Disruptive technologies have put organisations and their systems under pressure in recent years. Machines processing enormous amounts of data are all too often poorly or insufficiently secured. "The security of OT systems is an underestimated problem. The software on which they run is commonly outdated, and rarely updated. Hence, if a company becomes the victim of a cyber attack, the impact is immediate and often incalculable," says Bart Steukers.
Moreover, only one in four manufacturing companies is said to have a proper contingency plan covering both IT and OT systems. "This is why we need to create more awareness about cyber security, because every link in a production environment is vulnerable. One solution is training staff intensively to recognise threats. If everyone realises what can happen, then the biggest risk - the human factor - can be largely eliminated."
More than 3,700 vacancies for IT professionals
In too many smaller organisations, there is insufficient awareness of cyber risks. Yet they are at least as vulnerable to criminals as the larger corporations. "The existing NIS Directive is not applicable to many companies. Moreover, the regulation is quite technical and open to interpretation. Tailor-made cyber insurance for SMEs, with a number of clear conditions, could be a good alternative and a driver for change."
At the same time, Agoria’s CEO argues that every company should sharpen its employees' digital competences. "Today, every job involves a digital component, so training courses should pay more attention to those competences. On top of that, we need more IT and cyber professionals. The new courses that several colleges and universities have set up are promising. Thanks to cooperation with our sector, they are also very practice-oriented. We hope this will lead to a situation where talent multiplies."
We need to catch up in cyber security, yet currently there are 3,700 vacant positions. "Even then, we are only talking about the professionals," notes Bart. "We really need to make an effort to teach all employees the right skills. If that does not happen, no fewer than 47,000 jobs could be at risk. If we create enough awareness and provide companies with the right tools, I am convinced that we can save those jobs."
The added value of the Cyber Security Coalition
Building the right skills is what the future will be about. And the Cyber Security Coalition can play a role in that. "The Coalition is the largest network of security experts in Belgium. We bring together academics and professionals to learn from each other, and become even better at cyber security. If we can increase our collective knowledge, develop the right tools in cooperation with businesses, and inspire talent, then I am hopeful for the future," concludes Bart Steukers.