This week, I had the opportunity to moderate an event celebrating 10 years of the Cyber Security Coalition in Belgium, which was a milestone that reflects not only how far we’ve come but also how much remains ahead. When you take a deep dive into a specific industry, one thing becomes clear: curiosity is the most important skill you can have. It allows me to ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and uncover the deeper truths that shape the field.
As our world becomes more interconnected, the cyber threat landscape is evolving at an alarming pace. Threats are no longer just isolated attacks; they are systemic risks affecting entire industries, governments, and societies. What struck me most during the event was the realization that safe havens are becoming increasingly rare. The digital world we rely on is under constant pressure, and with AI adding new layers of complexity, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue, it has become a fundamental pillar of resilience.
I closed the event with a reflection from my own childhood. When I was a little girl, I was small and brave, but I was afraid of missiles. Now, I am still small, still brave, but older, and I am perhaps even more afraid, not of missiles, but of malware. The threats have changed, but the fear remains, because the consequences of cyber vulnerabilities are just as real, just as dangerous.
The message was clear throughout the event: science and innovation are not just helpful; they are essential. The urgency to stay ahead of cyber threats has never been greater, and collaboration across industries is the only way forward.
So, as we look ahead, the question we must keep asking is this: Are we truly prepared for the future of cybersecurity?
Because in this ever-evolving digital world, the right questions might just be our best defense.
