The Belgian government recently announced a new army component. Next to land, water and air forces, there is now also a cyber force component in the Belgian fighting component. For me, this was somewhat striking. Belgians tend to look at the Ministry of Defense as, well, not the most advanced institute in the world. In the movie Independence Day, we got a special mention as being the first component to be destroyed by the aliens. So yes, if they do it, it must be common practice.

Something additionally peculiar about the news, is that they don't just focus on defense, but will also have the ability to retaliate. And this got me thinking. Because what will these cyber-strike units attack in a strategic offensive? Indeed, critical installations. That means us, the control rooms! Quite a scary thought isn't it, considering most countries in the world and most terrorist groups must have a fighting force just like that?

Control room equipment that is monitoring critical infrastructures, should thus be increasingly hardened against those cyber attacks. But software is like any fortress or prison: there are always secret ways to get in (or out) for someone who is sufficiently skilled and determined. The only way to protect yourself is to build another wall. And then another one…

Convergence of AV to IT is a great movement as more and more solutions are becoming digital. It also means that more potential weak points sneak into your system's defense if you do not stay on top of all vulnerabilities and potential hacks. So how should we look at this, as manufacturers and as users?

At Barco, we had for a long time a defense division specialized in creating super-secure software solutions for military applications. And we have learned from their experience. Therefore, our latest software solutions that are used in control rooms are designed and engineered using the latest technologies that are improving the fight against cyber criminals. Yes, we built some additional walls. And because this is an ongoing fight, we also provide the services that keep the solution in its latest level of defense for any new malicious software that can be integrated in an overall IT policy.

And we are not alone in the fight against cyber attacks. There's a large army of companies providing tools to protect your critical digital and physical infrastructures. So partner with the right people, minimize your risk, and always keep your guard up. And if all else fails… it's good to know the Belgian Army's got your back!

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