What is the BIO?
The BIO stands for Baseline Informatiebeveiliging Overheid (Baseline Information Security for Government). It is a mandatory standard for all government bodies in the Netherlands (such as municipalities, provinces, water boards and ministries) and sets out minimum requirements for information security.
The BIO is based on international standards such as ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, supplemented with specific Dutch guidelines for the public sector.
🧱 Purpose of the BIO
- Uniform security across government as a whole
- Protecting personal data and confidential information
- A risk-driven approach to information security
- Compliance with legislation (including AVG, Wpg, Wbb)
🛠️ What does the BIO contain?
- Security measures based on the ISO 27002 controls
- Security levels (BBN): classification as Basic, Substantial or Critical
- Risk analysis as the starting point for choosing measures
- Responsibilities for CISOs, executives and IT administrators
🔄 Relationship to other frameworks
| Standard / framework | Notes |
|---|---|
| ISO 27001 | Provides the international foundation for management systems |
| BIO | National implementation for government, based on ISO |
| CSIR | Focuses on the practical translation of BIO + IEC 62443 within OT |
| IEC 62443 | Specifically for industrial environments and OT networks |
🏛️ Who is required to comply with the BIO?
- Municipalities
- Provinces
- Water boards
- Ministries
- Other government bodies that process personal data or provide digital services
📌 In summary
The BIO is the Dutch security framework for government, aimed at protecting information and increasing digital resilience. It provides a concrete, risk-driven implementation of the ISO 27001 standard, tailored specifically to the public sector.