Working Worldwide for the Security of the Netherlands | 20 | Working Worldwide for the Security of the Netherlands As concluded in the National Cybersecurity Assessment,7 the country’s digital resilience continues to lag behind the growing threat. Digital attacks are committed to steal corporate information or high-grade technological and other forms of knowledge. Digital developments like the internet of things, smart grids, robotics, self-driving cars and other unmanned systems are creating new dependencies and, consequently, vulnerabilities. The possibility of working from abroad and the high level of anonymity, together with the lack of a normative framework, mean that those who misuse the internet run relatively few risks. The threshold for using digital resources is low, they are cheap, it is difficult to trace the real actors and their potential reach is enormous. With its open and globalised economy and free society, the Netherlands has a stake in a free, open and safe internet, in countries outside as well as within Europe. The Dutch economy is highly digitalised, and the opportunities that technological developments offer in this area must be protected and safeguarded. 3.5 Threats to vital economic processes 3.3 Undesirable foreign interference and disruption The extent to which economy and politics are interwoven is also reflected in the deployment by state actors of digital and military resources for political and economic purposes. Obstructing physical (e.g. shipping routes) and digital (e.g. deep-sea cables) supply lines can threaten the continuity of trade and therefore energy and resource security. This affects both the European and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom. The increasing polarisation in international relations also gives rise to economic security risks. The situation in the Horn of Africa is a case in point: instability in the region led to piracy on some of the Netherlands’ key shipping routes. The Netherlands is increasingly confronted with foreign interference. Some actors are trying to destabilise European and Dutch society in order to expand their own economic and political sphere of influence. These threats include disinformation disseminated by state actors, activities of international hackers’ collectives, digital espionage and sabotage, as well as efforts to influence migrant communities in the Netherlands in pursuit of nationalist aims and undesirable foreign financing of religious institutions and places of worship. Undesirable foreign intervention in third countries also has an impact on Dutch society, by destabilising and eroding the rule of law in countries on the periphery of Europe. 3.4 Military threats There is a growing threat to our territory and that of our allies from countries that are becoming more assertive militarily. That entails a risk of armed conflict, even if this is not the main objective of a hostile threat. Hostile actions are often primarily aimed at eroding solidarity among allies and take place in the spectrum of hybrid activities. That can lead to an unforeseen and undesirable escalation of violence. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine and violations of European allies’ airspace by non-allied countries’ fighter aircraft are examples of these threats. The military threat also has a nuclear component. The increased threat level makes continued NATO deterrence essential. At the same time, nuclear arms control, disarmament and risk-reduction measures remain necessary. The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is also a continued cause for concern (see section 3.6). 7. Cybersecuritybeeld Nederland 2017 (National Cybersecurity Assessment for 2017), 21 June 2017. Foreign takeovers and investments make a major contribution to the Netherlands’ prosperity. At the same time, economy and politics are becoming increasingly interwoven. For that reason, caution is advisable with regard to takeovers in sectors where vital processes may affect national security. Economic security entails keeping trade routes open, combating cyber espionage, ensuring the supply of energy and raw materials and safeguarding national security when investments are made. Investments can affect national security if they undermine the continuity of vital processes, lead to strategic dependency and or affect the integrity of information, especially if it is confidential. In its forthcoming foreign trade and development cooperation policy document, the government will also try to strike a balance between promoting prosperity and safeguarding national security. 3.6 Threat of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons As mentioned above, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) remains a cause for concern. Emerging military powers and non-state actors are less and less bound, if at all, by international agreements. The risk of incidents or armed conflict involving WMDs is growing, as shown by the use of chemical weapons in Syria, the nuclear ambitions of North Korea and the expanding knowledge and capabilities of terrorist groups in the field of WMDs. It is crucial to obtain insight into the intentions and capabilities of state actors that possess, or may possess, these weapons. Besides CBRN weapons, the proliferation of high-grade weapon systems and military technology is also a concern. Recent developments in North Korea are alarming: with its current arsenal of operational ballistic missiles, the country is capable of launching strikes on Japan and South Korea, while it is developing missiles that will eventually equip it to attack the US and Europe. | 21 |