MPs: fighter cybercrime

the hague - MEPs are concerned about their own digital security. Several groups are wondering if parliament is resistant to cyber attacks.

In questions to President Arib, VVD, CDA and D66, among others, express their concerns. A recent incident in which computers were hijacked in parliament put the groups into thinking. That happened with so-called ransomware, a type of virus that usually only ends when paying loose.

VVD Kamerlid Duisenberg is wondering if any more successful hack attempts have been made. The liberal wants to know if there are indeed 'sensitive data on the streets'.

CDA Kamerlid Bruins Slot demands that the Lower House quickly draw extra money to fight cybercrime. The Christian Democrat recalls that in 2015 the Court of Auditors has already criticized the House of Representatives. At that time, Parliament already saw the risks of cybercrime, but did not take the steps to protect itself. Bruins Slot wants to know whether action has been taken since then and whether the parliament is now in compliance with the Digital Security Directive.

D66-Kamer member Verhoeven also wants to know how that is. For example, the Chamber President recently wrote that she considers the implementation of such a directive of great importance. But this means that Parliament does not even meet the minimum level of digital security, Verhoeven asks. The D66 wants to know what the Ransomware incident has been investigating. He asks, for example, what chambermembers have opened dubious mailboxes and whether they have been addressed.

The members of the House submit their questions in the context of the budget of the Lower House, the so-called estimate. Parliament also discusses its own functioning in the debate. In view of this, the SP asks why, despite announcements for this purpose, Question Time is still not addressed. The weekly bill would be too boring.