Three-Quarters of Dutch Citizens Affected by Cybercrime
The Hague, Monday, 29 September 2025.
A recent study reveals that nearly 75% of Dutch citizens experienced cybercrime attempts last year, highlighting a need for greater digital security awareness.
Rising Cybercrime Concerns
The Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands has highlighted a significant rise in cybercrime, with nearly 75% of Dutch citizens facing attempted cybercrime activities such as phishing and phone fraud over the past year [1]. This alarming statistic underscores the importance of increasing awareness and implementing digital security measures among the population.
Generative AI in the Workplace
Despite the rise in cyber threats, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are being increasingly utilized in workplaces, with 36% of employees reporting familiarity with these technologies [1]. However, there remains a gap in comprehensive guidelines, as only 26% of employees believe their organizations have clear policies for managing potential AI-related risks [1]. This indicates a need for better regulatory frameworks to ensure safe and effective use of AI in business environments.
SMEs and Cybersecurity Challenges
A concerning finding from the study is that one in five small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have yet to adopt any cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to digital threats [1]. The Dutch government, through initiatives like the Digital Trust Center, is offering subsidies to help these businesses improve their cyber resilience by covering up to 50% of cybersecurity implementation costs [1].
Government Initiatives and Future Plans
To tackle the escalating cybercrime issue, the Ministry of Economic Affairs is actively promoting digital resilience among businesses and citizens. The ‘My Cyber-Resilient Business’ subsidy, available until October 31, 2025, aims to incentivize SMEs to adopt robust cybersecurity measures by subsidizing costs for essentials like antivirus software and two-step verification [1]. Additionally, the ministry plans to integrate the Digital Trust Center with the National Cyber Security Center by January 2026, further strengthening the cybersecurity framework [1].