In this episode of Cyber Security District podcast, we speak with Marco Ramilli, a cybersecurity visionaire, TEDx speaker, and founder of IdentifAI, a deepfake detection company working at the intersection of AI, trust, and digital identity. From writing early sandboxing papers to leading cyber defense teams and selling his previous startup to VirusTotal (Google), Marco has spent the last two decades safeguarding digital borders. At IdentifAI, he’s now taking on one of the biggest threats of the AI era: manipulated content. Whether it’s fake insurance claims, fraud in football scouting, or synthetic identities onboarding to banks, his platform uses AI to detect AI: verifying whether images, voices, or videos were generated by humans or machines. In this episode, Marco shares his founder story, why he believes the shift from deterministic to probabilistic computing will reshape cybersecurity, and how his latest startup scaled to enterprise use cases within a year. In this episode, we cover: Marco’s hacking origin story and first run-in with his university Researching malware and voting systems at UC Davis Founding his first cybersecurity company in Italy when the market wasn’t ready Bootstrapping a business through 3+ years of break-even before momentum hit Early ransomware response and reverse-engineering threats Getting acquired by Tinexta and integrating into VirusTotal Building IdentifAI to detect deepfakes using AI-powered forensics From onboarding fraud to football scouting scams,  real use cases The rise of “digital performers” and the ethics of synthetic content Why deterministic cybersecurity tools are no longer enough The philosophical shift security teams must make to handle probabilistic models Advice for scaling startups, hiring A-players, and letting go as a founder His signal message to CISOs: curiosity will save us Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro00:14 – Meet Marco Ramilli01:00 – Hacking the campus network (with a for loop!)02:15 – Getting caught, and hired for cyber research03:10 – Reverse engineering malware at UC Davis04:30 – Cybersecurity in Italy: too early, too expensive05:45 – Why compliance was seen as a cost06:20 – Building a company just to be the “owner of his time”07:00 – Early business struggles & staying focused08:30 – Why saying “no” saved his startup10:10 – On embracing failure and learning from loss11:30 – Curiosity, discomfort, and moving to the U.S.13:00 – Sleeping on floors and working without backup14:00 – Founding Yoroi, growing from 4 to hundreds of employees15:30 – The ransomware era and massive inbound traction16:45 – Sandboxing: research, papers, and real-world applications18:00 – Joining Google via acquisition19:30 – Startup phases and letting go as a founder21:00 – Hiring advice: don’t save money on great people23:00 – Launching IdentifAI: how a fake Pope jacket sparked a real mission25:00 – Building AI to detect AI: early model design27:00 – From 80% to 96% accuracy in deepfake detection28:00 – Why images are more dangerous than text29:45 – The weaponization of synthetic media31:20 – How IdentifAI detects voice, image, and video manipulation32:45 – Use cases: banking KYC, insurance fraud, and football scouting35:00 – API-first strategy and enterprise readiness36:30 – “Digital Performers” and the ethics of representation37:30 – Real-time meeting detection via agents39:00 – Why probabilistic AI is changing the rules40:00 – How cybersecurity must evolve to deal with uncertainty43:20 – Deployment flexibility: on-prem or private cloud46:20 – The philosophical challenge of non-deterministic systems49:30 – Final message to CISOs: stay curious Connect with the guests: Marco Ramilli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoramilli/ Website: https://identifai.net/ Follow Cybersecurity District: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/ Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Kim van Lavieren, co-founder and CTO of Dawnguard, a cybersecurity startup that raised millions in funding before registering a company or launching a product. Kim’s story is anything but ordinary, from leading Marines on no-sleep missions to building offensive hacking tools for the Dutch military, to managing massive security teams at Amazon in the U.S., his path combines discipline, vision, and deep technical mastery. Together with co-founder Madi Abdurazak, Kim is now on a mission to completely rethink how cybersecurity should be done, by starting not with alerts or vulnerabilities, but with architecture, policy, and real business risk. Dawnguard is building a platform that automates secure-by-design architecture using AI, aiming to replace an entire category of cloud security tools before most companies even realize there’s a better way. In this episode, we cover: What the Dutch Marine Corps taught Kim about discipline and decision-making How a military comms officer became a cybersecurity architect Building secure systems after discovering flaws in weapons room access Writing offensive tools for the cyber division of the Dutch Armed Forces Why cyber soldiers may be more impactful than boots on the ground Kim’s journey to Amazon and running third-party security at massive scale The mindset shift from “no” to “how” in security engineering The origin story behind Dawnguard and raising millions pre-product How Dawnguard is building a new category for architecture-led security Using AI to design, verify, deploy, and enforce security from day zero Advice for cybersecurity newcomers, and why the industry must rebrand How Dutch risk aversion is holding back innovation — and how to break through Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro00:00:47 – Kim's Background: From Marines to Cybersecurity00:03:29 – Training Under Extreme Pressure00:06:28 – Becoming a Communications Officer & Discovering Security Gaps00:08:18 – First Lines of Code at Age 1000:10:19 – When Tech & Physical Endurance Collide00:11:04 – Offensive Cyber Capabilities in the Military00:14:22 – Why Cyber Soldiers Now Matter More Than Physical Ones00:17:05 – Consulting, CISO Roles & Joining Amazon00:18:49 – The Scale & Speed of Security at Amazon00:21:00 – The Origin of Dawnguard00:23:00 – Automating Architecture Compliance with AI00:25:08 – Using Threat Intel & Policy as a Starting Point00:28:02 – Building the Engine: 5 AIs and a Moonshot00:30:46 – Meeting Madi & Finding the Perfect Co-Founder Match00:33:29 – Raising Millions with No Product — and Building a Dream Team00:36:37 – Rise Into Resilience: What the Dawnguard Slogan Really Means00:38:08 – Rebranding Cyber: Why the Industry Needs a Makeover00:39:44 – Advice for People Trying to Break Into Security00:41:03 – Advice for Aspiring Cyber Entrepreneurs00:44:42 – Certifications, Labs & Reality Checks00:47:25 – Going Big Means Accepting Uncertainty00:49:00 – The 5-Year Vision: Replace Entire Security Categories00:50:30 – Final Signal Message to CISOs: Security Is Balance, Not Absolutes Connect with the guests: Kim van Lavieren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-v-0645931b4/ Learn more about Dawnguard: https://dawnguard.ai/ Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.comAll channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Niek Waarbroek (Founder & CTO) and Tycho Klessens (CEO) of Florbs, a Dutch startup transforming file security inside Google Workspace. What started as a simple set of admin scripts has evolved into a powerful SaaS platform, used by global enterprises to automate onboarding, offboarding, and prevent accidental (or malicious) data leaks. Niek shares how his frustrations with error-prone onboarding flows inspired him to build smarter tools, and how a lack of visibility into shared files became a real security threat for many organizations. After bootstrapping Florbs for three years, he crossed paths with Tycho, then a VC investor, who not only became the commercial co-founder, but helped raise €1 million to scale the team. Together, they discuss the power of building with product-led growth, how they’re scaling without wasting capital, and why real file security goes beyond Google’s default settings. They also explain why early-stage cybersecurity startups need more than funding, including focus, clarity, and the right partner chemistry. In this episode, we cover: The original problem Florbs set out to solve inside Google Workspace Why offboarding is one of the biggest overlooked security gaps How ex-employees still access company data without detection From custom scripts to a full-fledged SaaS product Product-led growth without a sales team or marketing budget Raising €1 million from angel investors and CISOs Going from solo founder to building a complementary co-founder team How they’re building safe, reversible file actions with real-time insights Expanding into AI-powered detection and cross-platform collaboration security Lessons learned transitioning from VC investor to cybersecurity CEO Whether you're a CISO, founder, or operator working in Google Workspace or building a startup yourself, this episode shows how automation and visibility can finally close one of the biggest blind spots in modern file security.   Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:15 – What Inspired Florbs: The Google Workspace Problem03:40 – Why Onboarding & Offboarding Create Risk06:00 – Real-World Cases: Ex-Employees Accessing Confidential Docs08:45 – Building from Admin Scripts to Full Product11:30 – Why Google Alone Doesn’t Cut It for File Security14:50 – The Origins of the Name “Florbs”18:10 – Google Developer Expert Status & Product-Led Growth21:00 – Meeting Tycho: From VC Investor to Co-Founder25:30 – The First Pitch, the Missed Investment & The Unexpected Partnership30:40 – Raising Smart Capital (Not Just Any Capital)34:00 – Scaling Carefully: Where the €1M Will Go37:20 – Building Automated Security Workflows40:15 – Preventing AI-Fueled Phishing & Lookalike Domain Attacks44:00 – Hiring Philosophy, Co-Founder Chemistry & Startup Reality49:00 – Final Advice for Entrepreneurs & First-Time CISOs52:30 – One Signal Message to CISOs: Don’t Block Everything   Connect with the guests: Niek Waarbroek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niekwaarbroek/ Tycho Klessens:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tycho-klessens-a215abb7/ Learn more about Florbs: https://florbs.io Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.comAll channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Seemant Sehgal, founder and CEO of Breachlock, one of the fastest-growing offensive security companies in the world. Seemant’s journey took him from a small town in Northern India to leading global cybersecurity teams at ING Bank, before founding a startup that’s now active in over 20 countries. At Breachlock, Seemant is rethinking how offensive security is done. His platform combines automation, AI, and human-led red teaming to deliver scalable Pen Testing as a Service (PTaaS) that addresses the growing inefficiencies of traditional penetration testing. Seemant has built a globally distributed company operating in over 20 countries, while staying close to the ground truth of cyber operations and keeping his team deeply connected to the challenges that security teams face every day. In this episode, we cover: Building a global cyber career without a linear path Lessons from running cybersecurity at ING Bank The inefficiencies of traditional pen testing Starting BreachLock with automation and AI at the core Launching Adversarial Exposure Validation (AEV) Balancing AI and human expertise in offensive security Leading a remote team across 20+ countries Hiring for culture and alignment, not just skills How to sell cyber risk to non-technical stakeholders Message to all CISOs Whether you're scaling a security startup, running a blue team, or navigating board-level cyber strategy, this episode delivers hard-earned insights from someone who's seen the full lifecycle, technical, strategic, and entrepreneurial. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:10 – Growing Up in Northern India 03:25 – Starting Out in Ethical Hacking at IBM 06:10 – From Defense to Offense: Career at ING Bank 09:00 – Identifying the Pain Points of Traditional Pentesting 11:30 – Founding BreachLock: Automating What Matters 15:40 – What is Adversarial Exposure Validation (AEV)? 19:20 – Scaling with AI, But Keeping It Human 23:45 – Managing a Remote-First Global Team 26:30 – Hiring Philosophy: Look for Disagreement and Culture Fit 30:15 – Translating Cyber Risk for the C-Suite 33:00 – Staying Grounded: Lessons from Building Profitably 36:20 – Advice to Future Founders & Security Leaders 39:00 – Final Message to all CISO’s Connect with the guest:Seemant Sehgal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/s-sehgal/Learn more about Breachlock: https://www.breachlock.com/ Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.comAll channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict  

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Mischa van Geelen, one of the Netherlands’ most remarkable cybersecurity professionals. At just 13 years old, Mischa discovered a critical vulnerability at a major Dutch bank. By 15, he was the youngest full-time pen tester at a global consultancy. Now in his twenties, he’s already co-founded one of the top incident response firms in the country, served as TISO at leading payment institutions like iDEAL and European Payment Institute (EPI) and is gearing up to launch his next venture. Mischa’s story is anything but ordinary. A self-taught hacker turned security strategist, he shares candid insights into the realities of incident response, the pitfalls of “watermelon compliance,” and why cybersecurity must be treated as a business enabler, not a sunk cost. Whether it’s rebuilding a college’s IT infrastructure after a massive ransomware attack or scaling a startup from scratch, Mischa combines technical brilliance with rare clarity on communication, compliance, and leadership. In this episode, we cover: Discovering his first vulnerability at age 13 Interning at ABN AMRO while still in high school Joining a consultancy firm as a full-time pen tester at 15 Building and scaling an incident response company Inside stories from real-world cyberattacks Why most companies still don’t “get” compliance The burnout risk of incident responders His thoughts on AI, deepfakes, and the future of cybercrime Plans for his next cybersecurity venture Advice for aspiring ethical hackers and cyber entrepreneurs Whether you're a CISO, student, founder, or future threat analyst, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest reflections from someone who's lived cybersecurity from every angle and isn't done yet. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Finding His First Vulnerability at 13 04:20 – Interning at ABN AMRO 07:00 – Getting Misunderstood by the School System 09:40 – Joining a Consultancy as a Teenager 14:00 – Launching a Cybersecurity Company at 17 17:20 – Challenges of Managing Incident Response Teams 22:30 – Real-Life Ransomware Incidents 27:10 – The Reality of 24/7 Cyber Incident Response 31:45 – The Emotional Impact of Cybercrime 34:30 – Working with iDEAL & EPI 38:10 – AI Threats and the Rise of Deepfakes 42:00 – Watermelon Compliance & What’s Broken in Cyber 45:50 – Mischa’s Next Venture: Automating Real Compliance 49:20 – Communication as the Missing Skill in Cybersecurity 52:00 – Final Message to Global CISOs   Connect with the guest:Mischa van Geelen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickgeex/Learn more about Anovum: https://www.anovum.nl  Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.comAll channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Marco Riccardi, threat intelligence expert, startup founder, and the mind behind QuoIntelligence. From getting his first computer at age 7 to running cyber operations at Deutsche Bank and the European Central Bank, Marco’s journey is anything but linear. He’s built a deep-tech company protecting European infrastructure, all while fusing AI, geopolitics, and intelligence analysis into a single mission: safeguarding Europe’s digital future. Marco is the founder and CEO of QuoIntelligence, a fast-growing European scale-up tackling the growing need for context-aware threat intelligence. His roots lie in coding and hacking, but his vision is firmly set on building an intelligence powerhouse grounded in critical thinking, geopolitics, and predictive security. In this episode, he breaks down the gaps in the vendor market, why Europe needs its own intelligence solutions, and what it takes to scale a security company without losing its soul. We cover: Marco’s early obsession with computers and hacking His time in military psy-ops and its influence on his thinking Building threat intel teams at European Central Bank and Deutsche Bank Spotting the market gap that led to founding QuoIntelligence The rise of AI in cyber defense and offense Why most security teams fail at scaling His philosophy on intelligence, communication, and critical thinking Lessons from five years of building a remote-first startup The future of European cybersecurity Whether you’re a cyber leader, an aspiring threat analyst, or simply curious about how intelligence intersects with business, this episode offers a raw, honest, and insightful look into one of Europe’s most original cybersecurity minds. Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:00 – Meet Marco Riccardi04:00 – First Hacking Experiences at Age 1107:45 – From Military Psy-Ops to Cybersecurity11:30 – Moving to Barcelona & Malware Research16:00 – Career at ECB and Deutsche Bank21:15 – Why Europe Lacked Local Threat Intel Vendors25:30 – Intelligence as a Business Advantage30:00 – Building QuoIntelligence35:50 – Starting a Company During COVID39:30 – Lessons in Scaling: Hiring Mistakes & Culture44:00 – The Power of AI in Cybersecurity48:30 – What Threat Actors Are Doing with AI53:00 – Advice for Entering Threat Intelligence58:30 – Final Message to CISOs Worldwide Connect with the guest:Marco Riccardi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcoriccardi/Learn more about QuoIntelligence: https://www.quointelligence.eu Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.comAll channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we speak with Mahdi Abdulrazak, a cybersecurity leader, serial investor, and one of the most remarkable self-made minds in the field. He just left his CISO position SHV Energy, where he led a team of over 100 professionals, but his journey started much earlier as a refugee, a teenage hacker, and a relentless entrepreneur. Mahdi’s story spans continents, industries, and disciplines. Fluent in over 8 languages and driven by curiosity, he's not only built pioneering technology platforms but also invested in some of the most promising cybersecurity startups in Europe, including Hadrian and Workwise, and now his own venture Dawnguard. From building his first tech company in the early 2000s to mentoring the next generation of founders, Mahdi brings a rare blend of street smartness, deep technical insight, and philosophical clarity. After years witnessing how reactive cybersecurity slows innovation, Mahdi is building Dawnguard to make security-by-design the new default, shifting security left from day zero with the power of AI and automation. In this episode, we explore: How growing up in poverty sparked Mahdi’s hacker mindset His first steps into cybersecurity at age 15 Co-founding a platform ahead of its time in smart connectivity Investing in cybersecurity startups across Europe Why he always invests in people, not products Advice for professionals who want to become entrepreneurs How to deal with pressure and avoid burnout in security roles His vision for agentic AI, machine learning, and the future of cyber defense Mahdi speaks with striking honesty about risk, purpose, and what it means to truly contribute. Whether you’re a young professional, a seasoned CISO, or an aspiring founder, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:40 - Meet Mahdi Abdulrazak03:00 - From Warzone to Amsterdam07:20 - Hacking as a Form of Learning11:00 - Building a Tech Startup in the Early 2000s16:45 - Investment Philosophy: People over Products21:30 - Why Dutch Cyber Needs More Startups25:00 - Becoming CISO of SHV Energy29:15 - Handling Pressure & Avoiding Burnout33:50 - Advice for Cybersecurity Entrepreneurs37:40 - The Promise of Agentic AI in Cyber Defense41:00 - Leaving a Legacy & Staying Curious44:20 - Final Message to Global CISOs Connect with the guest:Mahdi Abdulrazak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahdiabdulrazak/Learn more about Dawnguard – www.dawnguard.ai Follow Cyber Security District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Fleur van Leusden, one of the most visible and respected voices in the Dutch cybersecurity landscape. Fleur is the current Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at a major Dutch government institution, but her work spans far beyond that. With a background in criminology and a career that began in law enforcement, Fleur has become a strategic advisor to the Dutch education system, a frequent keynote speaker, and the host of one of the most popular cybersecurity podcasts in the Netherlands: CISO Praat. Her journey from internet detective at the Dutch National Police to forensic analyst, consultant, and now solo CISO, reflects the evolution of the cybersecurity field itself. In this episode, we dive into: Her early fascination with law, forensics, and technology Life as an “internet detective” solving high-profile crimes How she transitioned into cybersecurity leadership What it’s like being a one-woman security department Why prioritization is the toughest part of a CISO’s job Managing burnout, pressure, and the “superhero complex” Advice for young professionals who want to follow in her footsteps Fleur shares honest, witty, and insightful reflections on the pressure CISOs face, how to let go of perfectionism, and why community support is crucial in this ever-changing field. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:30 - Meet Fleur van Leusden02:10 - Podcasting and Finding Her Voice05:00 - From Criminology to Cyber07:40 - Life as an Internet Detective13:00 - Joining the Dutch Forensic Institute17:12 - From Testing to Hacking21:35 - Becoming a (Bracketed) CISO25:00 - A Day in the Life of a CISO28:15 - Prioritization, Politics & Burnout34:20 - On Thick Skin, Flexibility & Boundaries38:52 - Community Support Among CISOs42:00 - Final Message to Global CISOs Connect with the guest:Fleur van Leusden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-%F0%9F%8E%99%F0%9F%A6%8A-van-leusden-356bb054/ Follow Cybersecurity District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with Dimitri van Zantvliet, one of the most respected CISOs in the Netherlands and the current Chief Information Security Officer at the Dutch Railway (NS). Dimitri’s career spans from electromechanical engineering on offshore rigs to becoming a national authority on cybersecurity, advising startups, governments, and international councils. He’s the co-founder of the Dutch CISO community, an angel investor, a public speaker, and Dutch ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI. Dimitri also serves on advisory boards such as TNO and the University of Amsterdam’s Leadership Academy, shaping the future of digital security on multiple levels. In this episode, we dive into: How Dimitri manages multiple leadership roles with purpose His early transition from engineering into cybersecurity Why public transport is a vital piece of national resilience NS’s approach to defending against state actors and activist threats What makes a strong CISO in today’s geopolitical climate The rise of responsible AI and why it matters now more than ever His advice for cybersecurity founders and next-gen professionals Dimitri shares powerful insights on threat intelligence, incident response, ethical AI, and the evolving role of CISOs in a world shaped by hybrid threats and rapid technological change. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:10 - Managing Multiple Roles04:17 - From Engineering to Cybersecurity06:54 - Leadership Lessons Learned10:14 - Importance of Certifications and Grit13:06 - Cybersecurity Challenges at NS17:20 - State Actors, NATO, and Public Transport Threats23:00 - What Makes a Great CISO28:09 - Responsible AI and Smart Cities30:38 - Investing in Startups and Supporting Founders34:45 - Tech Areas to Watch: Compliance, Anomaly Detection, AI Agents42:41 - Unlimited Resources: What He'd Solve First44:02 - Advice for Young Cybersecurity Professionals46:05 - A Final Message to CISOs Worldwide Connect with the guest:Dimitri van Zantvliet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanzantvliet/ Follow Cybersecurity District:Laurens Jagt (Host): https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Title: The Infrastructure Behind Smarter SOCs with VirtualMetric Founders | Cyber Security District Podcast Episode Description: In this episode of Cyber Security District, we sit down with the founders of VirtualMetric, one of Europe’s most promising scale-ups in the cybersecurity space. Meet Yusuf Öztürk, CTO and original brain behind the platform, and Jimmy Wind, CEO and commercial strategist who joined the company to accelerate growth and take it global. VirtualMetric started as a performance monitoring tool but made a smart pivot into cybersecurity, solving one of the biggest pain points for Security Operations Centers (SOCs): the skyrocketing cost and inefficiency of SIEM platforms like Microsoft Sentinel. In this episode, we dive into: How VirtualMetric evolved from IT monitoring to cybersecurity The cost-saving power of their security data pipeline Why Microsoft and MSSPs are embracing their solution Lessons in product-market fit, pivoting, and startup resilience Advice for first-time founders in cybersecurity Yusuf and Jimmy share practical insights on filtering and enriching telemetry data, how to reduce your SIEM bill by 70–80%, and why smart pre-processing is a must-have for every CISO. Key Takeaways: Pre-process your data before it hits your SIEM to save time and money Automation beats manual parsing every time Focus on solving real pain points, not changing behavior Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:12 - Meet the founders: Yusuf and Jimmy03:45 - The origins of VirtualMetric07:32 - Agentless monitoring and breakthrough compression11:16 - Pivoting into cybersecurity15:25 - Why current SIEM tools fall short18:50 - Deep integration with Microsoft Sentinel22:40 - How VirtualMetric slashes data ingest costs27:58 - The AI opportunity (and risk) in data pipelines34:02 - Scaling after investment41:21 - Advice for cybersecurity founders47:00 - Final message to global CISOs Connect with the guests: Jimmy Wind (CEO): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmywind/ Yusuf Öztürk (CTO): https://www.linkedin.com/in/yusufozturk87/ Follow Cybersecurity District: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/ Website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ All channels & newsletter: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Welcome to another exciting episode of Cybersecurity District. Today, we're diving into a hot topic—cryptocurrency and cybersecurity—with none other than Jean-Paul de Jong, a partner at BlockFo and a seasoned expert in cyber investigations and blockchain security. With over 30 years of experience, Jean-Paul has worked with multinational enterprises, law enforcement, and intelligence organizations such as the British government and Europol. In 2018, he transitioned into the world of blockchain, where he now plays a key role in fighting cryptocurrency-related crimes. In this episode, we discuss: The mission of BlockFo in combating crypto crimes Real-life cases, including how Hamas funding was tracked using blockchain The challenges in recovering stolen crypto funds The future of cryptocurrency in corporate finance Tips for protecting your crypto investments Jean-Paul also shares his journey from traditional IT roles to becoming a leader in blockchain, offering invaluable insights for both experienced professionals and newcomers to the field. Key takeaways include the importance of hardware wallets, multi-factor authentication, and the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in the blockchain industry. Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:26) Jean-Paul de Jong’s background and experience(01:20) The mission of BlockFo(02:52) Challenges in resolving crypto crimes(05:06) Real-life case study: Tracking Hamas funding(08:07) Blockchain’s role in tracing transactions(14:23) Jean-Paul’s transition to blockchain(24:52) Cybersecurity for startups(34:36) The future of BlockFo and corporate crypto transactions(39:45) Tips for safeguarding your crypto(51:52) Final message to CISOs Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity.    Connect with us:  Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurensjagt/ Jean-Paul De Jong LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanpauldejong/   Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/   Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Welcome to another episode of Cyber Security District, the podcast where we interview the most inspiring minds in the cybersecurity industry. In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Brenno de Winter, a renowned journalist, public speaker, author, and cybersecurity expert. Brenno shares his fascinating career journey, starting from his early days as an IT professional, to his pivotal decision to become a journalist after the events of September 11th, 2001. He delves into his investigative journalism career, highlighting significant moments such as the DigiNotar hack and the impact of Edward Snowden's revelations. Currently working at the Ministry of Health, Sports, and Welfare in the Netherlands, Brenno discusses his role in developing the CoronaCheck-app and his ongoing efforts in the field of data protection and cybersecurity. He also shares valuable insights and tips for young professionals looking to make a mark in the industry. Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(00:15) Welcoming Brenno de Winter(00:48) Brenno's early career in IT(03:09) Transition to journalism post-9/11(05:25) Impact of Edward Snowden's revelations(06:28) Changes in society post-9/11(08:39) Becoming a successful journalist(11:26) Memorable moments in investigative journalism(14:18) Early challenges in cybersecurity journalism(15:29) Europe's approach to data protection(20:04) Transition back to cybersecurity(25:40) Role at the Ministry of Health and the CoronaCheck-app(29:09) Future plans and OpenKAT project(33:51) Tips for young professionals in cybersecurity(36:57) Final thoughts and message to CISOs   Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Brenno De Winter on LinkedIn: Brenno de Winter Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Welcome to another insightful episode of Cybersecurity District! 🎙️ In this episode, host Laurens sits down with Roelof Kroon, the Corporate Information Security Officer (CISO) at Alfen. With over 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, Roelof shares his journey from starting as an engineer to climbing the corporate ladder to become a CISO. 🔍 Key Topics Discussed: Transitioning from engineering to a leadership role The importance of adapting skill sets in cybersecurity Alfen's role in the electronics and energy sector The impact of regulations like NIS2 on the industry Balancing IT and OT security in a corporate environment The evolving threat landscape and the importance of being prepared The significance of soft skills and teamwork in crisis management Advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals Roelof also delves into the challenges and rewards of being a CISO and the importance of collaboration within the ecosystem.  Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction (00:28) - Roelof Kroon's career journey (02:08) - Alfen's business and products (04:03) - The impact of regulations on cybersecurity (06:04) - Balancing IT and OT security (10:23) - Keeping the team motivated (13:11) - Tools and frameworks for threat analysis (15:05) - The implications of AI in cybersecurity (18:05) - Security risks in the growth of EV charging stations (22:24) - The most rewarding aspects of being a CISO (25:51) - Tips for aspiring cybersecurity professionals (29:50) - The importance of soft skills in crisis management (34:09) - Handling major security incidents (38:01) - Final thoughts and advice for young professionals Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity. Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Roelof Kroon on LinkedIn: Roelof Kroon Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Welcome to another exciting episode of Cybersecurity District, the podcast where we interview the most inspiring minds in the cybersecurity industry. In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned cyber entrepreneur, Ed MacNair. He has has been in the industry for over 25 years and has successfully sold two companies. Currently, he's building his third venture, CensorNet, which aims to revolutionize cybersecurity for SMBs. This episode dives deep into Ed's journey, his insights on the evolution of cybersecurity, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field. Key Takeaways: The evolution of cybersecurity from antivirus to complex threats like ransomware and nation-state attacks. The importance of having a strong team and mentors in your entrepreneurial journey. How to identify the right moment to sell your company and ensure it's beneficial for employees, shareholders, and yourself. The challenges and opportunities in serving the SMB sector with effective cybersecurity solutions. The future of cybersecurity, including the role of AI and the growing importance of privacy. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction01:02 - Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats02:31 - Pivotal Moments in Cybersecurity04:06 - Entrepreneurial Journey with Marshal07:43 - Advice for Aspiring Cyber Entrepreneurs10:54 - Turning Around Marshall13:15 - Valuation and the Stress of Selling a Business15:01 - The Genesis of Censornet20:27 - Building a Winning Team22:45 - Winning Team and Future Ventures Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity. Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Ed MacNair on LinkedIn: Ed MacNair Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

In this episode of Cyber Security District, Laurens Jagt interviews Carlo Schreurs, the visionary CISO at Friesland Campina, a global dairy company. With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, Carlo shares insights into his journey as a CISO and the cybersecurity transformation he leads across 33 countries. Throughout the conversation, Carlo discusses his background in aeronautical engineering, his transition into cybersecurity, and the challenges faced in protecting a company with over 23,000 employees. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in the cybersecurity industry and shares his approach to setting priorities and managing incidents. Key Topics Discussed: Carlo shares his career journey from aeronautical engineering to cybersecurity leadership. The importance of collaboration and sharing information in the cybersecurity industry. Insights into the cybersecurity challenges faced by a global dairy company like Friesland Campina. Carlo's approach to setting priorities and managing incidents in a large organization. The role of a CISO in driving digital transformation and cybersecurity resilience. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to Carlo Schreurs 01:09 - Carlo Schreurs' Background and Career Journey 08:18 - Transition to CISO Role at Friesland Campina 09:02 - First Year as CISO at Friesland Campina 09:55 - Cybersecurity Collaboration and Events 11:05 - Challenges in Cybersecurity for Dairy Industry 14:43 - Setting Priorities and Dealing with Incidents 33:42 - Importance of Resilience in Cybersecurity 43:31 - Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 45:02 - Role of CISOs in Educating Boards on Cybersecurity Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity. Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Carlo Schreurs on LinkedIn: Charlo Schreurs Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Welcome to another episode of Cybersecurity District, the podcast where we interview the most inspiring minds in the cybersecurity industry. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Irfaan Santoe, the ex-CISO at Aegon, one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands with over 15,000 employees worldwide. Irfaan brings over 15 years of experience in the cybersecurity field, having held various leadership positions at ABN Amro Bank, Wolters Kluwer, and VGZ. He is also a public speaker and the chapter leader for OWASP Netherlands. In this insightful conversation, Irfaan shares his journey from studying artificial intelligence to becoming a CISO, his personal transformation journey, and his unique approach to balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. Key Topics Discussed: Irfaan's career path and leadership roles in cybersecurity The concept of "Inner Engineer" and personal fulfillment The evolution and application of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity The importance of mentorship and how to find the right mentors Strategies for effective decision-making and prioritization as a CISO The role of mindfulness and energy management in professional life Episode Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction to Cybersecurity District Podcast (00:00) - Guest Introduction: Irfaan Santoe (00:47) - Irfaan's Career Journey (02:30) - Irfaan's Role as Inner Engineer (06:04) - Conscious Decision Making (10:50) - Studying Artificial Intelligence (15:23) - Mentorship and Career Focus (33:29) - Advice for Young Professionals   Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity. Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Irfaan Santoe on LinkedIn: Irfaan Santoe Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict

Join host Laurens Jagt on the Cyber Security District Podcast for an enlightening conversation with Hans Ijkel, the General Manager of Cyber Defense at Shell. With over two decades of experience in IT audit, risk management, and cybersecurity, Hans shares invaluable insights into the transformation of cyber defense, the pivotal role of creativity, and the impact of geopolitics on cybersecurity strategies. In this episode, we explore Hans Ijkel's career journey, his perspectives on the challenges in the cybersecurity field, and his forward-looking views on the role of AI in cyber defense. Whether you're a cybersecurity professional or just keen to learn more about this critical field, this discussion will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to Hans Ijkel's Career 05:30 - Hans Ijkel's Interest in Cybersecurity 11:37 - Hans Ijkel's Mistake During a Pen Test 13:22 - Challenges of Setting Up Threat Management and Cyber Defense 22:00 - Challenges of Managing a Global Team 25:48 - Discussion on Threat Actors and Vulnerabilities in the Supply Chain 32:35 - Importance of Curiosity and Technical Expertise in Team Building 37:40 - Balancing Geopolitics and Cybersecurity 43:25 - Handling Cybersecurity Threats in Geopolitical Conflicts 46:36 - Achievements and Future Goals in Cyber Defense 47:58 - Future of Cybersecurity and AI Integration Don't miss this engaging and insightful conversation. Tune in to learn from one of the leading minds in cybersecurity. Connect with us: Laurens Jagt on LinkedIn: Laurens Jagt Hans Ijkel on LinkedIn: Hans Ijkel Visit our website: https://www.cybersecuritydistrict.com/ Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us here: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritydistrict  

In today's episode, we talk with Paul Moreno, who currently works as CISO at Catawiki. Before Catawiki Paul, worked for the biggest tech giants in the world such as Pinterest, Uber, or Adyen and witnessed the rise of Silicon Valley in San Francisco firsthand. In this episode we talked about the integration of AI in security orchestration and response, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive cybersecurity education for all and the pivotal role of government and privacy laws in ensuring digital safety. To end on a lighter note, Paul wishes everyone to work on things that make them happy and shares valuable insights for everyone getting starting with their #cybercareers.  Get in contact with Paul:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/unic0rn/ Timecodes:  (00:00) - AI for Security Orchestration and Response (12:07) - Rise of Silicon Valley  (18:10) - Pinterest, Uber, Adyen (25:11) - CISO at Catawiki  (32:34) - Personal and Professional Happiness    

In this insightful episode of Cyber Security Talks, Laurens Jagt sits down with cybersecurity veteran Richard de Vries, an author, blogger, and public speaker with three decades of experience. We explore Richard's unique view on cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, communication, and the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Richard de Vries shares his journey from hacking games to becoming a cybersecurity expert, emphasizing on resilience and continuous learning. He discusses his pandemic-era blogging and experiences as an author.  Additionally, Richard explores the transformative role of AI and GPT in cybersecurity, advocating for organizational cultural changes and the importance of embracing technology for effective threat management and a more secure digital future.   Timestamps:  (00:20) Richard de Vries narrates his evolution from an accountant to a cybersecurity expert, emphasizing the role of curiosity in his career. (08:41) He discusses his contributions to cybersecurity knowledge through book writing and blogging, highlighting the impact of AI and GPT technologies. (17:45) Richard explores AI's role in cybersecurity, focusing on strategies for preparation, prevention, detection, and response. (25:15) He advises on understanding personal influence in cybersecurity and the importance of trusting technology to lessen workload. (33:15) The episode concludes with insights into creating adaptable network infrastructures and the necessity of continuous learning for digital safety.