Ethical Hackers to Test Zoetermeer's Cybersecurity in Unique Event
Zoetermeer, Tuesday, 10 September 2024.
On October 8, 2024, the Dutch municipality of Zoetermeer will host ‘ZeroDayZoetermeer’, inviting ethical hackers to probe its digital defenses. This innovative event aims to identify vulnerabilities and enhance the city’s cybersecurity, offering participants a chance to showcase their skills and contribute to public safety.
Event Overview
The ZeroDayZoetermeer event will take place at the Dutch Innovation Factory within the Dutch Innovation Park, providing a collaborative and dynamic environment for participants. Scheduled from 13:00 to 19:00, the event will offer a full afternoon of hacking challenges, complete with meals and refreshments. Participants are required to bring their own laptops and tools, as they will be working in teams of up to five members to break through the municipality’s digital security systems.
Objective and Importance
The primary objective of ZeroDayZoetermeer is to uncover potential vulnerabilities in Zoetermeer’s digital infrastructure. By inviting ethical hackers to test the security measures in place, the municipality aims to proactively identify and mitigate weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors. This initiative not only strengthens Zoetermeer’s cybersecurity but also serves as a practical learning experience for participants, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications.
Benefits of Ethical Hacking
Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, involves legally probing systems to find and fix security flaws before they can be exploited by cybercriminals. This practice is crucial for maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of digital assets. By participating in ZeroDayZoetermeer, ethical hackers will gain hands-on experience, enhance their problem-solving skills, and contribute to the overall security of public infrastructure. Moreover, such events help build a community of skilled cybersecurity professionals who are essential in combating the increasing threats in the digital world.
Organizers and Contacts
ZeroDayZoetermeer is organized by the Dutch municipality of Zoetermeer with support from educational institutions such as mboRijnland and De Haagse Hogeschool. The event provides a platform for students and professionals to collaborate and network. Interested participants can contact Damian Ashworth from mboRijnland at Dashworth@mborijnland.nl or Mike Gilhespy from De Haagse Hogeschool at m.d.gilhespy@hhs.nl for more information and registration details.
The Growing Need for Cybersecurity
As digital transformation continues to accelerate, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical. Cybersecurity protects internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyberattacks. These attacks can lead to significant financial losses, data breaches, and erosion of public trust. According to Cisco Systems, cybersecurity involves protecting systems and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and disruptions, which are essential for maintaining the functionality and reliability of modern digital infrastructure[2].