National Coordination
The CCB, as national authority for cybersecurity, is responsible for :
- monitoring, coordinating and supervising the implementation of cybersecurity policy in Belgium,
- managing various projects in the field of cyber security from an integrated and centralised approach,
- ensuring coordination between the services and authorities concerned, and between public authorities and the private and academic sectors.
As a result, the CCB leads or participates in various national networks and platforms.
The National Cybersecurity Council Belgium (NCCB) brings together all public authorities, whether at federal or regional level, which offer cybersecurity services to the population or to organisations established in Belgium, including companies, public entities and organisations of vital interest. Its objective is to support a mutual exchange of information on all ongoing projects to allow for a coordinated approach.
The Belgian Strategic Board (SB) is a central consultation platform at working group level, where all relevant administrations of federal and federated entities and of the security services in Belgium come together within the framework of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network (ECCC) Regulation. On the one hand, to further coordinate investments in research & innovation and the application of digital technologies in the field of cybersecurity in Belgium. On the other hand, to define a strategic stance that can most benefit both cybersecurity and economic development in Belgium.
The Platform Cybersecurity of the Coordination Committee on Intelligence and Security (CCIV/CCRS) allows intelligence and security services to discuss cyber security policies and exchange information on situational awareness.
Consultation between the supervisory authorities of Operators of Vital Interest (OVIs) takes place via the Cyber Security Sectoral Authority Platform (CySSAP).
The Quarterly Cyber Threat Report (QCTR) events, organised by the CCB, bring together different stakeholders including cybersecurity experts from the private sector at least once a quarter to inform them about the latest cyber threats. Participation is free of charge.
In the ISP think tank, the CCB regularly consults with the largest Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Belgium on concrete measures and projects that can increase cybersecurity for Belgian citizens and companies.
The CybercrimeExpertise Network (REN) brings together cybercrime experts from the public services for periodic consultation. General coordination is performed by the public prosecutor's office in Antwerp.
Belgium's formal positions in international discussions are developed via the appropriate channels of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Foreign Affairs, including the Directorate General for coordinating European Affairs (DGE) and the Digital Task Force.
The CSI/DPO (les Conseillers en Sécurité de l'Information/Data Protection Officers) platform brings together the security advisers and data protection officers of each public service. A specific meeting on cyber issues is organised every quarter, in relation to CERT's Quarterly Cyber Threat Report.
SIT (Synergy IT) is the platform for sharing knowledge and consulting between IT managers from all federal public services (Federal Public Services, Public Social Security Institutions and Public Utility Institutions). SIT meets on a monthly basis, with the aim of setting up and monitoring joint IT initiatives, both public procurement and projects, as well as providing basic technical input for government cloud (G-Cloud) initiatives.
The Cyber Security Coalition Belgium regularly brings together experts from the private, academic and public sectors. They share experiences, organise events and focus groups to discuss best practices and initiatives about various topics such as cloud security, cybersecurity legislation, and cybersecurity education.
Implementation of the national cybersecurity strategy
We recognize that having a well-defined action plan for the implementation of a cybersecurity strategy is crucial for safeguarding its digital infrastructure and citizens. As the national authority for cybersecurity, the CCB plays a crucial role in assuring the implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. The CCB works very closely together on this with all other security and intelligence services, in the first instance in the dedicated Platform Cybersecurity of the Coordination Committee for Intelligence and Security (which reports to the Strategic Committee and to the National Security Council). This platform was responsible for drafting the Cybersecurity Strategy, and progress of its implementation is regularly discussed and monitored; and where needed new actions are proposed. In addition to this overall monitoring body, a new council was established: the National Cybersecurity Council Belgium. This platform plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Belgium has a comprehensive and effective cybersecurity plan in place. By convening all relevant government services involved in cyber resilience, facilitating regular information sharing, and fostering a coordinated approach, the council ensures that all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities. The services included are not only the security and intelligence services but also sectoral authority for digital infrastructure, the Federal Public Service for the Economy, and regional authorities. The NCCB created an overview of all cybersecurity projects in Belgium currently being set up, or still needed to be set up, in order to obtain all objectives of the National Cybersecurity Strategy; including the budget being used, the target audience and the run time. This defined roadmap allows for the efficient allocation of resources and measurement of progress, reducing the risk of gaps and enhancing the overall effectiveness of Belgium's cybersecurity strategy. Regular tracking and assessment of the plan's impact also enable adjustments to be made, ensuring its continued relevance and success.