Risk, Resilience & Compliance

Data & AI

Government and Public Sector

Most important obligations in the AI Act: how to comply now?

Break through in regulation of AI: The AI Act

This text is translated from Dutch with the help of AI - On December 8, 2023, the European Union reached a preliminary political agreement on the Artificial Intelligence Regulation (hereafter referred to as the AI Act). The final text is formal approved by the European Parliament. 20 days after official publication the AI Act will enter into force. This landmark legislation marks the EU's first step towards regulating artificial intelligence, targeting developers, distributors, and users of AI systems, including those systems used for predictions, classifications, and analyses.
The potential impact on governments and businesses deploying AI systems is significant. In this insight, we'll walk you through the key obligations, how they affect your organization, and proactive steps you can take to ensure compliance.

Sabine Steenwinkel-den Daas

Germany

Netherlands

France

Digital

Responsible AI: how to achieve AI fairness with understanding and mitigation bias by AI

Bias in AI Explained

This text is translated from Dutch with the help of AI - "Tell me honestly, what's your biggest fear when it comes to algorithms and AI?" When I ask people this question, the response often is, "AI-systems discriminate!" And of course, discriminating is far from desirable. But how do we ensure that algorithms don't discriminate?
First and foremost, it's important to understand that algorithms themselves do not discriminate. However, algorithms can be developed in ways that lead to unwanted or undesired distinctions in representation of groups in the result. This is commonly referred to as "bias" in technical terms. 
Essentially, if you have control over the bias within the algorithm, you also minimalize discrimination. In this insight, I will explain how to achieve this. Let's start by answering the question: What is bias?

Control AI risks and make impact: top criteria for responsible deployment of AI systems

In control of your AI systems

This text is translated from Dutch with the help of AI - Have you ever heard or said within your organization, "We're working with data/algorithms/AI" or "We have plenty of data initiatives, but scaling within the organization is challenging"? These questions all boil down to one main question: How do you ensure that you apply the right algorithms in the right way?

When is transparancy on AI sufficient? Comply to the AI Act with an algorithm registry?

Transparency with algorithm registry?

This article has been translated from Dutch with the help of AI: In an era where algorithms exert increasing influence on our daily lives, maintaining control over the latest developments and being transparent about them is more important than ever. This leads us to a crucial question: when is the openness and transparency surrounding these algorithms sufficient? The answer is not simple, because transparency goes beyond just registering the algorithm. In this article, we delve deeper into the steps needed to start working on transparent and responsible use of algorithms at 5 maturity levels.

Digital Strategy & Execution

Highberg's strategy against rising cybersecurity threats in industrial automation

ICS Security: setting new standards

Cybersecurity threats industrial automation (ICS/SCADA)

The world of Industrial Automation (IA) is increasingly facing cybersecurity threats. Not only foreign nuclear power plants have already been hacked, but also the first objects of our vital infrastructure. VKA has therefore developed a multidisciplinary approach to take IA to the desired higher level.

Huub Koninkx

Focus decision-making outside the boundaries of the program organization

Innovation in chains

Innovation in chains: focus decision-making outside the boundaries of the program organization

This past year I had the pleasure of being program manager for an ambitious "bottom up" initiative for exchange and reuse of soil data (chain computerization) of government and network operators. Many parties were involved such as municipalities and provinces but also dozens of (semi)private companies. At the time of writing this post, the program has temporarily stopped: the principals are looking for a way to regain funding and participation. In this blog, I briefly reflect on events and how additional measures can help this program - and other similar programs.

Ruud Boot

IT department, are you still there?

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The world is changing rapidly, and with the advent of technological advancements, many organizations are being driven by digitization.
Within information provision (IT), also known as the IT department, it's no different. Think of the arrival of technologies like GenAI and Data Management. The business departments of an organization want to anticipate these changes.
To facilitate this, IT departments are facing increasingly greater challenges. They are often very busy ensuring the basics of their services are in order, passing audits, and meeting the year's forecasts. Due to this focus, there is often insufficient time to truly respond to all developments.
It's time to pull the handbrake, look around, and collaborate closely with the business.
Because I see more and more in practice that the business is following its own IV path. A path without the IT department. In this blog I describe in broad terms what you can do to make an active contribution to this as an IT department.

Jessica Drake Wetsteijn

An integrated architectural approach for robust ICS/SCADA security

Working in architecture

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Last year showed how vulnerable our infrastructure sometimes is as a result of cyber attacks. For example, PETYA caused non-functioning cranes at Maersk's container terminal, and non-functioning sorting machines at TNT. Also recently, some banks have proved inaccessible due to a DDos attack. Until now, mostly technical and related organizational measures have been taken to deal with such cybersecurity threats. However, it is slowly dawning on us that reactive measures will not be sufficient in the future if we want to guarantee the continuity of such infrastructure. So how do we really get our Operational Technology (OT/ICS/SCADA) properly secured?

Stop muddling through and start working under architecture

Battling invisible cyber threats in our digital realm

That other pandemic...

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The Corona crisis has once again made us aware of the vulnerability of our (open) society. Yet we have known for much longer that vulnerability to viruses also lurks in an entirely different world; our digital society.

Rutger Gooszen

IT and I(I)OT are converging, now what, evolution or revolution?

IT and OT Fusion: managing change

IT and OT converging, how do we keep a grip on this (r) evolution?

IT and I(I)OT are converging, developments are accelerating, now what, evolution or revolution? 
Actually, there are 3 major developments happening simultaneously in the world of operational technology (OT). First, the number of business and management processes that require both office automation (IT) and OT to be available is growing; with or without interfaces between them. Applications are growing, but information security is not automatically growing with them. This makes a second development even more important, that of growing external threats, with most in the news ransomware, such as previously at Maersk, recently at the Gelderland security region. Last but not least, there is a new player in this domain, dubbed by someone the "IoT virus. It often starts with 'sensors,' but eventually it involves large data streams, which need to be controlled. Lots of potential but immature in terms of security, thus vulnerable. What should enterprise management do with this? Adapt quickly to these new developments, at the risk of making mistakes because of this speed? Opt for evolution or revolution? Our answer is 'both', but according to a controlled change approach, in which IT and OT are aligned, with a stepped Architecture process and appropriate Communication at each stakeholder level.

Discover the importance of data subject rights under the GDPR

Why the rights of data subjects are important

Waarom de rechten van betrokkenen onder de AVG zo belangrijk zijn

In today's digital world, personal data is everywhere. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) grants individuals specific rights regarding their personal data. But why are these rights so important, even if people rarely actively use them?

Frank van Vonderen

Why the rights of data subjects under the GDPR are so important?

Discover the crucial privacy requirements to consider when selecting a SaaS provider

Privacy requirements for a SaaS supplier

Essentiële privacy eisen voor het kiezen van een Saa S leverancier

Choosing a SaaS provider is a decision that goes beyond just functionality and price. In a world where data is one of the most valuable assets of an organization, privacy and data protection are becoming increasingly important. But what are the key privacy requirements that a SaaS provider must meet?

Essential privacy requirements for choosing a SaaS supplier

Privacy by Design: protection at the heart of algorithms

Is Privacy by Design important in algorithms?

Privacy by Design: Protection at the heart of algorithms

What is Privacy by Design?

Privacy by Design is a strategy that focuses on integrating privacy protection into technological products and systems from the outset. This approach means that privacy is a fundamental part of the design process, rather than an addition or adjustment made afterwards.

How can organizations make privacy by design concrete and actionable?

Het concreet maken van Privacy by Design

Making Privacy by Design Concrete: Practical Steps for Implementation

In today's digital age, where data is ubiquitous and privacy concerns are at the forefront, incorporating privacy by design principles into the development of products and services is paramount. Privacy by design refers to the practice of considering privacy and data protection from the outset of the design process, rather than as an afterthought. But how can organizations make privacy by design concrete and actionable?

Learn how your organization must act in the event of a data breach, under the GDPR

Navigating a data breach: step-by-step

A data breach is like an unexpected storm in the world of data protection. It can happen to anyone, but rest assured: the GDPR offers an umbrella in this storm. This blog guides you step by step through the process of managing a data breach according to the GDPR, so your organization can quickly become dry and safe again.

Organizations are required to keep such a register, what are the benefits?

Benefits of register of processing operations

What is a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA)?

What is a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA)?


A Record of Processing Activities is a detailed overview in which organizations document how personal data is processed. This includes information about the types of data collected, the purpose of the processing, with whom the data is shared, and how it is secured. According to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), organizations are required to maintain such a record.

Benefits of a register of processing operations under the GDPR

Are your actions complying with the GDPR? This guide will help you navigate the GDPR

How to know if it's allowed under the GDPR?

How to know if something is allowed under the GDPR

Since its introduction in 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has brought about many changes in how companies handle personal data. However, understanding the GDPR can be challenging, and it is often not immediately clear whether certain actions are allowed. This blog post provides a clear explanation of how you can determine if your practices are in line with the GDPR.

How to know if something is allowed under the GDPR: a practical tool

Having a DPO is essential to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

How to find a DPO that fits your organization

Hoe vind je een Functionaris Gegevensbescherming (FG) die perfect bij je organisatie past

In an era where data protection and privacy are becoming increasingly important, finding a suitable Data Protection Officer (DPO) becomes a crucial task for many organizations. Whether it's a large corporation, an SME, or a non-profit organization, having a competent DPO is essential to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But how do you find a DPO who fits perfectly with the needs and culture of your organization? Here are some tips.

How to find a Data Protection Officer (DPO) that fits your organization perfectly

Creating a data transfer impact assessment: a step-by-step guide

The importance of a DTIA

Hoe voer je een DTIA uit

In the era of globalization and digital expansion, data is continuously sent around the world. As a result, a Data Transfer Impact Assessment (DTIA) has become essential. This assessment helps organizations evaluate the risks and compliance requirements associated with transferring personal data across borders. In this blog, we will take you step by step through the process of creating an effective DTIA.

How do you conduct a DTIA?

How policymakers can make ethical and measurable trade-offs when using AI and algorithms

The Importance of an Ethical Framework

Welcome to the Dynamic World of AI and Algorithms! These technologies are transforming our lives, but they also bring ethical challenges. How do we ensure that AI is fair, transparent, and accountable? We focus on establishing an ethical framework for policymakers and the general public, with steps and criteria for ethical considerations in the world of AI.

The question is not whether there will be casualties as a result of a cyberattack but when

Vulnerability SCADA to Cybersecurity Attacks

Vulnerability of SCADA Systems to Cybersecurity Attacks

Many different organizations and companies use SCADA/ICS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition/Industrial Control Systems) systems in various ways in their primary (production) processes or products. This includes manufacturing companies, control of bridges and locks, electric cars, equipment in intensive care units, as well as pacemakers and wireless insulin pumps. IoT (Internet of Things) is also playing an increasingly significant role in this context.

Koos van der Spek

Is a new trend emerging in the world of hackers: data leaks as a business model?

Data Leaks as a Business Model?

Cyber Extortion: Data Leaks as a Business Model?

Is a new trend emerging in the world of hackers: data leaks as a business model? With the worst of the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) storm settling down and the era of "can't do it, it's against GDPR" hopefully behind us, hackers are discovering a new source of income: fear of fines.

Bart Giesbers

Where lies the Ownership of Risks and Measures in Information Security?

Ownership of Risks in Information Security

Information security is everyone's responsibility! Most people who have ever been an audience member for a presentation on this subject have heard the above statement at some point. It's a true statement but one that remains somewhat cryptic in practice for many.

Steven Debets

Other organizations have realized that it would have been handy if there had been a BCP.

Questions Your BCP Should Answer

Over the past few weeks, many organizations have been able to put their business continuity plans (BCP) into practice. Other organizations have realized that it would have been handy if there had been a BCP. Which category does your organization fall into? In any case, we've all been busy brainstorming scenarios and gathering data to gain control over the things coming our way.

Cyber incidents are having an increasingly significant impact: Reduce this response time.

Cyber Crisis Management: Joint Responsibility

Cyber Crisis Management: A Joint Responsibility

In two-thirds of organizations, it takes a minimum of two hours to take action after discovering a cyber incident. For one-fifth of organizations, it takes more than four hours. This information comes from the international study Cyber Resilience 2016 by the Business Continuity Institute. Considering that cyber incidents are having an increasingly significant impact, it's essential to reduce this response time. But what causes so much time to be lost?

Increasingly concrete threats posed by the digitally interconnected world.

Cloud Strategy & Security: Collaboration?

Cloud Strategy and Security: Seeking Collaboration

Cybersecurity is the central theme of this year's Business Continuity Awareness Week, and it's no wonder. Individuals and businesses are feeling more vulnerable than ever due to the increasingly concrete threats posed by the digitally interconnected world.

Part 2 addresses the disadvantages, risks, and possible next steps.

Digital Euro: A Blessing or a Curse? Part 2

The Digital Euro: A Blessing or a Curse? Part 2 – Disadvantages, Dangers, and Next Steps

This is Part 2 of a two-part series of articles on the digital euro. Part 1 discussed the background and emergence of the digital euro and its potential advantages (you can read Part 1 here). Part 2 addresses the disadvantages, risks, and possible next steps.

Paul Helmich

This part covers the background and rise of the digital euro and its potential benefits.

The Digital Euro: Blessing or Curse? Part 1

The Digital Euro: Blessing or Curse? Part 1 – Background, Rise, and Benefits

This is Part 1 in a series of 2 articles about the digital euro. This part covers the background and rise of the digital euro and its potential benefits. Part 2 discusses the drawbacks, risks, and possible next steps (you can read Part 2 here).

In this blog, you will learn what you absolutely need to know about DORA.

Seven Things You Need to Know About DORA

The European Union (EU) is deeply concerned about IT risks and cybersecurity in financial sector organizations. They respond with the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) to the increasing digitization within the financial sector and the growing threats from (cyber)criminal organizations and hostile powers.

Nino van Leeuwen

How do we address the ongoing vulnerability of these systems?

Security of SCADA: Which Standard to Choose?

The Security of SCADA: Which Standard to Choose?

Recently, the results of a study by the University of Twente on the security of Dutch SCADA systems were presented. The research once again revealed that the security of these systems is far from adequate. Hundreds of components of SCADA systems with direct connections to the internet were found, which is a security risk. The question is, how do we address the ongoing vulnerability of these systems?

Floris Baauw

It is interesting to note that hackers are increasingly targeting the medical sector.

Security in the Biomedical Sector

Is There Also Attention to Security in the Biomedical Sector?

In January of this year, documents related to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine were published by hackers. These documents were obtained from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) while it was in the process of approving the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for the European market. Various media outlets subsequently claimed that a state actor was behind the hack. Whether it was a state actor, a hacking collective, or a lone wolf, it is interesting to note that hackers are increasingly targeting the medical sector.

Part two delves deeper into the reporting obligations under the Cybersecurity Act

Cybersecurity Act Focuses on BCM - Part 2

The Network and Information Systems Security Act (Cybersecurity Act) Focuses on Business Continuity Management (Part 2)

The Network and Information Systems Security Act (Wbni), commonly known as the Cybersecurity Act, aims to enhance digital security in the Netherlands. This Cybersecurity Act is based on the European Union's Network and Information Security Directive (NIS Directive), which encourages member states to improve their digital resilience and collaborate more effectively. In this two-part series, we focus on this new legislation. In our previous blog, we discussed who this legislation applies to and what mandatory measures are required. Part two of our series delves deeper into the reporting obligations under the Cybersecurity Act.

The Network and Information Systems Security Act (Cybersecurity Act) (part 1)

Cybersecurity Act Focuses on BCM - Part 1

The Network and Information Systems Security Act (Cybersecurity Act) Focuses on Business Continuity Management (Part 1)

The Network and Information Systems Security Act (Wbni), commonly known as the Cybersecurity Act, aims to enhance digital security in the Netherlands. This Cybersecurity Act is based on the European Union's Network and Information Security Directive (NIS Directive), which encourages member states to improve their digital resilience and collaborate more effectively.

Cybercriminals deliberately targeting hospitals that are combating the coronavirus

Healthcare institutions, beware of ransomware

Hospitals and other healthcare institutions, beware of ransomware!

While the entire Netherlands stands in support of healthcare during these challenging times, there are unfortunately individuals who want to take advantage of the situation. We are seeing cybercriminals deliberately targeting hospitals that are tirelessly combating the coronavirus. They are counting on hospitals having less focus on their information security during these busy times, making them vulnerable.

Ethical oversight crucial in AI integration. Data Ethics Officer ensures ethical standards

Does every business needs a Ethics Officer?

AI-Ethics: Does every organization need an Ethics Officer?

Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report" outlines a dystopian vision of the future in which a few individuals can predict crimes before they happen. Interesting, but what if these predictions are wrong, as happened in the film on occasion? These kinds of questions are now commonplace outside of Hollywood. Thanks to advanced computer technology, increasingly sophisticated algorithms are being developed. The past decade has taught us that risk in its application has not always received the attention it needed in hindsight. For example, "Follow The Money" recently revealed that until 2015, the Dutch police used an algorithm that estimated the risk of criminal behavior based in part on ethnicity. This could lead to preventive and repressive measures such as a person-centered approach. A person-centered approach can mean faster police action, such as preventive searches, confiscating money and valuables, and even providing mandatory care. In addition, families can be intervened with to prevent other family members, such as siblings, from taking the wrong path as well. Organizations have also used predictive algorithms in other public initiatives, such as SyRI and the benefits affair, sometimes with far-reaching consequences. 
With the rise of artificial intelligence, such as Chat-GPT, we can analyze huge data sets and identify patterns. However, the increasing power of AI also makes it challenging to assess the ethical aspects of an algorithm. 
While predictive systems can be valuable, proper oversight is essential to prevent (unintended) abuses. Given the complexity of these systems, I emphasize the importance of data ethics within public organizations, especially when combined with AI. We call this AI-ethics. This can start with the appointment of a data ethics specialist, with which the organization formally invests this responsibility. In this article, therefore, I discuss the role of a Data Ethics Officer.

Erik de Ruiter

The importance of SCADA cybersecurity for company executives and plant managers

The Importance of SCADA Cybersecurity

In my previous blog, I mentioned that I would delve further into the various aspects of our "SCADA Cybersecurity Poster." In this blog, I will discuss the importance of SCADA cybersecurity for company executives and plant managers. What aspects are crucial for them when it comes to SCADA cybersecurity?

A Highberg customer story: Better use of Dutch waterways

Better use of Dutch waterways

Met de aanleg van de tweede Maasvlakte maakt het containertransport een grote groei door. Nederland is hét Europese knooppunt van transport over water, onze vaarwegen behoren tot de drukste ter wereld. Vervoer over water is een uitstekend alternatief voor weg en spoor maar er blijft nog veel capaciteit onbenut. Om de potentie van onze vaarwegen goed te gebruiken moet daar verbetering in komen.

A Highberg customer story: Standardization of digital learning materials for schools

Standardization of digital learning materials

Standardization of digital learning materials for schools

A big change is quietly taking place in many primary and secondary school classrooms. Chalkboards and books have given way to smart boards, ipads and digital teaching methods. The digital content this requires is more in line with the experiences of today's children. In addition, digital teaching methods also have the advantage that schools can provide much better customized education and the progress per child can be tracked in a student tracking system.

Arjan van Venrooij

Arjan van VenrooijStandardization of digital learning materials for schools

Retail and Consumer Goods

A Highberg customer story: Bol, Optimal infrastructure for Holland's largest online store

Optimal infra Holland's largest online store

Online sales are growing phenomenally. In the past ten years, sales have more than quadrupled. And still the turnover increases every year with about 8 to 9 percent (source: Thuiswinkel Markt Monitor). For market leader Bol.com, this growth would not be possible without an optimally functioning ICT infrastructure. And optimal in this case means that the ICT just has to work all the time. An online customer is not very loyal and clicks through to another webshop. Especially in the crucial peak season around the holidays. This requires a state-of-the-art infrastructure that anticipates continuous growth.

Pim Schouten

Optimal infrastructure for Holland's largest online store

A Highberg customer story: Police, One identity in the criminal justice chain

One identity in the criminal justice chain

As soon as someone is arrested by the police, their identity must be established. This is important, for example to make sure that the right person is on trial and that it is the same person who is serving any sentence. To prevent mistaken identity and identity fraud, an unambiguous determination of that identity is essential. Not only at the police station, but at all organizations in the criminal justice chain (court, house of detention, prison, etc.).

William Swaters

People, Leadership & Culture

A Highberg customer story: Chain computerization in the immigration chain

Computerization in the immigration chain

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Those who enter our country as aliens or are found to be illegal immigrants go through step-by-step processes that may lead to them being granted a residence permit or visa or being deported from the country. This involves a chain of different organizations: the so-called aliens chain. The Direction Regie Vreemdelingenketen, part of the Ministry of Security and Justice, promotes cooperation between all chain partners.

Wilbert Enserink

Chain computerization in the immigration chain

A Highberg customer story:  Implementation of new application and digital pass system

 Implementation of digital pass system

Going to a dance class, the library, a birdwatching group, a debate, theater performance or, say, museum. For Amsterdam residents with a lower income, these activities are not always obvious. Based on the idea that everyone should be able to participate, the municipality of Amsterdam created the Stadspas over 25 years ago. A pass that offers all residents of the city the opportunity to enjoy the beauty that the city has to offer. "With the Stadspas, Amsterdam residents with a small wallet receive all kinds of financial benefits when undertaking activities or purchasing products in the areas of culture, recreation, exercise and health," says Harro Hoogerwerf, who has been working as head of the Poverty Reduction Department at the City of Amsterdam for the past year. "It's a product we are proud of, because through the City Pass we are creating more equal opportunities."

 Implementation of new application and digital pass system

A Highberg customer story: One learning environment for teacher and student

One learn environment for teacher and student

A typical university consists of a building where, as a student, you sit down behind one of the many computers, attend lectures and talk to lecturers in the corridors. The Open University is an odd duck in this respect, as there is no physical campus. Distance learning is a USP of the Open University (OU), but at the same time a pain point. Because how do you make sure the learning environment meets all the requirements and wishes of teachers and students?

Arjan van Venrooy

One learning environment for teacher and student

A Highberg Customer story: RWS, roads and waterways more secure

Roads and waterways more secure

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More and more human hands are giving way to digital processes, increasing the risk of hacks, cybersecurity failures and break-ins. Because governing is looking ahead, it is important to anticipate this now. But how do you tackle that? A good example of this is the Dutch Rijkswaterstaat (RWS), which in 2014 started a large program in which all (moveable) objects - or "works of art," as they are called within RWS - are tested for their security and, where necessary, made more resilient against cybersecurity threats.

A Highberg customer story: Information security in healthcare at Triade

Information security in healthcare

"Information security is a tricky concept. Many people when they hear this term think of ICT security, but it is much more than that. Healthcare providers do understand that you have to handle client files carefully, for example, but information security is also about protecting information about your own employees, the financial information, the access policy to locations. If you want to improve the information security of a healthcare institution, you have to deal with all processes within an organization: from policy to operational level. That's quite a job, because you have to get all the departments involved to want to cooperate."

Pon - Initiating digital transformation

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