Throwback Alumni Talk | Cyber Security & AI

Photo: Jacqueline Fuijkschot

Reflecting on our Alumni Talk: Cyber Security & AI

Last Wednesday, our alumni members reunited at the historic location of Arminius for a multifaceted exploration of Cyber Security & AI.

The National Security Officer at Microsoft, Jelle Niemantsverdriet, set the stage with a keynote presentation. Jelle Niemantsverdriet delved into the diverse tactics hackers employ to infiltrate the systems and into the changing landscape of cyber threats, highlighting the challenges and opportunities AI comes with. Nevertheless, he concluded on a positive note, pointing out the support systems available for enhanced data protection and user safety.

Later, Jelle Niemantsverdriet joined the panel discussion together with Thijs van Ede, Assistant Professor at the University of Twente, and Bas Dunnebier, the Head of the Resilience Unit of the AIVD. Participants actively engaged in polls and asked questions through Mentimeter, shaping the discussion of our dynamic panel moderated by Lotte Schipper. 

Ensuring safety and cyber security is a shared objective

The speakers stressed the importance of collaborations between academia, and private and public institutions in striving towards the common goals of safety and cyber security. Throughout the panel discussion, Bas Dunnebier's examples highlighted that confronting the complexity of cyber attacks necessitates enhanced partnerships. In response, Thijs van Ede elaborated on the pivotal role of the academic program in preparing the next generation of cyber security and AI professionals.

Following the dynamic discussion, attendees enjoyed refreshments and finger foods. Connecting with speakers and fellow alumni, they exchanged insights and impressions about the event in a convivial setting.