Dutch cybersecurity businesses more than quadruple in five years

The number of businesses in the Netherlands specialising in cybersecurity has more than quadrupled in five years, rising to 962 at the start of the fourth quarter of 2026 from 233 in the same period of 2021, according to an analysis of Chamber of Commerce figures by ANP. [1]

The figures point to a rapidly expanding sector serving organisations seeking advice on data protection and online safety, help managing digital systems, and staff training. There were just over 100 such businesses in the Netherlands at the start of 2020, the report said.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) said several factors may have contributed to the increase. A spokeswoman said legislation such as the Cybersecurity Act had probably played a role, while cybersecurity was receiving greater attention as organisations grappled with the effects of artificial intelligence.

The NCSC also said growing automation and dependence on IT systems could increase demand for security services. AI may make it easier to find and exploit weaknesses in those systems, it said.

The Dutch Data Protection Authority received more than 39,000 reports of data breaches last year, up from nearly 24,000 in 2020. Businesses have been required to report data breaches since 2016.

The NCSC said organisations remain responsible for their own cybersecurity strategies and measures. Specialist firms can support that work, but security cannot be outsourced entirely, it said. Cyber incidents at individual organisations can also affect essential services and other organisations.