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What Real Cyber Incidents Teach Us About Security
How real incidents expose the true link between people, technology and security
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In this inspiring and accessible keynote, Eddy Willems takes the audience on a personal journey through the evolution of cybersecurity, from the early days of computer viruses to the complex digital threats we face today.
Starting from two seemingly simple floppy disk stories, he shows how small events can have far-reaching consequences. The first story revolves around the infamous AIDS Information trojan, the world’s very first ransomware, which Eddy personally analysed in 1989. This historical incident immediately makes one thing clear: cyber threats are not new, they have been evolving alongside technology for decades.
The second floppy disk story did not infect a computer, but rather changed his way of thinking: shaping his views on security, technology, and human behaviour, and marking the beginning of a lifelong mission to raise cyber awareness.
From there, the keynote broadens to include many other real-world examples and true stories drawn from over 35 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity. Through these cases, Eddy illustrates how:
well-intentioned human actions can unintentionally create security gaps
technology fails when human behaviour and context are ignored
most cyber incidents are not the result of “brilliant hacking,” but of the interaction between people and technology
the impact of AI and quantum computing on our digital future
At the heart of the keynote is a simple yet powerful formula:
Cyber Security Problem = Technological Factor × Human Factor,
demonstrating that even the best technology becomes ineffective without awareness, responsibility, and critical thinking.
By translating complex security challenges into relatable stories and concrete situations, this keynote makes cybersecurity understandable, human, and relevant, not just for IT professionals, but for everyone living and working in a digital world.
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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