the development of tools for SMEs to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

In addition, we contribute to the research of our partners in the following components: ‘Coordination and Chair’ (University of Groningen), ‘Law and Secure Digital Transformation’ (University of Groningen), ‘Automated Security Response’ (TNO), ‘Valorisation of Results’ (University of Groningen), and ‘Resilience Toolbox’ (Qbit). Lecturer-researchers from Law and HBO-ICT collaborate within the project.