In early October 2026 the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) had 962 cybersecurity companies on its register, against 233 in the same period of 2021, according to an ANP analysis reported by IO+.
Credit: this report is based on a story first published by IO+. Read the original at ioplus.nl.
As reported by IO+, the number of cybersecurity companies in the Netherlands has more than quadrupled in five years. The figures come from an analysis of the Commercial Register (Handelsregister) carried out by the ANP news agency.
The companies counted help other businesses and organisations with data protection, online security and the management of digital systems. They also train employees in cybersecurity.
What is behind the growth
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says the rise may be linked to growing attention to digital security and to new legislation. A spokesperson pointed to the Cybersecurity Act (Cyberbeveiligingswet) as one possible contributor. The impact of artificial intelligence on organisations also plays a part, according to the centre.
The NCSC counts about 2.4 million businesses and organisations in the Netherlands that rely on digital systems every day. As automation spreads and dependence on IT grows, weaknesses in those systems can have larger consequences. The centre adds that AI makes it easier both to find vulnerabilities and to exploit them.
Breach reports rising too
Data breach notifications point the same way. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) received more than 39,000 notifications last year, compared with nearly 24,000 in 2020, IO+ reports.
Demand side stays responsible
The NCSC stresses that organisations need their own cybersecurity strategy and matching measures. Incidents at individual companies can also affect critical processes and other organisations.
According to the centre, responsibility for digital security sits with organisations themselves. Specialist cybersecurity companies can support them, but security cannot be fully outsourced.
The numbers at a glance
- Cybersecurity companies on the KVK register, early October 2026: 962
- Same period in 2021: 233
- Organisations relying on digital systems daily, per the NCSC: about 2.4 million
- Data breach notifications to the AP: more than 39,000 last year, nearly 24,000 in 2020
Original source: IO+, "The Netherlands has four times as many cybersecurity companies" Suggested image: official imagery from the National Cyber Security Centre newsroom (ncsc.nl/actueel)
