Thousands of Organisations Still Unprepared for new Cyber Law as Cybersec Netherlands Puts Digital Resilience in the Spotlight

Just days before the introduction of the new Cybersecurity Act, only 4,144 organisations had registered or been listed as affiliated organisations, while an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 organisations are expected to fall under the legislation. 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 highlight how new legislation and growing cyber threats are increasing the need for knowledge sharing and collaboration. These themes will take centre stage at Cybersec Netherlands at Jaarbeurs, where government, business, experts and knowledge institutions will come together on 9 and 10 September to strengthen the digital resilience of the Netherlands.

The urgency is clear. Since the introduction of the Cybersecurity Act on 15 August, thousands of organisations have been required to comply with new digital security requirements. However, enquiries by Computable found that shortly before the legislation 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 expected to fall under the Act.

The legislation reflects a broader development: cybersecurity has evolved from an IT issue into a strategic priority for business leaders. At the same time, cyber threats are increasing and organisations are becoming more dependent on foreign technology. During Cybersec Netherlands, experts, policymakers and organisations will come together to share knowledge and exchange experiences on these challenges.

From cybersecurity to digital sovereignty

Today, cybersecurity is not only about preventing attacks, but also about how much control organisations actually have over their data, systems and technology. Growing geopolitical tensions and dependence on foreign suppliers are making digital sovereignty an increasingly strategic issue for business leaders.

One of the speakers at the event is Pieter van Oordt, known for his role as a whistleblower in the DigiD case. Speaking in a personal capacity, he will share lessons from the Solvinity case, in which a proposed acquisition of a Dutch provider of critical government services raised questions about digital autonomy, public interests 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 view of your dependencies? And are responsibilities properly assigned? Ultimately, this makes digital sovereignty not a technical issue, but a governance issue for business leaders, regulators and organisations.”

Cybersecurity is therefore increasingly becoming an integral part of governance, risk management and strategic decision-making.

Cyber threats do not stop at national borders

Cybersec Netherlands will address not only legislation and regulation, but also the growing pressure of cyber threats, the importance of digital autonomy and national security.

Bas Dunnebier, Chief Science & Technology Officer at the General Intelligence and Security Service of the Netherlands (AIVD), will discuss the role of collaboration between government, knowledge institutions and businesses in strengthening the Netherlands’ digital resilience.

“Digital resilience requires a joint effort from government, business and knowledge institutions. By sharing knowledge and expertise and actively seeking each other out, we can better prepare for threats and strengthen the resilience of the Netherlands.”

The European dimension also features prominently in the programme. MEP Bart Groothuis will address digital sovereignty, geopolitical developments and the impact of AI on European cybersecurity.

“Cyber threats do not stop at our national borders. As AI has the potential to further increase the speed and scale of cyber attacks, 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 priority for the Netherlands

With the event, Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs underlines its role as a connector of professionals, sectors and societal challenges. By bringing together experts, policymakers, businesses and knowledge institutions, Jaarbeurs stimulates innovation and growth in critical markets such as cybersecurity.

Jordi van Herk, Cluster Manager IT at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs: “Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. It affects business continuity, our public services, national security and the question of how dependent we want to be on foreign technology. That is precisely why we are bringing government, business, experts and knowledge institutions together at Cybersec Netherlands. Not only to share knowledge, but to make the Netherlands more digitally resilient and less dependent.”

Leading speakers make Utrecht a hub for cyber knowledge

Cybersec Netherlands brings together dozens of national and international experts to discuss the most pressing cybersecurity challenges of today, 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 Netherlands), Mandy Andress and Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel. Together, they will share their perspectives on the Netherlands’ digital resilience and the role of government, business and knowledge institutions in strengthening it.

Taking place alongside Data Expo, Cybersec Netherlands will make Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs in Utrecht the largest Dutch knowledge platform at the intersection of cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence on 9 and 10 September 2026. For two days, Utrecht will be at the centre of knowledge sharing, innovation and collaboration for a digitally resilient Netherlands.

Free registration for Cybersec Netherlands is still open!

About Cybersec Netherlands

Cybersec Netherlands is the Dutch edition of Cybersec Europe and brings together cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, knowledge institutions and technology companies around digital resilience, innovation and collaboration. Cybersec Netherlands takes place on 9 and 10 September 2026 at Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs in Utrecht.

About Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs

Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs organises and facilitates exhibitions, conferences and events from its home base in Utrecht. With more than 110 years of experience, Jaarbeurs creates meaningful live encounters where people and ideas come together. From Utrecht, Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs combines its strong position in the Netherlands with international activities through VNU Exhibitions Europe, VNU Asia Pacific and VIV Worldwide. Under the We Are Live tagline, the organisation complements physical events with digital experiences and smart technology, creating value for guests and partners 365 days a year.