2025: The Year Cybersecurity Becomes a National Priority
In 2025, I hope The Netherlands fully embraces the fourth industrial revolution – not just through technological advancements but with a fundamental shift in mindset. Cybersecurity must no longer be treated as an afterthought. With the European Cyber Resilience Act, AI Act, and NIS2 Directive now in effect, the time has come for organizations across all sectors to prioritize security by design – not just to comply with regulations, but to ensure their long-term survival and resilience.
The disruptive effect of DeepSeek last week serves as a wake-up call for how quickly advanced AI systems can destabilize even the most prepared organizations. Artificial intelligence must move beyond being a buzzword and instead deliver real, measurable value. From predictive insights to operational efficiency, AI has the potential to transform industries, but only if systems are designed to be ethical, explainable, and auditable.
The rise of autonomous decision-making AI calls for careful governance frameworks, ensuring that innovation enhances safety and efficiency rather than introducing unpredictable risks. Aligning with the EU’s AI Act is essential to build trust among businesses, citizens, and regulators.
Post-quantum encryption should also become a central focus for every CISO and technology leader. The stakes are incredibly high as quantum computing approaches mainstream adoption, with the potential to render today’s encryption obsolete. Proactively preparing for this shift now will prevent catastrophic failures in the future.
Beyond technology, 2025 must be the year of collaboration. Cyber threats know no borders, and addressing them requires partnerships that span industries and nations. By sharing data, insights, and best practices, we can create a united front to strengthen our infrastructure, economy, and digital society.
Finally, we need to reframe cybersecurity as essential to public safety and trust. Just as we expect physical infrastructure to be safe and reliable, we should demand the same of our digital ecosystems. Cybersecurity investments are not just about avoiding disruptions – they are about protecting people, businesses, and the very fabric of our society.
If The Netherlands can deliver on even part of this vision, 2025 will mark a significant step toward a safer, smarter, and more resilient future.
