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CERT-in-a-Box

The project 'CERT-in-a-Box' and 'Alerting service-in-a-Box' is an initiative of GOVCERT.NL to preserve the lessons learned from setting up GOVCERT.NL and 'De Waarschuwingsdienst', the Dutch national Alerting service.

contactinformation

Visiting address:
Wilhelmina van Pruisenweg 104
2595 AN Den Haag
Travel information

Postal address:
Postbus 84011
2508 AD Den Haag

Telephone: (070) 888 75 55
Fax: (070) 888 75 50
E-mail: info@govcert.nl
participant to:

'CERT-in-a-Box' and 'Alerting service-in-a-Box'
21 / 07 / 2006

Results of the GOVCERT.NL Project

  • When starting up GOVCERT.NL our main communication objectives were:
    • 1.28 Managing expectations with key stakeholders
    • 1.29 Broadening the base with target groups by involving them in an early stage
    • 1.30 Informing on activities, products and progress
    • 1.31 Creating a distinct profile

  • The key message of all communication for GOVCERT.NL is that GOVCERT.NL is an:
    Objective, independent, fast and reliable partner.

  • GOVCERT.NL has its own brochure and website, basic communication means to let people know who we are and what we do.

  • GOVCERT.NL hosts meetings 6 times a year for both the technical contacts and information security officers from our constituents. During these meetings, topical information security subjects are discussed. Besides this, we have mailing lists for both technical contacts and information security officers. On the Kennisbank (Knowledge Bank) they can consult all advisories and articles on information security and add new ones.

  • GOVCERT.NL does not have its own publicity campaign as De Waarschuwingsdienst does. Obviously, that campaign and the growing publicity for De Waarschuwingsdienst have had their effects on GOVCERT.NL as well. For example, when visiting a new constituent we were told that they were members of the E-mail Alert from De Waarschuwingsdienst. In a way it is free publicity for the parent CSIRT, GOVCERT.NL.

  • In the beginning, there was much focus on external communication and communication about the alerting service. GOVCERT.NL was mainly promoted by our intake team and by giving presentations at conferences.

Tip for communication for a CSIRT

  • Communication supports the primary process of GOVCERT.NL and De Waarschuwingsdienst. We strongly advise having a strategic communication plan on how to reach your target groups, at what point in time and through which communication means.

  • Discuss your communication plan with your constituents and sponsors

  • For means of communication also think of things such as:

    • 1.32 Branding items, good eye-catching company logo
    • 1.33 Corporate style, documents and PowerPoint presentations
    • 1.34 Website
    • 1.35 FAQ
    • 1.36 Public affairs
    • 1.37 Plan a launch event (invite the media)
    • 1.38 Write a monthly or Quarterly newsletter
    • 1.39 Give presentations and visit conferences
    • 1.40 Write a policy on how to treat and use the media

  • Add a table in your communication plan with all communication means and all target groups for a good overview.

  • Communication is all about establishing b relationships with your main target groups. Consequently, contact with your constituents and other bilateral means of communication can be important. Bilateral communication is important to all organisations. You not only send out information, but would like to have feedback and input from your constituents and other stakeholders as well. This will intensify relationships and cooperation.

  • Make a list of all the upcoming events and decide what will be worth most. It costs much time and effort to produce good presentations and your people will need good presentation skills.

  • Don't forget other communication: Production of content and editing of presentations and articles

  • Organise a yearly symposium or other contact time with target groups

  • Realise that a side effect of the campaign for the Alerting service is that people recognise your effort.

  • It is easy to make the mistake of thinking that everyone in your environment can understand technical language. In communication means other than technical advisories of course, it is important to use as little jargon as possible.

Helpful information

Illustration: Old GOVCERT.NL website

Illustration: New GOVCERT.NL website (07-2-2005)





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