

Cyber Security District
Cyber Security District
The interview podcast for cyber security professionals and for those who aspire to become one. We interview industry experts to get to know the latest trends, real life war stories and everything you need to know about this exciting industry.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 2, 2024 • 55min
CISO at Friesland Campina: Balancing Risk and Transformational Leadership with Carlo Schreurs
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

Jun 18, 2024 • 38min
The Maverick CISO with Irfaan Santoe
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

Jun 4, 2024 • 55min
The Future of Cyber Defense: AI, Threat Management, and Beyond with Hans Ijkel
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

May 28, 2024 • 14sec
Cyber Security District Intro

Dec 14, 2023 • 38min
Paul Moreno - Cyber Education for all
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

Nov 30, 2023 • 40min
Richard de Vries - Be Curious and Learn
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.

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
Kevin Valk - From Code to Codean
In this episode, we're diving into an inspiring tale of transformation with Kevin Valk, who went from hacker to cyber security pro, and then jumped headfirst into the startup world. We’ll get the scoop on how Codean came to life, emphasizing its remote-only culture and the role of automation and enhanced UX in empowering security experts.
Towards the end, they also touch upon how a methodical approach to problem-solving can be a game-changer in both securing the digital space and winning at life.

Aug 31, 2023 • 46min
Rishalin Pillay - H4ck1ng Google
In this episode, we're privileged to have Rishalin Pillay, Principal Consultant - Red Team at Google, to peel back the layers on cybersecurity's most secretive domain: red teaming. From exploring Rishalin's early hacking days in South Africa to his latest venture at Google, we delve deep into the trenches of digital warfare.
Chapters:
(03:15) - Red Teams Unveiled
Understanding the true role of red teams in cybersecurity.
(06:30) - Rishalin's Journey
From hacking as a teen in South Africa to professional roles at Mandiant and Microsoft.
(16:21) - Cyber Threat Landscape
Discussing client diversity, state actors, and project challenges.
(19:15) - Cloud & Customers
Debunking cloud safety myths and addressing customer attitudes.
(34:50) - The Google Era
Rishalin's move to Google, interview process, and cybersecurity approach.
Find out more about Rishalin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishalinpillay/
Hacking Google Challenge:
https://h4ck1ng.google/

Aug 17, 2023 • 55min
Hugo van den Toorn - Modern Day CISO
On this episode of Cyber Security Talks, Laurens Jagt sits down with Hugo van den Toorn, the CISO of one of the most renowned Dutch companies - variety chain HEMA.
This action-packed episode covers everything from social engineering exercises in banks, hacking into an airport, and his take on the term "red teaming". Hugo also shares leadership lessons, challenges at HEMA, and career advice for the next generation. A must-listen for real-world cybersecurity insights!

Jul 20, 2023 • 54min
Lalit Bhakuni - Security takes everyone’s participation (STEP)
Join us on Cyber Security Talks as our host Laurens Jagt welcomes special guest Lalit Bhakuni, VP Enterprise IT Security & Head of Active Cyber Defense of Volvo.
This episode provides a deep dive into cybersecurity's evolving landscape, starting with an exploration of cyber attacks, threat detection and the role of ethics in cybersecurity. We also talked about insider risks in large organizations, the complexities of threat detection versus threat hunting and the growing importance of predictive analytics in active cyber defense.
This episode is a must for anyone looking to comprehensively understand modern cybersecurity challenges and strategies.