Belgium previously introduced its Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 with the ambitious goal of becoming one of the least vulnerable countries in Europe. This updated strategy builds upon the foundation of its 2012 predecessor, adapting to emerging threats and establishing a robust framework to safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.
Belgium’s cyber threat landscape can be characterized by a significant escalation in cyberattacks, notably ransomware and distributed denial of service (DDoS) incidents. In 2023, the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) documented 120 ransomware cases (a 24% increase from the previous year) and observed a 142% surge in minor incidents, totaling 46. The CCB anticipates a further increase in cyberattacks in 2025, attributing this trend to ongoing geopolitical tensions and upcoming elections.
Last year, Clara Grillet, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst at the CCB, issued warnings to 302 organizations about the potential impact of ransomware.
In Belgium, 120 unique cases of ransomware were reported last year, compared to 101 in 2022.
The healthcare sector has been particularly affected, experiencing an 81% rise in attacks during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite these figures, Belgium achieved the top position in the National Cyber Security Index in 2023, reflecting its robust cybersecurity measures.
Behind Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0
Belgium’s journey in securing its digital environment dates back to 2012 when it launched its first Cybersecurity Strategy. This initial approach focused on identifying and mitigating cyber threats while improving the response to potential incidents. However, with rapid technological advancements and increasing digital interconnectivity, a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach was needed.
In 2021, the National Security Council (NSC) approved the Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0, a plan designed to strengthen Belgium’s digital ecosystem and minimize its vulnerability to cyberattacks. In 2025, the nation continues to advance its implementation of this strategy, adapting to new and sophisticated cyber threats while ensuring that its digital infrastructure remains secure.
Interesting Read: NIS2 Directive and Cyber Resilience Act: An Update on Cybersecurity Standards
Core Objectives of the Strategy
The Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 revolves around six core objectives that collectively aim to bolster the nation’s digital defense. These objectives are strategically designed to address current cyber challenges while laying a strong foundation for future digital security.
1. Enhancing Digital Environment and Trust
The strategy emphasizes creating a safe and trustworthy digital environment for citizens, businesses, and government institutions. This involves improving cybersecurity standards, promoting best practices, and ensuring that digital infrastructure remains resilient against evolving threats.
2. Empowering Digital Users and Administrators
Acknowledging that human error often contributes to cybersecurity breaches, the strategy focuses on equipping users and network administrators with the necessary skills and knowledge to safeguard their systems. This is achieved through educational campaigns, technical training, and the dissemination of cybersecurity guidelines.
3. Protecting Critical Infrastructure
A major priority of the Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 is to protect critical infrastructure, such as power grids, healthcare systems, and financial institutions, from potential cyberattacks. The Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to safeguard these vital assets.
4. Responding to Cyber Threats
Rapid and effective response to cyber incidents is a key focus of the strategy. This involves enhancing Belgium’s incident response capabilities, strengthening coordination among relevant authorities, and developing clear response protocols in case of large-scale cyberattacks.
5. Promoting Public-Private-Academic Collaboration
The strategy recognizes the importance of collective responsibility in addressing cyber threats. It seeks to foster collaboration among government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions to drive innovation, share knowledge, and develop advanced cybersecurity solutions.
6. Strengthening International Commitments
Belgium aims to strengthen its role in international cybersecurity efforts by aligning its national policies with European Union (EU) initiatives and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) commitments. This includes adhering to the EU’s Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive and the Cybersecurity Act, which promote cross-border cooperation and establish a unified security framework across Europe.
“Cybersecurity is not only a priority for Belgium; it also represents a huge opportunity for our companies and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), which have a lot of expertise in this field,” noted Alexander De Croo, former Prime Minister of Belgium.
We will continue to invest in the protection of our citizens and our systems against cybercriminals and, at the same time, we will do everything in our power to develop an ecosystem that promotes innovation in the field of cybersecurity in Belgium.
Implementation and Coordination
The successful continued implementation of the Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 relies heavily on the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB), which is tasked with monitoring, coordinating, and overseeing the strategy’s execution. The CCB plays a critical role in facilitating cooperation among stakeholders and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve the strategy’s objectives.
“The outlined Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 aims to make Belgium one of the least vulnerable countries in Europe in terms of cybersecurity by 2025,” emphasized Miguel De Bruycker, Managing Director Center for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB).
Furthermore, Belgium’s commitment to cybersecurity is evident through its inclusion of cyber resilience as a key pillar in the National Plan for Recovery and Resilience submitted to the European Commission (EC). This plan allocates significant funding to strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure, supporting research, and enhancing national response capabilities.
Addressing Future Challenges
While the Cybersecurity Strategy 2.0 marks a significant leap in strengthening Belgium’s digital defense, it also acknowledges the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. With the increasing adoption of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and 5G networks, new vulnerabilities will inevitably arise.
To stay ahead of these threats, Belgium must continuously review and update its cybersecurity measures, investing in advanced threat detection systems, promoting cyber hygiene, and strengthening international partnerships. Additionally, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among individuals and organizations remains a critical element in reducing overall vulnerability.
