The Hague invites hackers to test city systems
23 July 2026
by Jonathan Andrews
The Hague, described as the most digitally targeted city in the Netherlands, will again invite ethical hackers to test parts of its digital infrastructure and identify vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them.
The municipality has not provided figures detailing the scale or nature of the attacks it faces but says its position as the country’s leading digital target has encouraged it to test its systems proactively rather than wait for security incidents.
“Cybersecurity is no longer something organisations can solve on their own,” said Lilian Knippenberg, CISO for The Hague. “Digital security is a collective responsibility. As our systems become increasingly interconnected, a single vulnerability can trigger a chain reaction across multiple organisations.
“By working with ethical hackers, we identify weaknesses before criminals do and strengthen the resilience of the entire digital chain. That is how we build a safer digital future together.”
More than 120 ethical hackers from the Netherlands and overseas are expected to test internet-connected systems operated by the municipality and selected partner organisations. Testing will take place under responsible disclosure rules, enabling identified vulnerabilities to be investigated and resolved safely.
This year’s theme, Chain Reaction, will examine how a vulnerability in one system can have cascading consequences across interconnected organisations and digital infrastructure.
The municipality said simulating these scenarios would help it improve not only the security of its own systems but also the resilience of its suppliers and partner organisations.
First held in 2017, Hâck The Hague has developed into one of the Netherlands’ largest government hacking events. The 2026 edition will again emphasise cooperation between public bodies, private suppliers and the ethical hacking community as digital systems become more closely connected.
Hâck The Hague is one of several events being held during Cybersecurity Week which runs in the Dutch city from 5 to 10 October.
Image: Digikhmer | Dreamstime.com
