by Huib Modderkolk
I stumbled upon this book during one of my many random bookstore visits, and I was surprised I hadn’t come across it before. The topic of cyberwarfare and intelligence has always intrigued me, a curiosity that grew even more while I was studying security studies. My academic journey covered a wide range of international security issues—everything from nuclear security to war studies, terrorism, counter-terrorism, and, of course, cybersecurity. While many of the topics in It’s War, but Nobody Sees It (titled in Dutch: Het is oorlog maar niemand die het ziet) weren’t completely new to me, what stood out were the fascinating insights into the secretive world of Dutch intelligence and its international collaborations.
Reading about the Dutch Intelligence Agency (AIVD) felt both oddly familiar and completely eye-opening. The deeper I got into the book, the more I realized that if I had continued down the path of security studies or focused more on my trajectory on North Korean cyberwarfare, I might have found myself working in a department like the AIVD. What struck me about the book is how it made working in intelligence seem both more thrilling and yet more unsettling at the same time. Huib Modderkolk’s exceptional journalism made it clear that the high-stakes world of espionage is far more real and far-reaching than most of us realize, while also underscoring its critical importance.
What I appreciated most was Modderkolk’s ability to balance nuance with accessibility. The book covers complex IT and cyber topics but presents them in a way that even non-IT professionals can easily grasp. That’s no small feat and it makes this book an excellent read for anyone interested in cybersecurity, cyberwarfare, and intelligence, regardless of their technical background.
It’s a shame that books like this often only reach an audience already interested in topics of this subject matter. While the insights are invaluable, it’s the general public who would benefit most from understanding the digital threats we all face. Greater awareness could lead to more informed, proactive approaches to safeguarding our personal information and security.
Unfortunately for non-Dutch speakers, the book is only available in Dutch for now, but if you’re interested in the shadowy world of intelligence and cyber operations, Het is Oorlog maar Niemand die het ziet is a must-read!
What is It’s War, but Nobody Sees It about?
In It’s War, but Nobody Sees It, investigative journalist Huib Modderkolk takes readers into the world of Dutch intelligence and the growing threats posed by cyberwarfare. Through detailed accounts of high-profile hacking cases and international espionage, Modderkolk reveals how vulnerable we are to cyberattacks and how intelligence agencies like the AIVD work behind the scenes to counter these threats. What makes the book stand out is its focus on the Netherlands, offering a unique perspective on international cyber collaboration that isn’t often discussed in mainstream media.
Modderkolk’s storytelling is powerful and, at times, unsettling. He effectively breaks down complex IT subjects, making them understandable for readers without technical expertise. His central argument is clear: the dangers posed by cyberattacks are not just the stuff of spy movies—they’re very real, and they affect us all. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who underestimates the impact of cyberwarfare and the vital role intelligence agencies play in safeguarding national security.
Book Cover
