washing machines and building management systems are increasingly connected to the internet while the security of these devices leaves a lot to be desired In the context of the Dutch Research Agenda they are building an ‘Internet of Secure Things’ Internet is no longer purely a system of interconnected computers A growing number of devices are being linked to the digital highway at breakneck speed we will have washing machines and car chargers that automatically switch on when an algorithm establishes that the energy price is low and many homes have already been fitted with a smart thermostat Even road management systems and entire power stations will soon be controlled via the internet Prognoses predict that this Internet of Things (IoT) will consist of about 75 billion linked devices worldwide in 2030 As that development cannot be centrally managed The odd virus scanner or firewall here and there is by no means sufficient ‘We need to quickly develop a systematic approach with clear rules for the design and management of IoT systems’ Professor of Cyber Security from Eindhoven University of Technology we run the risk that our cyber security will be fundamentally undermined.’ The project ‘An Internet of Secure Things’ (INTERSECT) has received ten million euros from the Dutch Research Agenda (NWA) and now includes an impressive 45 project partners The project organisation selected most of the partners but there were also parties who approached the consortium to ask if they could participate It is a sign that the project fulfils a real need ‘INTERSECT is showing everybody the way in this field but to do that ‘That is because the future of cyber security is increasingly multidisciplinary in nature It is not just a technical problem; the weakest link in the security chain often lies in the interaction between people and the system.’ He emphasises that we not only need to design more secure systems to reduce the influence of that weak link but also more thorough legislation for their use then the chances are that you will soon have to adjust hundreds of thousands of different computer and IoT systems individually if certain vulnerabilities are discovered Without adequate governance – management and legislation – a worldwide system of billions of devices connected via the internet will be beyond our control in twenty years’ time That is partly because we have no idea about how the internet will develop ‘At least not what the business model of the ‘bad guys’ on the internet will look like in the near future’ experts were not able to predict that we would be confronted by large-scale ransomware attacks various companies and institutions hit the headlines because they were blackmailed for millions of euros following a ransomware attack Hackers recently managed to enter the computer systems of MediaMarkt via a security gap as a result of which the electronics company could no longer access their systems The perpetrators demanded 50 million dollars to return access to the electronics retailer Maastricht University and the Dutch Research Council (NWO) as well; they have all experienced similar misadventures through attacks via the Internet the attackers entered the system via a ‘phishing email’ Could citizens soon also run the risk of such attacks and it will not necessarily be an attack via an infected mail An electronic doorbell or a security camera that you can purchase quite cheaply is a small IoT system And it is questionable whether all of those are secure enough Consumers are not focused on the risks; they mainly consider the price ‘The stimulus to invest in security is missing’ But how do you convince people that it is better to purchase a more expensive device with better security against hackers and other digital dangers That is partly why organisations like the Consumentenbond (Dutch consumer association) and the Betaalvereniging Nederland (Dutch Payments Association) are involved Consumers also need to be more aware of the fact that cyber security risks not only have consequences for them personally says co-project leader Harold Weffers (Eindhoven University of Technology) ‘If a hacker gains access to your Tesla and is able to steal your data they will probably be able to successfully do that in many other electric cars too That gives the perpetrators the possibility to wreak far more serious damage.’ Providing tax incentives is another possible tool The involvement of a large number of parties from different disciplines is a characteristic of the NWA approach it required intensive consultation with all parties involved to create a starting protocol But the NWA approach also increases the chance that all of Dutch society will benefit from the project ‘This is not just about PhD research projects but about directly applicable results as well you also need parties who will actually produce more secure products Merely developing knowledge within the university walls will never result in such a knock-on effect.’ but isn’t cyber security a typically international subject and that is why knowledge institutions with a large international network are also involved ‘We are first establishing ourselves locally because that is where legislation also starts and we will subsequently spread our wings.’ we must have produced a blueprint for dealing with future cyber scenarios Weffers: ‘If at the end of this trajectory we have a plan for improving consumer awareness a new DPG and tax incentives for producers of cyber security products then we will have made a considerable step forwards.’ The project INTERSECT has received 10 million euros within the programme of the Dutch Research Agenda: Research along Routes by Consortia (NWA-ORC) The following institutions and companies are involved in this programme: Sandro Etalle is the project leader on behalf of the consortium The Dutch Research Council (NWO) funds top researchers steers the course of Dutch science by means of research programmes and by managing the national knowledge infrastructure Funding for research project Tanja Lange could reach €21.5 million after evaluation Cybersecurity is often portrayed as an education problem or a lack of resources system administrators or budget holders who limit system management capabilities many difficult problems remain unsolved because they require coordinated scientific research The ‘Challenges in Cyber Security’ project therefore brings together top researchers from the hard sciences in the cyber security field according to Minister Dijkgraaf (Education places the research among ‘the world's scientific top’ and the project will thus receive a substantial NWO Gravitation grant Marten van Dijk (CWI) and Christian Schaffner (UvA) The other TU/e researchers in the CiCS project are Sandro Etalle "Cybersecurity appears in the news weekly with data breaches and critical vulnerabilities" "We took a step back to plan how to rebuild rather than contributing to the break-and-patch cycle that dominates the current approach." The result: the 'Challenges in Cyber Security'-project but we have formed a strong team of excellent scientists and have a roadmap with nine core challenges."  The Dutch cabinet is investing in seven major research projects at Dutch universities This was announced today by Minister Dijkgraaf These include research into mechanical stresses in plants; better understanding of proteins in our bodies; cyber security; therapy against blindness; the chemical basis of mental disorders; crisis response The seven projects in these areas are either among the world's top scientific performers or on their way to doing so The grants are part of the Gravitation Program through which the Cabinet has been investing in science for ten years groups of scientists working for Dutch universities can qualify for an investment Research projects now receive half of the money and upon successful evaluation after five years So that makes ten years of research possible for them This long-term funding acts as a magnet for top scientific talent we ensure that we in the Netherlands remain among the world's scientific leaders This not only provides important new insights And it brings innovations from which we all benefit I am proud that we have such scientific talent in our own country It is not something to be taken for granted Luxembourg's Environment Agency confirmed that a wolf's presence has been detected in the area Experts from Wallonia confirmed the sightings on the basis of genetic analysis due to the proximity to Luxembourg's border it's possible that the animal will pass through the Grand Duchy there have been multiple reports of wolves in recent years A pack is resident in the Belgian High Fens while at least 16 wolf cubs were born in the Netherlands this year Experts believe it is only a matter of time before wolves settle too in Luxembourg There have been a handful of sightings of the animals in the Grand Duchy when a sheep may have been killed by a wolf If you spot a wolf in the wild, notify the Environment Agency (email: wolf@anf.etat.lu) Keep your distance while avoiding eye contact keep shouting and throw objects at them - such as branches or stones - Never try to lure a wolf to come closer with food Valvert 100% rPET bottle an important milestone in achieving a circular economy a natural mineral water brand of the Nestle Group has launched its new bottle made entirely from recycled PET (rPET) This is the first natural mineral water brand in Belgium to do so The innovation highlights Nestle’s commitment to have the rPET content in its bottles to 35% worldwide The bottle is another milestone in Valvert’s journey towards sustainability Nestlé is already working in partnership with local farmers and communities to protect the Valvert natural mineral water source around its bottling facility in Etalle The bottle will be available in retail stores this month in Belgium and Luxembourg This means Valvert only uses old bottles to produce the new bottle Valvert was able to secure a reliable supply of the high-quality food grade rPET that is required for bottled water This will allow not only the launch of the 100% rPET bottle of 150cl but also a 50% rPET bottle of 50cl at the same time The goal is to have the 50cl bottle also made entirely of rPET by the end of 2019 “We believe the new Valvert 100% rPET bottle is a gamechanger in the next generation of sustainable packaging stimulating a bottle-to-bottle circular economy,” said Emmanuel Gruffat we also continue to take our responsibility in further improving our collection and recycling rates in Belgium Nestle pledged with 8 members of Fevia (the Federation of the Belgian food industry) to collect and recycle 90% of all drink packaging in Belgium by 2022.” Nestle laid out its vision that none of its product packaging “At Nestle we want to take up our responsibility towards our consumers and help shape a more sustainable future,” said Michel Mersch chief executive officer of Nestle Belgilux “We are determined to look at every option available to solve the plastic waste challenge and we are embracing multiple solutions that can have an impact now such as developing new materials improving collection and recycling schemes and driving new behaviors R&D is in our DNA and we intend to leverage this expertise to serve this goal We are therefore proud to launch the new Valvert 100% rPET bottle as another milestone in achieving a circular economy and in our journey towards sustainability.” Nestle Waters was committed to protecting water resources and the environment by working in partnership with stakeholders all the local farmers in Etalle (where the Valvert bottling plant and source are located) signed an agreement to protect the Valvert source and the surrounding environment through sustainable farming ‒ 10 farmers use zero pesticides the Etalle administration does not use chemicals for weeding and Nestle Waters supports the farmers by providing training and advice from experienced agronomists and bio-engineers This local and unique partnership ensures quality of the Valvert natural mineral water An English-language packaging industry B2B platform in print and web Packaging South Asia is in its 19th year of publication We do not make any claims about being the best or the most widely read if you are interested in targeting the Indian and South Asian markets to sell equipment To improve your marketing and grow sales, talk to us. Our research and consulting company IppStar [www.ippstar.org] can assess your potential and addressable markets in light of the competition and sales strategies for market entry and growth Suppliers and service providers with a strategy and budget for targeted marketing can discuss using our hybrid print and social media channels to create brand recognition linked to market relevance Our platform and channels are differentiated by hands-on practice and an understanding of business and financials including some of the best technical writers is ready to meet you and your customers for content India and South Asia’s fast-growing packaging industry is continuously expanding capacities with efficiency and appropriate innovative technologies Get our 2025 media kit and recalibrate your role in this dynamic market Enhance your visibility and relevance to existing markets and turn potential customers into conversations Ask for a sample copy of our monthly or two weekly packaging eZines For editorial info@ippgroup.in — for advertisement ads1@ippgroup.in and for subscriptions subscription@ippgroup.in Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription and website in this browser for the next time I comment Four in the top fiveSeveral municipalities close to Luxembourg come out on top. Behind Attert, Belgian Luxembourg stands out more generally. One example is Messancy at roughly €37,200, which has climbed to the second step of the podium, albeit nearly €5,000 from the leader. Behind them, also in the top ten, are the communes of Etalle, 4th at close to €35,00, Saint-Léger, 5th at just over €34,900, Arlon, 6th with around €34,900 and Habay, finishing off the top ten with around €34,100. These municipalities are all home to a high proportion of cross-border workers. Josy Arens, the former mayor of Attert, regularly refers to the fact that 60% of the working population of Attert has a job in the Grand Duchy. The mayor of Arlon, Vincent Magnus, sometimes even speaks of a rate of 70%. The influence of neighbouring Luxembourg is undeniable - both positively, with high incomes, and more negatively. For example, the housing situation in the province of Luxembourg is similarly tight as that in Luxembourg in many respects. The net median income in other border municipalities was as follows: Brug-Reuland (€32,455) in the province of Liège Stadbel bases its ranking on “administrative equivalent disposable income” of each municipality in the country This data is considered to be a reliable indicator of household income that takes into account all income (salary etc) from which taxes and social security contributions are deducted It is then weighted according to the size of the household and the age of its members According to the Belgian statistical office this is a way of assessing the income actually available to citizens as closely as possible (This article first appeared in Virgule. Translation and editing by Alex Stevensson.) Weekend AwayThree perfect getaways in the Belgian ArdennesRead our itineraries for a weekend in La Roche-en-Ardennes, Celles, and Marche-en-Famenne, all less than 90 minutes from Luxembourg City Alcohol smugglingCross-border alcohol smuggler jailed and fined €30,000Motorist stopped on Belgian motorway with nearly 400 litres of cheap liquor from Luxembourg, on which he had not paid customs duties Cross-border cooperationExplainerLuxembourg, Belgium agree cross-border development planFive health, mobility and tourism projects aim to help people on both sides of the border Living What to consider if you’re moving across the borderLooking to move across the border to avoid high house prices? You should know how this affects your entitlements and tax status Until JulyBelgium braces for spate of train strikes lasting into summerRotating strikes are planned from March to July, with a nationwide general strike scheduled for 31 March ConflictBelgium sees growing pressure for sanctions on Rwanda over warBelgium is reviewing an aid package to Rwanda and planning to suspend part of it Cross-border travelBelgian commuters set for further disruption with week-long rail strikeLatest industrial action is planned to run from Friday at 22:00 until 2 March Holiday ideas Day trip destinations just one hour from LuxembourgFancy a short jaunt into Belgium, Germany or France? Here are some fun destinations about an hour's drive from the capital Advertiser contentTreat yourself to a stress-free holidayDreaming of a worry-free trip What if the secret to a smooth getaway was simply good preparation and the right protection Advertiser contentReal estate: Why should you take advantage of the start of 2025 to begin your real estate project?The main things we remember about the housing sector over the past 12 months are the rise in interest rates and the fall in property prices Advertiser contentProperty: I've decided to invest!The various forms of government support for investment Advertiser contentThe Luxembourg Times BusinessRun is happening again on 18th September!On Thursday 18th September with the starting gun of the 11th Luxembourg Times BusinessRun fired at the Coque at 7 pm Share this with instagramShare this with facebookShare this with linkedinSections The A4/E11 close to Habay in Belgium was blocked both ways during the action Motorists heading for Luxembourg were advised to travel towards Liège via the E42 by the website Inforoutes Other blockades were reported on the N4 towards Bastogne in both directions and the junction of the N89 and N83 between Bouillon and the French border For updates, visit inforoutes.be. AustraliaAustralians mark election day with 'democracy sausages' and in 'budgy smugglers'Australians fired up barbecues and wore tight-fit swim trunks called "budgy smugglers" to voting centers as they welcomed election day on Saturday (3 May) with some unique and quirky traditions. GrantsEU to propose €500m package to attract researchersPlan to double grant amount by 2025 and continue support in 2026 and 2027 Costs of six million eurosPremiumBus drivers unable to drive cost Luxembourg firm €6 million annually Some given odd jobs or are idle, but could soon be employed by municipal councils World of workSpain to move ahead with plan to cut work week to 37.5 hoursThe bill is set to face a lengthy approval process in Parliament, where it’s uncertain to have enough backing from lawmakers Innovation and educationLuxembourg opens drone school to boost safetyEducation ministry has launched a civilian drone school, where pilots can hone their skills and share ideas EnergyEU set to propose banning Russian gas imports by end of 2027The EU purchased a total of €23 billion in Russian energy in 2024, exceeding its military assistance to Ukraine last year SOS DétresseMore and more calls to Luxembourg mental health hotlineMore calls with suicidal thoughts “particularly worrying”, says SOS Détresse Public holiday 10 things to do on the 9 May Europe Day holidayVisit Robert Schuman’s house, head to the Mult-Culti festival in Bertrange or take a guided tour of the Europa Experience