Thales to build “Cyber Range”, a Cybersecurity Training and Testing Facility for the Dutch Defence Cyber Command
Key Points
- Thales to set up a cybersecurity training and testing facility for the department of Defence Cyber Command of the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
- Realistic cyber-attacks and incidents can be simulated and cyber-defence tactics tested in the “Cyber Range”.
- This contract is a further extension of the collaboration between Thales, the Defence Cyber Command and the Dutch research organisation TNO.
In this facility, cyber-attacks, incidents, as well as protective measures can be simulated and tested on different Defence systems, information technology environments and communication links. As part of the agreement, Thales will build the facility and provide continued support for the next three years.
Brigadier General and Commander DCC Hans Folmer said “The Cyber Range is an important step for the Defence Cyber Command (DCC). It is a facility at which many forms of cyber operations can be simulated. This is essential for training our staff and testing our systems.’’
The Defence Cyber Command (DCC) forms part of the Dutch Armed Forces and is responsible for developing and preparing cyber capabilities and conducting cyber operations. One of the components of the DCC is the Defence Cyber Expertise Centre (DCEC), which aims to enhance the specific knowledge and the innovative capacity of Defence within the cyber domain.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has a long-standing relationship with Thales in the field of cybersecurity. In particular, Thales secures Defence NATO communication links and has recently launched a study on Cyber Situational Awareness in collaboration with the DCC and, the Dutch research organisation, TNO. The study looks into how existing SEWACO systems (Sensors, Weapons and Command Systems) can continue to be used securely in the future. The Cyber Range is a major step in expanding this collaboration.
Drawing on its strong cryptographic capabilities, Thales is a global leader in data protection and one of the world leaders in cybersecurity products and solutions for defence, critical infrastructure and telecommunication operators, industrial and financial companies. Covering the entire cybersecurity chain, Thales offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions that includes: cybersecurity consulting and testing, cyber-secured software centric system design / development / integration and certification, provision and through-life management of data protection products and services, secured IT outsourcing and cloud computing solutions, as well as managed security services based on our network of Security Operation Centers in France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and soon in Hong Kong.