Information security (IS) in the public sector is hot. The field of information security is continuously evolving in municipalities, especially now that the Baseline Information Security Government (BIO) has come into effect as of January 1, 2020. This baseline applies to municipalities, the national government, water boards, and provinces. The BIO replaces the existing information security baselines such as the BIG, BIR, BIR2017, IBI, and BIWA. With the introduction of the BIO, a single joint framework for information security within the entire government is created, based on internationally recognized and current ISO standards. The Baseline Information Security Government (BIO) thus stands for a clear, robust, and secure digital government. The amount of regulations and technical requirements is, however, so large that a structured approach is necessary.

In this current course, specifically developed for municipalities, you will receive a complete overview of information security in the municipal organization. The Baseline Information Security Government (BIO) is used as a starting point for the municipal information security policy. The course further relies on the two important pillars for a successful implementation and safeguarding of your information security policy. Firstly, in the area of technology and organization, where an information security policy, risk analysis, and information security plan are established. Secondly, in the area of attitude and behavior, for example, by creating security awareness. All standards applicable to your municipality, what they entail, their interconnections, and what the main pitfalls are, will be addressed. All in all, a complete course to embed information security in your organization in a process-oriented manner at a strategic and tactical level.

This written course consists of nine lessons that you can receive weekly, bi-weekly, or all at once. The study load is approximately four hours per lesson.