Collaborating for Cyber Resilience: Cyber Mayor Visser on Municipalities' Role in Digital Safety

In an increasingly digital world, municipalities are crucial in ensuring cybersecurity for their residents and local businesses. In this interview, we speak with Cornelis Visser, the mayor of Katwijk and one of the 17 cyber mayors in the Netherlands, about the importance of digital safety, the role of cyber mayors, and the shared responsibility of municipalities to build a resilient digital society. Mayor Visser explains the collaborative efforts being undertaken at local and regional levels, particularly in support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and in protecting against the rising threat of cybercrime.

What does the role of a cyber mayor entail?

The Netherlands has 17 cyber mayors. We initiated collaboration through the 'platform of cyber mayors' to inform each other about digital developments, threats, and solutions. The goal is knowledge exchange, smart collaboration, and jointly advocating for more attention and funding for digital safety at local and regional levels. As cyber mayors, we focus on four core tasks: ensuring information security, preparing for cyber incidents and online disruptions, and coordinating local safety policy, including the preventive approach to cybercrime and digitised crime. We are working together towards a safer digital society. The themes I specifically focus on as a cyber mayor include the ethical aspects of AI, developments in Europe, and a pilot programme in the municipality of Katwijk with Microsoft Co-pilot. Additionally, as the mayor of Katwijk, I serve as the cyber mayor for the Police Unit The Hague and chair the cyber triangle with the Public Prosecution Service and the Police Unit The Hague.

During Cybersecurity Month, the Province of South Holland, various municipalities in South Holland, and Security Delta are committed to encouraging and supporting municipalities in organising cybersecurity activities for local entrepreneurs.

How important is it to you that municipalities collaborate to enhance cyber resilience, particularly for SMEs?

Municipalities must collaborate to enhance their impact on cyber resilience, particularly regarding SMEs. SMEs are often difficult to reach because entrepreneurs are primarily focused on their trade and give less priority to cybersecurity. However, they must make time for this and seek help to protect themselves. There are plenty of institutions that can support businesses in this regard. Municipalities are crucial in raising awareness and informing entrepreneurs on where they can find assistance. This is not only about preventing victims but also about deterring potential perpetrators. Cybercrime may seem easy, but the penalties are significant.

How do you see the role of this initiative in inspiring other cities to join?

This initiative can serve as a strong example for other cities. By showcasing the tangible results of collaboration between municipalities, the province, and organisations like Security Delta in enhancing cyber resilience, we can motivate other cities to either collaborate or join those already working together. When municipalities unite, they can have a greater impact, especially on SMEs. By exchanging experiences and knowledge, other cities can more readily take similar actions. This not only contributes to local safety but also strengthens the digital resilience of the entire region.

My advice to entrepreneurs in South Holland is to take cybersecurity seriously, regardless of the size of their business. Cyberattacks are increasingly affecting SMEs, particularly because they are often less well-protected and do not prioritise cybersecurity. Make time to protect your systems and seek help where necessary. Numerous organisations and institutions in the region can provide support, so take advantage of them. At the same time, invest in basic measures such as strong passwords, regularly updating systems, and having a backup and crisis strategy. Prevention is always better than cure; a successful cyberattack can cost an entrepreneur a lot of money (potentially leading to bankruptcy), damage their reputation, and often cause personal distress.

What steps do you consider necessary to make entrepreneurs in your municipality more cyber-resilient?

First of all, it seems obvious, but the aforementioned basic measures like strong passwords and performing backups and updates are crucial. Additionally, ensure you have a crisis plan; if your company gets hacked today, do you know what to do? Various organisations and institutions in the region can also assist entrepreneurs with this. Moreover, raising awareness is a vital step. Municipalities must keep informing entrepreneurs about digital risks through campaigns and information sessions. Fortunately, this is already happening in many municipalities in collaboration with the Platform for Safe Entrepreneurship (PVO). Furthermore, entrepreneurs must have easy access to support, for example, through partnerships with regional cybersecurity organisations or experts.

What advice would you give your colleagues in other municipalities?

My advice to fellow mayors is to prioritise digital safety and actively collaborate. Cybercrime and digitised crime do not stop at municipal borders, so it's important to share experiences, knowledge, and resources. Ensure that you have good policies in place within your municipality and that they are executed well. Collaborate with other municipalities. Regional cooperation generates an even greater impact. Invest in raising awareness among both residents and entrepreneurs and make use of the expertise already available in the region. Together, we can make our municipalities more resilient to digital threats.

Are there any other important points you would like to emphasise?

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of collaboration. Municipalities do not have to tackle everything independently, nor do they need to reinvent the wheel. The Platform for Safe Entrepreneurship (PVO) already supports many municipalities in addressing business cybersecurity. Additionally, the region now has a chain director from the Regional Cooperation Integral Safety (RSIV) who supports municipalities in the overall approach to cybercrime and digitised crime. By pooling resources and collaborating with organisations like the PVO, RSIV, and HSD, municipalities can operate more efficiently and do not have to do everything themselves. This ensures that we can better protect our residents and entrepreneurs digitally.

As cybercrime continues to pose significant risks, especially for SMEs, Mayor Visser emphasises the importance of collaboration between municipalities, regional organisations, and cybersecurity entities. His call for sharing knowledge and resources is a strong reminder that no city or entrepreneur can tackle these challenges alone. Initiatives like the platform for cyber mayors and regional partnerships have a clear goal: to create a safer digital environment throughout the Netherlands. By combining expertise and working together, municipalities can significantly strengthen the cyber resilience of their communities and inspire others to do the same.

Read here more about the South Holland Cyber Resilience Collaboration and all the cybersecurity initiatives during Cybersecurity Month. 

Read this interview in Dutch here.