Research Group Cyber Security | HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht

Nowadays organisations are connected to the internet in more and more different ways. Data leaks and cyber attacks top the list of risks of most concern to executives. The research group Cyber Security examines which organisational design and interventions in the field of technology, processes, culture and human behaviour can make organisations digitally more secure.

Within the research line behavioural influence, we conduct research into digitally safe behaviour. Most of us, and certainly young people, are online every day, but often lack understanding of the cyber risks this entails and how to act accordingly. The aim of this research line is to develop effective behavioural interventions so that people behave digitally safely in an assumed, intuitive way.

Within the research line Cyber Security & AI, we want to increase the resilience of companies against cyber attacks. We look at the influence of Artificial Intelligence on the Cyber Security organisation, for example through the effectiveness of standards. Furthermore we look at the influence of AI on human behaviour and cyber attacks, and at the technology itself.

Within the research line risk-based measures framework, we are developing standards for specific social sectors. These frameworks help security specialists within the organisations to take the right measures. This makes it easier for organisations to protect themselves against digital attacks.

The research group works together with the Institute for ICT and the Institute for Security. Insights from the research of the research group Cyber Security are directly incorporated into the curricula of the ICT programme with the Cyber Security & Cloud specialisation, the Business IT & Management specialisation and within the Integral Security Studies programme. The research group is also working on the development of the Cyber Security Master's programme.

The research group collaborates intensively with the other research groups from the Digital Business & Media knowledge centre. The research group Cyber Security also collaborates regionally with partners from various sectors, including health (UMCU, GGD, RIVM), Information Technology and Telecommunications (Capgemini, Ordina, Northwave and Conclusion), Mobility (Smart City Utrecht, NS, ProRail, Rijkswaterstaat and TNO), Finance & Legal (various banks), Public domain security (Ministry of Defense and Police) and various SMEs.