Howest Brugge and defence launch first Cyber Defence Factory in Flanders
On Tuesday, Howest University College in Bruges inaugurated the first Cyber Defence Factory in Flanders, marking a new collaboration between the institution and the Belgian Defence’s Cyber Command. The partnership will focus on advancing cybersecurity through joint projects, some of which will be directly linked to the Belgian Navy.
The Cyber Command, recently established as the fifth component of the Belgian Armed Forces, is tasked with securing military networks and weapons systems, as well as conducting electromagnetic warfare. The Cyber Defence Factory aligns with this mission by leveraging Howest’s academic expertise, particularly its bachelor’s programme in cybersecurity, to support Defence-led innovation.
Collaboration with navy
This new initiative is expected to play a key role in Zeebrugge, where the navy is preparing for the arrival of next-generation minehunters equipped with advanced cyber defence technology.
“Research and innovation are priorities that are central to my project for defence. But these priorities must be structured around a strategy, the DIRS (Defence Industry Research Strategy), which I want to continue and strengthen,” said minister of defence Theo Francken (N-VA) during the launch.
Responding to modern warfare
Major General Michel Van Strythem, head of Cyber Command, underlined the urgency of the project in today’s geopolitical climate. “If we look at the war in Ukraine, we see that war is also being waged in cyberspace. This ranges from the use of drones to spreading fake news, to sabotaging cables,” he noted.
The collaboration is also important for Howest. "We do not want to organise our education in an ivory tower. We open ourselves up to the broader society," says Howest's general manager Frederik D'hulster. "We attract companies, but now also defence, and that is where the intersection of innovation lies. Cybersecurity is not a hype, but a necessity and talent is our first line of defence. Through the Cyber Defence Factory, we make defence tangible for our students on campus, as well as potential employers."
#FlandersNewsService | © PHOTO FABIAN STRAUCH / DPA
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