MIVD: Netherlands increasingly targeted by Russian cyber attacks
The Netherlands is increasingly confronted with Russian cyber attacks aimed at disrupting our society.
Published on April 22, 2025
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The Netherlands is increasingly confronted with hybrid attacks that seek to disrupt and weaken our society. The Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) has observed a particular increase in Russian aggression. This is stated in the MIVD's public annual report for 2024, which was sent to the House of Representatives today.
The MIVD discovered various Russian actions in the Netherlands. For example, in 2024, a Russian hacker group carried out a cyber sabotage attack. This was directed against the digital operating system of a public facility in the Netherlands. As far as is known, this was the first sabotage attack in the Netherlands, but it did not result in any damage.
The Netherlands in Russia's sights
In addition, the MIVD observed a Russian cyber operation against Dutch critical infrastructure, possibly in preparation for sabotage. Ultimately, the Russians did not succeed in gaining access to the network.
Finally, Russia carried out cyber attacks against the websites of political parties and public transport companies in the Netherlands, among others. This was an attempt to make it difficult for Dutch citizens to vote in the European elections.
Due to its location and infrastructure, among other things, the Netherlands is of strategic importance to NATO and the defense of Europe. This is one of the reasons why Russia has its sights set on the Netherlands.
Damage and disruption in the Netherlands
In recent years, the MIVD has warned that various Russian units are mapping infrastructure in the North Sea, such as internet cables and energy supplies. The MIVD has also detected (underwater) activities that indicate espionage and preparations for disruption and sabotage. Actual disruptions could cause major damage and disruption in the Netherlands, Europe, and the rest of the world.
War economy
“The MIVD does not see the Russian threat to Europe diminishing, but increasing. This is also the case after a possible end to the war with Ukraine,” concludes MIVD director Vice Admiral Peter Reesink. According to him, the speed at which NATO is building up its military capabilities is now much lower than that of Russia. This is partly because Russia has switched to a war economy.
Already defending ourselves every day
“This annual report confirms that we are living in a gray zone between war and peace,” responds Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans. ”The task is clear. We already have to defend ourselves every day in the Netherlands against cyberattacks, espionage, and attempts at sabotage. At the same time, we must rapidly strengthen our military capabilities. This applies to both the Netherlands and other European countries within NATO. To prevent vulnerabilities vis-à-vis Russia, we need to rapidly scale up our armed forces and defense industry. Only in this way can we prevent further Russian aggression in Europe.”
Reesink: “There are turbulent developments in international politics and in the area of alliances. They have called into question certainties on which we could rely until recently. The speed with which this is happening and the potential impact on our security is unprecedented.”
