A budget of €55 million will be allocated this year to enhance the cybersecurity of public administrations, announced Federal Minister for Public Action and Modernisation Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés) on Friday.
Matz highlighted that public administrations are strategic targets, with the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium averaging 45 cyber incident notifications per month.
"A cyberattack on an administration can cripple critical services for citizens, disrupt public service continuity, and even compromise sensitive data," Matz emphasised. She attributed these threats to "Russian, Chinese, or other hackers" aiming to weaken the nation.
The €55 million budget aims to ensure every federal administration, regardless of size, has a robust digital shield. Initially, this will involve upgrading basic IT tools, as some still use software licences that do not meet top cybersecurity standards, Matz explained. Robust processes will also be established.
The second phase involves equipping all administrations, irrespective of size, with necessary tools. "A centralised ICT Hub via the Strategy and Support Ministry will be available, particularly benefiting smaller, often less equipped and more vulnerable structures," she specified.
Given the evolving threat landscape, this €55 million budget represents a first step. Matz expressed readiness to reassess resources if needed.
