Anne Visser on Strengthening Cyber Resilience Through Collaboration

Anne Visser, Senior Programme Manager Cybersecurity & Resilience at Security Delta (HSD), was interviewed by Digitaal Veilig Den Haag about the importance of cyber resilience, the role of municipalities in strengthening digital security, and how collaboration helps create a safer digital society. In the interview, she explains how HSD connects governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions to accelerate innovation and improve cyber resilience across the Netherlands.

What does HSD do?

HSD is the Dutch security cluster, where governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions collaborate on innovative solutions to security challenges. In the field of cybersecurity, we connect stakeholders, stimulate innovation, and help translate knowledge from research and practice into real-world applications.

How are you involved in cybersecurity?

I work on programmes that help organisations strengthen their cyber resilience. This involves bringing together public and private partners to address societal challenges such as cyber threats, knowledge sharing, and the protection of critical processes.

What is HSD's mission?

Our mission is to strengthen a safe and resilient society in an increasingly digital world. We achieve this by accelerating collaboration, innovation, and knowledge development in the fields of security and cybersecurity.

What lesson can municipalities take away?

Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue. It requires attention from leadership, policy, and organisational governance. Municipalities that embed cybersecurity into their decision-making processes are better prepared for incidents and emerging threats.

At the same time, municipalities play an important role in supporting residents and businesses. By raising awareness, sharing reliable information, and supporting local initiatives, they can help strengthen the digital resilience of their communities. In this way, cybersecurity becomes not only an internal responsibility but a shared societal effort.

What are the biggest challenges?

Organisations are becoming increasingly dependent on digital systems and data, while cyber threats continue to grow in sophistication. Disruptions often affect multiple organisations simultaneously, making this growing interdependence a significant challenge.

Another key priority is product security. Security should be integrated from the earliest stages of design and development, commonly referred to as secure by design and secure by default.

What does a digitally safe The Hague look like?

A digitally safe The Hague is a city where residents, businesses, and public authorities can confidently use digital technologies. Organisations are well prepared for cyber incidents, ensuring the continuity of essential services. At the same time, users can rely on products and services that are secure by design.

How does HSD contribute?

HSD contributes by connecting stakeholders, stimulating innovation, and making cybersecurity knowledge accessible. We help organisations prepare for digital risks and future developments through programmes developed in close cooperation with different sectors.

For example, entrepreneurs can strengthen their cyber resilience through the Cyber Resilience Centre Greenport and Cyber Resilience Centre Manufacturing South Holland, as well as through Digitalzh's support programmes. HSD also contributes to a secure and reliable energy system through the Innovation Coalition for a Cybersecure Energy Transition, in which eleven Dutch organisations advocate long-term investments in a cybersecure energy transition over the coming decade.

What message would you like to share?

Digital security is a shared responsibility. By sharing knowledge, learning from one another, and investing in resilience at an early stage, we can maximise the opportunities of digitalisation while keeping its risks manageable.