(IN BRIEF) A recent cybersecurity survey by ABN AMRO reveals that Dutch companies, particularly SMEs, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with many underestimating the risks from state actors and new cyber threats. The survey highlights gaps in awareness and preparedness for new European cybersecurity regulations, such as the NIS2 Directive. ABN AMRO continues to provide support for businesses, offering tools, advice, and insurance to help improve their digital resilience.
(PRESS RELEASE) AMSTERDAM, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — One in five Dutch companies reported harm from cyberattacks in 2024, with the most common consequences being financial loss, loss of customer data, and disrupted operations. Among large corporations, the figure rises to three in ten. These are the key findings of a cybersecurity survey conducted by ABN AMRO and MWM2, which surveyed 788 businesses. Despite nearly all companies reporting cyber incidents, many remain overly confident in their resilience, particularly smaller businesses. Their focus remains on prevention methods such as antivirus software and firewalls, but proactive measures for detecting and recovering from cyberattacks are often lacking. ABN AMRO warns that this is concerning, as financial losses can accumulate quickly and losing customer trust or intellectual property poses a strategic risk.
As geopolitical tensions rise, new cyber threats are emerging, including risks from generative AI and deepfakes. Despite these increasing threats, many businesses still underestimate the danger posed by state actors. “Geopolitical tensions are fueling cyber incidents, even in the Netherlands,” said Julia Krauwer, TMT Sector Banker at ABN AMRO. “State actors are targeting companies’ digital supply chains, often collaborating with cybercriminals. Authoritarian regimes are leveraging digital methods to cause chaos and weaken Europe, specifically targeting critical infrastructure and healthcare, exploiting weaknesses in supply chains.” Yet, only nine percent of companies regard state actors as a serious threat, highlighting the gap between perceived and real dangers.
The recent NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act are designed to strengthen the cyber resilience of critical sectors at the European level. The NIS2 Directive, which outlines requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain responsibility, is still largely unknown to many businesses. “Only two-thirds of large companies are aware of the NIS2 rules, and fewer than half of SMEs are informed. Many SMEs are unaware of how they may be indirectly impacted by the rules, especially when dealing with clients who are subject to these regulations,” explains Krauwer. With the legislation set to take effect in the third quarter of this year, it is crucial for businesses to take the final steps toward compliance.
Richard Verbrugge, Information Security Risk Officer at ABN AMRO, emphasizes that while large corporations generally have robust security measures in place, SMEs are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. Unfortunately, many of these businesses are unaware of the risks, which could also impact their suppliers and even entire supply chains. To support businesses in improving their digital resilience, ABN AMRO offers various services, including data protection, privacy safeguards, and cybersecurity consultations with its partner MMOX. The bank also hosts webinars, shares valuable information on its website, and offers specialized insurance to help businesses stay safe in an increasingly digital world.
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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.
