TL;DR
SecurityBaseline.eu, a new platform launched on May 13, 2026, tracks security and privacy issues across over 80,000 European government sites. It highlights serious vulnerabilities such as illegal cookie use and poorly encrypted emails, aiming to improve transparency and security.
SecurityBaseline.eu was officially launched on May 13, 2026, marking a significant step in transparency and cybersecurity monitoring for European governments. The platform aims to expose vulnerabilities in over 80,000 organizations, including widespread illegal cookie use, publicly accessible database interfaces, and poorly encrypted email communication, thereby highlighting urgent security issues.
The platform is a spin-off from the Dutch ‘Basisbeveiliging,’ which has monitored baseline security for over a decade. It visualizes data through maps covering 32 European countries, including EU member states, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, but excluding the UK. Its software, Web Security Map, updates daily and tracks 21 metrics across nearly 200,000 internet domains.
Recent findings reveal that over 3,000 government websites illegally use tracking cookies, more than 1,000 database management interfaces are publicly accessible, and 99% of government emails are inadequately encrypted. These metrics are based on data collected from extensive scans and are intended to help governments identify and address security shortcomings.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it increases transparency about government cybersecurity practices and exposes widespread vulnerabilities that could impact citizens’ privacy and national security. By publicly sharing this data, SecurityBaseline.eu aims to pressure governments to improve their security posture, uphold privacy standards, and comply with regulations.
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Background
Since its inception over a decade ago, the Dutch ‘Basisbeveiliging’ has served as a national benchmark for baseline security. The new platform expands this initiative across Europe, leveraging a comprehensive mapping system that visualizes security risks at regional and national levels. The launch follows months of preparatory outreach, including tens of thousands of emails to European governments, warning them of upcoming public disclosures.
“Our goal is to make government cybersecurity transparent and encourage improvements that protect citizens’ privacy and security.”
— SecurityBaseline.eu team
“The widespread vulnerabilities revealed by SecurityBaseline.eu highlight the urgent need for governments to prioritize cybersecurity reforms.”
— European cybersecurity analyst
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What Remains Unclear
While the platform has identified significant vulnerabilities, the accuracy of some data may vary due to the complexity of mapping all government domains and the challenge of detecting all security issues. It is also unclear how quickly governments will respond to these findings or implement necessary fixes.
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What’s Next
Next steps include ongoing data collection and public updates, with governments expected to review and address identified vulnerabilities. The platform plans to expand its metrics and coverage, and may facilitate direct engagement with authorities to promote remediation efforts.
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Key Questions
What is the purpose of SecurityBaseline.eu?
It aims to monitor, visualize, and improve the cybersecurity and privacy practices of European government websites by exposing vulnerabilities and illegal practices.
Which countries are covered by SecurityBaseline.eu?
The platform covers 32 countries, including all EU member states, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The UK is not included.
What are the most common security issues found?
Major issues include illegal use of tracking cookies, publicly accessible database interfaces, and poorly encrypted government emails.
How will governments respond to these findings?
It is still unclear how quickly governments will act, but the platform aims to prompt policy changes and security improvements through transparency and public pressure.
