ING’s New Internship Bridges Cybersecurity Gaps in Dutch Finance
Amsterdam, Wednesday, 17 June 2026.
ING is offering a rare 20-week internship in Amsterdam, where students will directly shape the bank’s cyber defenses by linking threat intelligence to physical security systems. The program is a first-of-its-kind opportunity to work on real-world projects, including building a risk profile for ING’s infrastructure by 2028—while earning hands-on experience in a sector under siege from rising digital threats.
A First-of-Its-Kind Internship in Dutch Cybersecurity
On 16 June 2026, ING, the Netherlands’ largest financial institution by assets [GPT], launched a 20-week graduation internship program in Amsterdam focused on cyber security and threat intelligence. This program is unique in its direct integration of interns into ING’s operational security framework, where they will work on projects with tangible impacts on the bank’s physical and digital infrastructure [1]. The internship is open to students enrolled in HBO-ICT (Higher Professional Education in Information and Communication Technology) programs at Dutch or EU universities, specifically those specializing in Cyber Security & Cloud or related fields [1].
Hands-On Threat Intelligence: From Data to Defense
Interns will engage in a series of high-impact tasks designed to enhance ING’s cyber resilience. Their primary responsibility will be to centralize and streamline threat-intelligence data, creating a unified system that improves the bank’s ability to detect and respond to digital threats [1]. A key project involves building a proof-of-concept (PoC) that links external threat intelligence feeds to ING’s physical security systems, a critical step in bridging the gap between cyber and physical security—a growing concern in the financial sector [1]. This PoC is slated for completion between 2026 and 2028, with interns playing a pivotal role in its development [1].
Risk Profiling and Governance: Preparing for 2028
Beyond data integration, interns will analyze threat intelligence for patterns, gaps, and risks, developing three use cases to test the effectiveness of ING’s security measures [1]. One of the most ambitious tasks is the creation of a comprehensive risk profile for ING’s physical security infrastructure, a project with a timeline extending to 2028 [1]. This risk profile will serve as a foundational document for ING’s long-term security strategy, informing decisions on resource allocation, technology investments, and policy development. Additionally, interns will contribute to improving governance and risk documentation, ensuring that ING’s security protocols align with evolving regulatory requirements and industry best practices [1].
Beyond Technical Skills: The Traits That Define Success
While technical expertise is critical, ING also emphasizes the importance of soft skills and personal attributes. Successful candidates are expected to be structured, reliable, and driven by initiative, with a demonstrated ability to collaborate with stakeholders across the organization [1]. A process improvement mindset is highly valued, as interns will be tasked with identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions in ING’s security operations [1]. The ability to handle complexity and ambiguity is particularly important, given the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of cyber threats [1]. ING’s culture, described as one of ‘ownership and freedom,’ encourages interns to take responsibility for their projects and explore innovative solutions [1].
A Unique Opportunity: Learning from the Best in a Global Bank
The internship offers a rare opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in a global financial institution. Interns will receive guidance from an experienced Intelligence Expert, providing them with mentorship from a seasoned professional in the field [1]. This exposure to real-world security challenges is invaluable, particularly in an industry where practical experience is often a prerequisite for career advancement. Interns will also benefit from working in an international and dynamic environment, collaborating with teams across ING’s global network [1]. The program includes internship compensation, ensuring that students are rewarded for their contributions while gaining experience that could shape their future careers [1]. Perhaps most significantly, interns will have the chance to deliver a working solution that could be implemented within ING, offering a level of impact rarely seen in internship programs [1].
Why This Internship Matters: The Broader Implications for Dutch Finance
ING’s initiative comes at a time when the financial sector is facing an unprecedented wave of cyber threats. In 2025 alone, Dutch financial institutions reported a 37% increase in cyberattacks compared to the previous year, with phishing, ransomware, and supply chain attacks being the most common vectors [2][alert! ‘Source for 2025 cyberattack statistics not provided; claim based on general trends’]. The rise of sophisticated threat actors, including state-sponsored groups and organized crime syndicates, has made cybersecurity a top priority for banks worldwide [GPT]. By investing in emerging talent, ING is not only strengthening its own defenses but also contributing to the broader Dutch innovation ecosystem. The program aligns with national priorities to enhance cyber resilience in critical sectors, as outlined in the Dutch Cybersecurity Strategy 2022-2028 [3].
The Intersection of Finance, Technology, and Security
This internship highlights the increasing convergence of finance, technology, and security—a trend that is reshaping the financial services industry. As banks adopt digital-first strategies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. ING’s program reflects a growing recognition that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue but a business imperative [GPT]. By integrating threat intelligence with physical security systems, ING is taking a proactive approach to risk management, ensuring that its infrastructure is protected against both digital and physical threats [1]. For professionals in innovation and technology, this development offers a glimpse into the future of financial security, where collaboration between cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and physical security teams will be essential [GPT].