Our Voice

A Guide to Phishing Attacks in 2025

Discover our comprehensive guide to the latest phishing attacks in 2025 and learn effective strategies to defend against them.

Learn More
BOOK A MEETING

Local Authority of Den Helder Builds a Resilient IT Infrastructure with Blaud & Microsoft 

In the ever-changing digital landscape, local authorities are under mounting pressure to build IT infrastructures that are not just efficient but resilient and future-proof. As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and data protection regulations tighten, there’s zero tolerance for vulnerabilities – one weak link can disrupt security and services alike. By adopting Microsoft’s cutting-edge management and security solutions, the Dutch local authority of Den Helder has strengthened its digital infrastructure, ensuring it is well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the future with confidence.

Future-Proofing Local Governance

As citizens increasingly embrace the digital age, their expectations for fast, accessible, and secure services continue to grow. To keep pace, local authorities must build IT infrastructures that not only address today’s needs but are also capable of evolving to meet future challenges. This requires more than just operational efficiency; it calls for a digital environment designed to address emerging technological and security threats proactively.

With the introduction of stricter regulations, such as the NIS2 Directive, the stakes for data security have never been higher. Local authorities are now tasked with minimising vulnerabilities while maintaining seamless service delivery. The Dutch local authority of Den Helder has a long-standing commitment to secure reliable IT by adopting Microsoft’s advanced management and security solutions a a natural next step. By empowering over 600 employees with robust tools, Den Helder is not only meeting new security standards but also paving the way for a resilient and future-ready IT infrastructure.

A Step Forward in IT Management

Den Helder, who are dedicated to providing secure and reliable digital services, recognised the transition to Microsoft’s management and security solutions as a strategic opportunity to enhance its IT infrastructure. A significant step in this journey was the migration to Microsoft Intune, which now enables centralised management and robust security for the local authorities devices and users. To ensure a seamless transition, the local authority partnered with Blaud, a CWSI company, its trusted mobile device management (MDM) provider since 2013.

“Our collaboration with Den Helder goes back nearly a decade,” says Erwin van Ringelesteijn, Key Account Manager at Blaud,  “Initially, we supported them with the implementation of MobileIron for their BlackBerry devices. Today, with iPhones and iPads in their mobile fleet, we continue to offer advice and technical guidance to ensure their MDM environment runs seamlessly.”

Blaud’s longstanding partnership with the local authority, along with its expertise in both MobileIron and Microsoft Intune, positioned it perfectly to support the migration. “Blaud has been our trusted mobility partner for many years,” says Gerard van Rij, IT Advisor at Den Helder. “Blaud’s expertise gave us the confidence we needed, providing a clear and effective plan that made the transition seamless.” 

The migration itself was meticulously planned and executed, with Blaud working closely alongside the municipality’s IT team to manage the process. “Blaud guided us carefully through the transition to Intune,” explains Gerard van Rij. “Following an inventory review and several policy sessions, we jointly determined the desired configurations. Blaud then set up the Intune environment, conducted extensive testing, and performed a trial migration with a small user group. This phased approach provided the confidence we needed for a successful migration and ensured a smooth transition.” 

 

The Next Generation of Security

Den Helder’s decision to adopt Microsoft Defender as its security solution was a logical progression, seamlessly integrating with its existing Microsoft ecosystem while delivering advanced security features. However, they sought assurance that Defender would not only meet but exceed their current security standards, offering the enhanced capabilities needed to tackle future challenges effectively.

 

“After migrating to Microsoft Intune, implementing Defender was an obvious choice,” explains Gerard van Rij. “The seamless integration of both tools brings significant advantages. Our main focus was thoroughly evaluating whether Defender would truly be a step forward compared from our existing solution and identifying the unique advantages it could bring.”

Theory in Action

To thoroughly evaluate Microsoft Defender’s capabilities and make an informed decision, Blaud organised a Customer Security Intelligence (CSI) Threat Protection Engagement for Den Helder. This Microsoft-funded initiative offers organisations deep insights into the security features of Microsoft solutions. In this instance, the session focused on Defender’s specific functionalities and how they could enhance their overall security strategy.

“During the Threat Protection Engagement, we operate directly within the client’s production environment to uncover and analyse real-time threats and vulnerabilities,” explains Erwin van Ringelensteijn. “We start by aligning with the client’s core security goals and priorities, leveraging tools like Sentinel, Defender for Endpoint, and Defender for Cloud Apps to identify and investigate potential risks. From there, we deliver tailored recommendations and clear, actionable next steps to strengthen their overall security posture.” 

The complimentary workshop gave Den Helder’s team a hands-on experience with Defender’s capabilities, showcasing how it could fortify and future-proof their security strategy. “Thanks to Blaud, we had the opportunity to take part in a Microsoft-funded Defender engagement, which gave us the confidence needed to move forward,” shares Gerard van Rij. “The workshop not only confirmed that Defender was the right choice but also provided a solid foundation for its successful implementation.” 

With the successful deployment of endpoints, Den Helder is now preparing to address the next challenge: server integration. For this pivotal phase, they’re once again turning to their trusted partner, Blaud. “We’re excited to collaborate with Blaud to ensure a seamless and secure server configuration,” says Gerard van Rij. “Their expertise has been a cornerstone in empowering us to take our security strategy to new heights.” 

Prioritising Efficiency and Security

By migrating to Microsoft Intune and Defender, Den Helder has built a resilient and seamlessly managed IT environment. “Two years ago, we started transitioning to Intune for our laptops, phasing out our Citrix environment,” explains Gerard van Rij. After successfully deploying our mobile devices earlier this year, we’ve now shifted our focus to rolling out Defender. 

The new centralised IT setup has revolutionised Den Helder’s operations, improving efficiency and strengthening its capability to address threats in real time. “Having all devices managed through a single portal gives us unparalleled visibility and control,” Gerard explains. “We can instantly pinpoint where software updates or security measures are needed, enabling us to respond swiftly and stay one step ahead of potential risks.”

Looking to the future, Blaud continues to play a vital role in Den Helder’s IT strategy. “Blaud’s technical expertise ensured a seamless implementation of the Microsoft stack,” says Gerard. “Their team goes beyond answering technical questions, they actively collaborate, anticipate our needs, and provide swift support whenever challenges arise. It’s this blend of deep knowledge and proactive engagement that makes them such a dependable partner.” 

Blaud is eager to continue offering its expertise to support Den Helder in bringing its digital vision to life. “Our partnership has been built over many years on a foundation of trust and shared goals,” concludes Erwin van Ringelesteijn. “We’re dedicated to supporting Den Helder as they achieve their strategic objectives and shape their digital future.” 

Relevant Case Studies

case study icon

Case Study

Local Authority of Den Helder Builds a Resilient IT Infrastructure with Blaud & Microsoft 

Learn More
case study icon

Case Study

Samsung, Studio 100 and mobco, Safely Introduce Children to the Digital World

Learn More
case study icon

Case Study

Digitising Public Transport with Connect & Go.

Learn More