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Frank Breedijk to Deliver Keynote at Cybersec Netherlands 2024: Insights on AI and Cybersecurity

Frank Breedijk
marc
31 July 2024
3 min

Frank Breedijk to Deliver Keynote at Cybersec Netherlands 2024: Insights on AI and Cybersecurity

Frank Breedijk will be the keynote speaker at Cybersec Netherlands, scheduled for November 6-7, 2024. With a career spanning over two decades in cybersecurity, Breedijk has been a prominent figure in the field, starting his journey in 2000 when he was appointed IT Security Officer for InterXion. His passion for security, however, dates back to his teenage years, involving early experiences with software cracking on the Commodore 64 and harmless hacks among friends.

Following his tenure at InterXion, Breedijk took on the responsibility of managing security services at Unisys. Despite a brief stint in security consulting, he found his true calling at Schuberg Philis, where he has dedicated 18 years to securing mission-critical systems, progressing to the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). His focus has expanded to include community relations and pioneering new security services.

Breedijk is also a founding volunteer of the Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD), where he established the DIVD CSIRT. His active involvement in various cybersecurity communities in the Netherlands, including DefCon Holland, underscores his commitment to advancing the field.

Current Trends in Cybersecurity

Addressing the current landscape, Breedijk identifies the most pressing challenge in cybersecurity: the scarcity of skilled professionals. He emphasizes that “heroes don’t scale,” meaning that while initiatives like DIVD are impactful, they fall short in addressing the widespread need for cybersecurity expertise. With IT embedded in every aspect of life, cybersecurity must be ubiquitous, yet there are too few qualified individuals to meet this demand. According to Breedijk, security should be an integral part of everyone’s job.

As for trends, AI stands out. Breedijk notes, “AI is in your phone, your laptop, your car, and soon in your fridge and oven too.” This silent revolution is transforming cybersecurity. Gone are the days when phishing emails could be easily spotted by poor grammar. AI enhances both the capabilities of cybersecurity professionals and the sophistication of cyber threats.

Professional Insights from Frank Breedijk

Reflecting on his extensive experience, Breedijk observes that the nature of cyber threats has evolved significantly. Once dominated by pranksters and hacktivists, the field now grapples with organized crime and state actors. The increasing dependency on IT heightens the stakes, as seen during the CrowdStrike outage last July, which affected a substantial number of systems and underscored the profound impact of IT disruptions on daily life.

Breedijk echoes Miko Hyppönen’s sentiment: “When you are guarding cybersecurity, you are guarding society.” This encapsulates the critical role cybersecurity professionals play in safeguarding modern infrastructure.

Key Takeaways for Cybersec Netherlands 2024 Attendees

In his keynote address, Breedijk aims to deepen the audience’s understanding of AI and its implications for cybersecurity. He intends to demystify AI, transitioning it from a hyped concept to a tangible technology that informs risk decisions. His goal is to inspire security professionals to integrate AI thoughtfully, ensuring it complements innovation rather than stifling it.

Technological Advancements and the Future of Cybersecurity

Breedijk envisions a future where cybersecurity must adapt continually to technological advancements. As innovations like AI present both opportunities and challenges, the field must evolve accordingly. However, he asserts that the most significant transformation will be organizational and political, aimed at bridging the skill gap that currently hinders cybersecurity efforts.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Events

Breedijk highlights the crucial role of events like Cybersec Netherlands in fostering a connected cybersecurity community. He believes that in a hyperconnected world, cybersecurity cannot function in isolation. Such events provide invaluable opportunities for professionals to network, learn, and collaborate, ultimately strengthening the collective effort to secure digital environments.

As the keynote speaker, Frank Breedijk’s insights and expertise promise to make Cybersec Netherlands 2024 a landmark event for the cybersecurity community. His address will undoubtedly offer valuable perspectives on the current and future state of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in this ever-evolving field.

Register for free for Cybersec Netherlands 2024

As cyber attacks continue to threaten today’s tech landscape, this event is the premier platform for seasoned cyber security professionals and innovative start-ups to exchange knowledge and tackle cybersecurity challenges together. Organizations across all sectors will discover strategies to boost cyber resilience and safeguard critical assets. Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your cyber defenses—register for free now!

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