VUB's Cyber and Data Security Lab (VUB-CDSL) aims to explore the legal aspects of cybersecurity, information security, data protection, and privacy. It is part of VUB's internationally renowned Research Group on Law, Science, Technology & Society (LSTS) at the Faculty of Law and Criminology of the Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel - VUB). As per its mission statement, CDSL aims to further knowledge, promote awareness, and foster new ideas within the legal framework on cybersecurity, information security, data protection, and privacy both globally and within the EU. To this end it carries out funded research, assumes advisory roles, publishes its findings and encourages international dialogue within its fields of expertise.
Recent news
4 new H2020 projects won
We are pleased to announce that CDSL has won 4 new H2020 projects: REGULAIZE, JUSTITIA, DAGGER and ELESSAR.
CDSL 2025: A Year in Review
...sometimes it is hard to keep track, especially when one hectic academic semester follows another.
EU Cybersecurity Law and Policy in 2025: Year-in-Review report
CDSL has published its "EU Cybersecurity Law and Policy in 2025: Year-in-Review" report. The report is part of our SSRN Research Paper series (and is therefore open access!), and includes our take on legal and policy developments that took place in the cybersecurity field during 2025.
Upcoming events
Practical info10/02/2026 - 09:30 - 10/02/2026 - 17:30PhD research day, with the University of Cologne
On February 10 a PhD Research Day will be held between CDSL and the Institute for Digitalization of the Faculty of Law, University of Cologne.
Practical info23/05/2025 - 08:45 - 23/05/2025 - 10:00The “Encryption Challenge” faced by LEAs in Criminal Investigations
In this year's panel of CDSL in CPDP2025 we will be discussing "The “Encryption Challenge” faced by LEAs in Criminal Investigations":
Practical info18/03/2025 - 15:00 - 18/03/2025 - 17:00Focus Group discussion: The responsibility of states to protect democratic processes from online Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)
CDSL is partner in the EU-funded project RESONANT
