Fundamental rights and freedoms are universally recognised, in both the real and digital world. They form the basis for an open, free and safe society. The Netherlands regards security and freedom as complementary, rather than conflicting, interests: a safe, secure society is a one where individuals’ fundamental rights and freedoms are protected. Indeed, promoting a safe digital environment can protect the rights of individuals who may be vulnerable or threatened. It is important for everyone living in the Netherlands who uses the internet that these rights are well protected in the rest of the world and that relevant agreements are honoured. 2.1.3 Security In the digital domain, security is a prerequisite not only for a well-functioning society, but also for confidence in our economy and the protection of rights online. The government has identified three security interests in this area: Interest: Protecting the Dutch public and Dutch companies from cybercrime Cybercrime is a transnational problem, and in the case of the Netherlands, the threat often originates abroad. Therefore, protecting businesses and the public in the Netherlands requires a highly coordinated international effort. To ensure that the rule of law is upheld in cyberspace, it is in the Netherlands’ interests that international regulations are in place with regard to operational cooperation, law enforcement and prosecution. Interest: International cooperation enhances the Netherlands’ resilience to disruptions to, breakdowns in and misuse of ICT. It is not possible to guarantee an open, free and stable digital domain without security. The Netherlands therefore works at national and international level to promote cybersecurity. Interest: The Netherlands defends its national security interests together with its international allies, so as to guarantee peace, security and stability in cyberspace. The three strategic interests set down in the International Security Strategy are equally applicable in cyberspace:  defence of our own and our allies’ territory;  an effective international legal order;  economic security. All of these interests have a significant digital component and are consequently exposed to the types of risks associated with cyber threats. 2.2 International threats Various malicious actors are making increasing use of the digital domain to pursue their interests, such as financial gain, the acquisition of information and political or military objectives. These trends and developments are discussed at length in the Netherlands’ annual Cybersecurity Assessment (CSBN). Threat: Both quantitatively and qualitatively, cybercrime originating abroad is a major threat to Dutch society. The Dutch economy is harmed by cybercrime and economic cyber espionage. Cybercriminals are increasingly well-organised, a trend that magnifies the potential damage caused by their activities. This trend is fuelled by the relatively low cost and limited risks associated with engaging in cybercrime or cyber espionage. The cost of mounting a robust defence is generally much higher than the cost of carrying out a cyberattack. Threat: State actors are using digital resources to advance their geopolitical interests in a way that can threaten Dutch national security. Increasingly, state actors are using digital resources for the purpose of exerting influence and engaging in sabotage and espionage, either as a general instrument of power or in specific conflict situations. This trend is inextricably linked to larger geopolitical developments. Russia’s possible AVT17/BZ122203 3