Press Release: DEN launches CyberSafe Check for cultural organizations

June 20, 2024

Over the past 3 years, 3 out of 10 cultural organizations have experienced a cyber incident. This was revealed in a comprehensive study conducted by DEN, a driving force behind digital transformation in the cultural sector, in 2023 among museums, concert venues, festivals, libraries, and heritage institutions. Additionally, the Cyber Security Council stated in a recent advisory that small and medium-sized enterprises lag behind in cybersecurity. The independent advisory body recommends improving this by, among other things, promoting collaboration between sector-specific organizations and existing knowledge institutions in the field of cybersecurity.

1 min.26 jun `24

News

Cybersecurity for cultural organizations

“We are happy to take the initiative for the cultural sector,” says Maaike Verberk, director of DEN. “Cybersecurity is also of great importance for cultural organizations. The digital data of, for example, collections, finances, or visitors, is of interest to cybercriminals! Many cultural organizations can be compared to SMEs in their operations. It is therefore very good that we can launch the CyberSafe Check for Culture (opens in new tab) in close collaboration with the National Cyber Security Center (NCSC).”

CyberSafe Check for cultural institutions

Michel Verhagen, DTC manager: “It is often thought that smaller businesses, organizations, and institutions are not targets for cybercriminals. This is a misconception. The reality is that cyber attackers often choose the path of least resistance. With a few simple measures, you can make it much harder for them to infiltrate digitally. The CyberSafe Check (opens in new tab) for cultural institutions helps you with this. It provides you with an action list with understandable instructions to get your basic security in order today.” 

Verhagen: “It is gratifying to see that we can now specifically reach targeted groups of organizations in addition to small entrepreneurs. After making minor adjustments to the CyberSafe Check for SMEs and self-employed individuals, the CyberSafe Check has been tailored for the cultural sector. A great example of reusing a good tool combined with adding relevance for the recipient.” 

Protect your organization; take the CyberSafe Check!  

Cultural organizations such as theaters, museums, concert venues, festivals, libraries, and heritage institutions can start using this cyber scan today to identify areas where their basic security can be improved. After completing a short questionnaire, the CyberSafe Check (opens in new tab) provides concrete measures in a clear action list. Of course, it includes understandable tips on how to get the basics in order for your cultural organization.