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The Real Truth Behind Ransomware
Will we ever get ahead of the threat?
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How can a 4-decades-old problem still be one of the biggest cybersecurity threats today? Have we truly learned from the past, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes?
Eddy Willems knows the impact of ransomware firsthand—because he experienced it himself. In 1989, he encountered the world’s first ransomware attack: the infamous AIDS Trojan. That moment changed his life forever, propelling him into the world of cybersecurity and earning him international recognition.
In this gripping session, Eddy will take you inside the evolution of ransomware, exposing how entire companies, organizations, and even home users fall victim to these digital extortion schemes. He’ll reveal why these attacks are so difficult to prevent, whether paying the ransom is ever the right choice, and if traditional security measures are still effective today.
Ransomware isn’t just a problem for computers—mobile devices, tablets, and even smart systems are now at risk. Discover the hidden vulnerabilities attackers exploit, and learn practical, real-world tips to protect yourself and your organization from falling prey to cybercriminals.
And most importantly—what does the future hold? As ransomware tactics evolve, will we ever get ahead of the threat?
Your perspective on ransomware will never be the same after this lecture. Nobody else in the world can share this unique firsthand story—a story so compelling that TEDx invited Eddy to present it to a global audience in 2021 (without a live public due to the VOCID-19 pandemic).
Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the real truth behind ransomware—and how to fight back.
Eddy Willems is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert from Belgium, with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of the international security industry. Since 1989, he has been Belgium’s most internationally quoted cybersecurity expert and a respected voice in the global debate on digital threats, cybercrime, and online safety.
Eddy is a board member of two influential international security organizations, EICAR (European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research) and LSEC, and works as an independent Security Evangelist at WAVCi, his own consultancy company. In 1991, he became a founding member of EICAR, one of the world’s very first IT security research organizations, helping to shape early international collaboration in malware research and cybersecurity.
Throughout his career, Eddy has worked for and advised several leading security vendors and distributors, including G DATA, Kaspersky, and Westcon. In 2024, he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer of the Clean Software Alliance, where he contributes to initiatives focused on software trust and improving security standards across the industry.
Beyond his technical and strategic roles, Eddy is a passionate educator and storyteller. In 2013, he published his first non-fiction book, Cyberdanger, released in English, German, and Dutch, aimed at raising awareness about digital risks among a broad audience. He is also co-author of the Dutch science-fiction cyberthriller Het Virus, which combines storytelling with realistic cyber scenarios. The English edition, The Virus, was released globally at the end of 2025.
As an internationally sought-after and inspiring speaker, Eddy delivers keynotes, lectures, and presentations around the world, including TEDx talks, addressing audiences ranging from children and students to cybersecurity professionals, executives, policymakers, and board members. Known for his ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling, and often story-driven insights, he bridges the gap between technology, human behaviour, and leadership.
Through real-world examples, historical context, and a strong focus on the human factor, Eddy Willems continues to play a key role in shaping awareness and understanding of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital society.
Cyber Security Guru | Inspiring Speaker | Author #Cyberdanger #TheVirus | Security Researcher | Director | Independent Security Evangelist at WAVCi
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