Cyber-Resilient Municipal Infrastructure

Security Delta (HSD) is involved in the practice-oriented research project Cyber-Resilient Municipal Infrastructure. Together with universities of applied sciences, municipalities, and cybersecurity experts, HSD works to strengthen the cyber resilience of municipal operational technology (OT).

Why this project?

Bridges, locks, pumping stations, and traffic control systems increasingly rely on digital systems. This operational technology (OT) is essential to municipal infrastructure, but it is also vulnerable to cyberattacks and digital disruptions. Municipalities are responsible for securing these systems, but often lack the specialist knowledge and practical tools needed to effectively improve their cyber resilience. Securing operational technology requires a different approach from securing conventional IT systems.

A cyber incident can have serious consequences, including traffic disruption, flooding or interruptions to essential municipal services. It is therefore important for municipalities to become better equipped to identify risks, implement appropriate measures and ensure the continuity of their infrastructure.

What is the objective?

The project aims to help municipalities better assess and strengthen the cyber resilience of their operational technology. Researchers and project partners identify the challenges municipalities face and investigate the knowledge, working methods and tools needed to improve security. Based on municipal case studies, existing tools are adapted, and new interventions are developed and evaluated.

The knowledge gained is translated into practical solutions that can also benefit other municipalities.

Approach

Researchers, students, municipal professionals and cybersecurity experts work together to develop solutions that meet the needs of municipal practice. This involves:

• Practice-oriented research: examining the challenges and needs municipalities face in securing operational technology.
• Case studies: analysing specific situations involving municipal infrastructure.
• Tool development: improving existing tools and developing new interventions.
• Evaluation: working with municipalities to assess which solutions are effective in practice.
• Knowledge sharing: sharing research findings and embedding the knowledge gained in education and knowledge networks.

Collaboration

The project is carried out by The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, in collaboration with the municipalities of Eindhoven, Rotterdam and Zoetermeer, the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG), the Information Security Service for Municipalities (IBD), TNO, Hudson Cybertec and Security Delta (HSD).

The research involves three cybersecurity research groups, as well as fifteen researchers and lecturers and approximately 225 students. By connecting research, education and practice, the project contributes to the development and application of knowledge on cyber-resilient municipal infrastructure.

Results and impact

The project aims to deliver practical guidance and tools that municipalities can use to improve the cyber resilience of their operational technology. These resources will help municipal professionals identify risks, implement appropriate security measures and systematically strengthen the digital security of vital infrastructure.

The project's impact extends beyond the participating municipalities. The Impact Coalition Safety & Security (ICSS) has included the project in its portfolio and actively contributes to disseminating and applying the knowledge gained. Through networks such as VNG and IBD, the results can reach municipalities across the Netherlands, strengthening the knowledge base for digitally resilient and future-proof cities.

By sharing the results with other municipalities and knowledge networks and embedding the knowledge gained in education, the project contributes to strengthening the digital resilience of municipal infrastructure across the Netherlands.

Funding

The project is co-funded by Regieorgaan SIA, part of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO).