A recent cyberattack on a Dutch police account has raised concerns about potential foreign government involvement, according to Justice and Security Minister David van Weel. The breach, which occurred last week, exposed work-related contact details of all Dutch police officers. Van Weel informed lawmakers that Dutch intelligence agencies believe a state actor is likely responsible for the attack.
The Dutch police force, the largest employer in the country with nearly 63,000 staff, is working closely with national security partners to mitigate the impact of the breach and safeguard its employees. The minister emphasized that efforts are underway to protect police personnel and prevent further damage.
While details of the ongoing investigation were not disclosed, the government assured that personal information beyond names and details of ongoing investigations was not compromised in the hack. The Netherlands Police Union expressed deep concern over the breach, emphasizing the importance of data protection and identifying the perpetrators.
Dutch police chief Janny Knol addressed the fears of staff members following the breach, highlighting the significance of ensuring a secure work environment to uphold safety measures in the field. The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service had previously warned about cyber threats from countries like China and Russia targeting national interests in the Netherlands.
