Cyber Security District – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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.com All 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.com All channels & newsletter: 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 - Introduction 01:02 - Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 02:31 - Pivotal Moments in Cybersecurity 04:06 - Entrepreneurial Journey with Marshal 07:43 - Advice for Aspiring Cyber Entrepreneurs 10:54 - Turning Around Marshall 13:15 - Valuation and the Stress of Selling a Business 15:01 - The Genesis of Censornet 20:27 - Building a Winning Team 22:45 - 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.

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.