Frisian municipalities are collaborating to combat cyber threats

On Monday, April 13, Frisian municipalities, students, and ethical hackers participated in Hack.FRL to practice how to identify and respond to cyberattacks more quickly. Hack.FRL is a day during which participants simulate realistic digital disruptions to learn how to safely restore services.

The event was organized by RIEC Noord-Nederland. This is the Regional Information and Expertise Center that assists municipalities in preventing and combating subversive crime, including digital threats.

Tytsjerksteradiel also took part. We identified vulnerabilities and learned how to keep our systems robust and secure.

Cyber Mayor Anja Haga, who is also mayor of the municipality of Dantumadiel, emphasized the importance of digital resilience: “A cyberattack isn’t just about systems going down; it’s about a society being disrupted. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Waiting is not an option for municipalities; we must take action now. That is why I am very pleased with Hack.FRL. It helps us as municipalities to take the right steps and strengthen our digital resilience.”

Hack.FRL is therefore an important next step in strengthening Friesland’s digital and physical resilience. It demonstrates how collaboration between government, education, and the business community can make a difference.