NCTb

The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb) and WCIT
Modern technologies are an important long-term strategic driver of the terrorist threat. They present potential risks, but also provide important opportunities for counter-terrorism. The NCTb aims at identifying science and technology requirements from across government and law enforcement to ensure that the right solutions are developed to counter the challenges we face. The NCTb also invests in raising awareness about the safe use of IT-technologies. Especially among people working in critical infrastructures or places where sensitive information is handled. In order to do this we look for greater partnership and engagement with industry and academia on science, technology and counter-terrorism. For this reason we participate in the WCIT “Security and Safety” track, in close cooperation with the Netherlands Forensics Institute (NFI).

Counter-terrorism and IT
IT technology offers wonderful opportunities for sharing information and connecting with people world wide. It is therefore no surprise that terrorists use the same technologies to their best advantage. A clear example is the Internet. Terrorists use the Internet while planning and preparing for attacks; it also serves as an important platform for radicalization. Jihadis not only use the Internet as a resource however, but may also attack the Internet itself (the Internet as a target) or use the Internet against critical infrastructures (the Internet as a weapon). The latest technological developments can help improve our tactical and operational tools for detection, monitoring and analyzing all kind of information and activities on the Internet.

Recognizing information and Fingerprinting technologies
Within the track “Safety and security”, the Dutch National Coordinator on Counterterrorism, Mr. Erik Akerboom, will be a key note speaker. He will highlight the need for Law Enforcement Agencies to be aware of the latest technologies. For example, it’s crucial to effectively recognize terrorist information on the Internet. How can we quickly detect a known terrorist if he suddenly appears on a You Tube video? Some enterprises develop software to detect pictures that contain child pornography. Can this software also be used to recognize terrorist content? The NCTb has started a research and development program to find answers to these kind of questions. Mr. Akerboom will present some of the early results.

About the NCTb
Approximately twenty agencies in the Netherlands are involved in combating terrorism. The National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb) was appointed to improve cooperation between all these agencies. The NCTb is responsible for:

· Analyzing intelligence and other information;
· Policy development;
· Coordinating anti-terrorist security measures.   

Combining these tasks increases the effectiveness of the government’s efforts to combat terrorism. The office of the NCTb and its staff fall under the responsibility of two ministers: the Minister of Justice (the lead minister for counterterrorism) and the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.

Mission of the NCTb
The task of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb) is to minimize the risk and fear of terrorist attacks in the Netherlands and to take prior measures to limit the potential impact of terrorist acts. The NCTb is responsible for the central coordination of counterterrorism efforts and ensures that cooperation between the parties involved is and remains of a high standard.