Strengthening Cooperation Between the Media Sector and Cybersecurity and Addressing the Challenges of the Digital Age
Utrecht, The Netherlands | 10 September 2026
The International Press and Media Organization – Netherlands participated in Cybersec Netherlands 2026, held in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on 9–10 September 2026 at Jaarbeurs Utrecht, bringing together cybersecurity experts, technology specialists, policymakers, representatives of public and private institutions, and companies operating in the field of digital security.
Cybersec Netherlands is one of the prominent specialized events in the field of cybersecurity in the Netherlands. It provides a platform for national and international experts to discuss the rapidly evolving challenges facing information security and digital infrastructure, showcase the latest technologies and solutions, and strengthen cooperation among different sectors.
The participation of the International Press and Media Organization – Netherlands reflects its growing interest in issues related to cybersecurity, information protection, digital media, artificial intelligence, combating online disinformation and hate speech, and addressing threats targeting the digital media environment.
The Organization emphasized that the rapid development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence has created new challenges for media institutions and journalists, making it essential to raise cybersecurity awareness, protect data and journalistic sources, and strengthen digital literacy among media professionals.
Khaled Bekdash: Cybersecurity Has Become Part of the Media’s Responsibility
As part of the Organization’s participation, Khaled Bekdash, President of the International Organization for Press and Media – Netherlands, emphasized that cybersecurity is no longer a technical issue limited to technology experts, but has become a matter affecting all sectors of society, particularly media institutions.
Bekdash said:
“The digital transformation taking place around the world has placed new responsibilities on media institutions that go beyond reporting news and information. These responsibilities now include protecting data and sources, safeguarding digital content, and dealing responsibly with emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.”
He added:
“At the International Press and Media Organization – Netherlands, we believe that professional and secure journalism is one of the essential elements in building digital societies that are better equipped to confront disinformation, cyberattacks, and attempts to unlawfully influence public opinion.”
The President of the Organization pointed out that journalists and media institutions are increasingly exposed to a wide range of digital risks, including data theft, account hacking, identity theft, content manipulation, and the dissemination of misleading information.
He stressed the need to develop specialized training programs aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness among journalists and media professionals.
Cybersec Netherlands: A Platform for Knowledge and Expertise
The 2026 edition of Cybersec Netherlands brought together experts and specialists in cybersecurity and featured discussions on artificial intelligence and cyber threats, digital sovereignty, cyber resilience, data protection and privacy, identity and access management, cybersecurity compliance, and Web3 security.
The event also focused on moving beyond the use of technical tools alone toward developing cyber resilience, responsibility, and strategic decision-making capabilities in an increasingly complex digital environment.
The IPMO considers these developments particularly relevant to the media sector, especially given the growing reliance on digital platforms and artificial intelligence in news production, distribution, and audience engagement.
Media and Cybersecurity: A Partnership for a Safer Digital Environment
The Organization stressed the importance of building bridges of cooperation between media institutions, cybersecurity specialists, academic institutions, and public and private sector organizations in order to develop solutions and awareness programs that contribute to protecting journalists and media institutions and strengthening trust in the digital environment.
The Organization further emphasized that protecting journalism in the digital age is not limited to safeguarding freedom of expression. It also includes protecting the digital infrastructure on which media institutions depend, ensuring the security of data and sources, and combating hacking attempts, information manipulation, and other digital threats.
At the conclusion of its participation, the International Organization for Press and Media – Netherlands expressed its appreciation to the organizers of Cybersec Netherlands 2026, emphasizing the importance of continued international dialogue and cooperation in the field of cybersecurity and the need to include the media sector in discussions concerning the future of digital security.
Khaled Bekdash reaffirmed that the Organization will continue working to raise digital security awareness within the media community, encourage cooperation between journalists and experts in technology and cybersecurity, and contribute to building professional, independent, and secure journalism in the digital environment.
