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Cybersecurity

The cultural sector embraces digital tools. From online exhibitions to digital collections, interactive audience programs, and smart use of data; the possibilities are endless! But with these opportunities also come risks. Cybercrime is a growing threat that can jeopardize your valuable heritage, sensitive data, and the continuity of your organization. 

At DEN, we understand the unique challenges énd opportunities within the cultural sector. On this page, you will find practical tools and advice to protect your organization.

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Tools and methods to get you started

DEN conducted research on cybersecurity within the cultural sector. The results showed that 3 out of 10 cultural organizations have experienced a cybercrime incident in the past three years. Cybersecurity is very dynamic and never 100% complete, but with these tools and methods, you can take (the first) steps.
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Checklist digital security for cultural organizations

  • Cybersecurity
  • Checklist
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CyberSafe Check for Culture

  • Cybersecurity
  • Tool
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Step-by-step plan: cybersecurity in cultural organizations

  • Cybersecurity
  • Article
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How do you ensure employees work cybersecurely? Five tips

  • Cybersecurity
  • Tips

Resilient in the digital world: get started with cybersecurity

Cultural institutions are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks. Digital collections, audience data, and internal processes are valuable and therefore attractive to cybercriminals. The Ministry of OCW emphasized the urgency of cybersecurity in a letter at the end of 2025 to collection managers and owners: cyber resilience is no longer a side issue but a necessary condition to continue working safely and sustainably.

How well is your organization prepared for digital threats énd for the consequences if something does go wrong? Whether you work at a large museum, a small archive, or a local stage: every organization is at risk. By taking action now, you not only reduce the chance of an incident but also ensure that you can recover quickly, limit damage, and safeguard the continuity of your work.

Read the letter from OCW
Natalie Fransen Transparant

To make your organization digitally resilient, it is important to focus on prevention as well as recovery. It is not a matter of 'doing it once and then being done'; cybersecurity is constantly evolving.

Natalie Fransen

Practical examples

We believe it is important to foster an open culture about cybersecurity. By sharing where things go wrong or are challenging, we can learn together. It is not just the responsibility of the IT department but fits within a comprehensive digital strategy. Below, you will find several practical examples of how cultural organizations deal with cybercrime incidents and what measures they take to prevent them.
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40 years of heritage lost? What a cyberattack does to your team and organization

  • Cybersecurity
  • Practical example
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The steps towards a cyber-secure organization - the Korzo Trajectory

  • Cybersecurity
  • Practical example
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The balance between accessibility and security

  • Cybersecurity
  • Interview

Cyberattacks in the cultural sector in the Netherlands: what institutions need to know

  • Cybersecurity
  • Article

Affected by a cyberattack?

Has your organization been affected by a cyberattack? Then contact the National Cyber Security Center (opens in new tab).

National Cyber Security Center