Knowledge base
October 16, 2025
October: International Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October: Month of Cyber Resilience
October is known internationally as Cybersecurity Awareness Month – the time to call extra attention to digital security. In the Netherlands too, ministries such as the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and JenV are once again joining forces with the “Together against Cybercrime” campaign .
After successful initiatives such as “Don’t Get Internalized” and “Double Secure is Double Safe,” this year’s focus is on a vulnerable but often forgotten group: those over 65.
Research shows that only a small portion of this target group uses two-step verification (2FA), while email accounts in particular often provide access to numerous personal data and services. The new campaign focuses on awareness, support and behavioral change – because cybersecurity starts with confidence in one’s own abilities.
Why elders? The power of targeted cybersecurity
According to Olivier Vermaas (JenV), a large proportion of seniors do not use 2FA because they find it too complicated (28%) or do not know how to do it (28%)¹. The government wants to change that – and rightly so.
Behavioral agency Push investigated why this resistance exists. The conclusion: it’s less about unwillingness, and more about insecurity. Many seniors lack confidence in their digital skills. Developing interventions, such as “dry practice” with 2FA or asking for help from a trusted person, lowers the threshold and increases the likelihood of successful security.
Collaboration as the key to success
The campaign is a cooperation between JenV, BZK, EZ, and partners such as the National Elderly Fund, SeniorWeb, DigiHulplijn, and Fraude Helpdesk.
This cooperation not only ensures greater reach, but also a better connection to the target group’s perception of the world.
At ALTA-ICT, we recognize this power of collaboration. In our projects for SMEs, healthcare facilities and governments, we see daily that cybersecurity only really works when technology, behavior and communication come together.
💬 “The tone is everything. Elderly people are not digitally literate – they just need a push.”
– Lennart van Vulpen, National Elderly Fund
Cybersecurity = behavior change + technology
Where ministries focus on behavioral interventions, ALTA-ICT focuses on practical implementations that connect people and technology:
✅ ISO27001-certified security – structural risk management
✅ 2FA implementations – simple, secure, AVG-proof
✅ Awareness training – recognize phishing, fraud and data breaches
✅ 24/7 monitoring – immediate threat detection and response
By providing people-oriented training and making technical measures accessible, organizations structurally increase their digital resilience.
From awareness to action
At ALTA-ICT, we believe that campaigns only have impact when they lead to concrete action.
That’s why we help companies and institutions turn awareness into measurable results:
🔒 2FA activation at 100% of employees
📉 60% fewer security incidents within 6 months
📈 30% faster response to phishing alerts
Cybersecurity is not a one-time action – it is a culture.
ALTA-ICT: Digitally resilient together
As a Dutch cybersecurity partner, we help organizations work structurally secure – compliant with AVG, NEN7510 and BIO. Our approach combines:
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Human-centered awareness (training & communication)
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Technical assurance (monitoring & authentication)
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Local expertise (Dutch regulations and culture)
Whether you are an SME, healthcare organization or government agency, our specialists are ready to strengthen your cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity begins with awareness – but ends with action.
The government initiatives around 2FA show how important it is to include less digitally proficient audiences.
At ALTA-ICT, we help companies and institutions apply that same principle within their organizations. Because digital security is a shared responsibility – and together we are stronger. With subsidy you can now get 50% discount on our cybersecurity courses.
📞 F ree consultation: alta-ict.nl/cybersecurity-consultation
🛡️ Certifications: ISO27001 | ISO9001 | NEN7510
🌍 For Dutch companies, by Dutch experts.
Reference
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