At this year's BruCON conference, the Centre for Cybersecurity Belgium (CCB) is showcasing its legal "safe harbour" for cybersecurity researchers once again and stepping up to protect and empower ethical hackers.
Breaking down barriers
Imagine being a cybersecurity researcher who discovers a critical vulnerability but fears legal repercussions for reporting it. Those days are over in Belgium. The CCB is rolling out a legal "safe harbour" that gives ethical hackers the confidence to come forward without worrying about potential legal consequences.
What does this really mean?
Ethical hackers who follow the CCB's official reporting procedure now receive comprehensive legal protection under both criminal and civil law. It's a game-changing approach that recognizes these digital defenders as crucial partners in maintaining national cybersecurity, not potential threats.
Why BruCON matters
At this year's BruCON conference, the CCB message is clear:
- Acknowledging the critical role of ethical hackers;
- Providing crystal-clear guidance on vulnerability reporting;
- Building trust between researchers and government agencies.
The CCB is also calling on all Belgian organisations to set up a vulnerability disclosure programme (whether within the NIS2 legal framework or not).
The bigger picture
This initiative isn't just about Belgium. It's a potential model for how governments worldwide can work more effectively with the cybersecurity research community. By offering legal clarity and protection, the CCB is removing barriers that often prevent crucial security vulnerabilities from being reported and fixed.