Johan is an award-winning public speaker, who has amongst others been CISO of Bank of New York Mellon, CIO of BNY Mellon European Bank, CIO of ING Belgium, Partner at A.T. Kearney, Member of the Executive Committee at SWIFT and Principal at McKinsey.

In today's geopolitical climate, cybersecurity is increasingly vital due to rising tensions, especially with state-sponsored cyber threats from countries like Russia and China. Cyberattacks now target critical infrastructure and government data, with ransomware and other malicious activities disrupting essential services. The conflict in Ukraine has amplified these concerns, as cyber warfare tactics are being deployed against Ukrainian and Western entities. In response, international organisations and individual countries are enhancing cybersecurity defences and regulatory frameworks, emphasising the need for international cooperation and resilience across sectors.

Major General Michel Van Strythem is commander of the Belgian Cyber ​​Command and Cyber Force, which is the fifth component of the Belgian Defence next to Army, Air & Space Force, Navy and the Medical service.

In an era where cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, how does Belgian Defense rise to the challenge of both cyberspace mission assurance of military missions and support to the protection of critical infrastructure and national security? Discover the strategies, technologies, and collaborative efforts driving Belgium's defense initiatives in cyberspace. Are you ready to rethink what defense means in the digital world? Let's dive into the heart of cyber resilience, where innovation meets vigilance. Prepare to be inspired by the bold measures safeguarding our digital future. 

Taco currently holds a CISO position with the Federal Public Service (FPS) Policy & Support (BOSA). Previously he held positions of responsibility ranging from business, non-profit to public services, mainly in an international setting. Before joining the FPS, Taco held several security positions, recently as a CISO in public hospitals in Brussels.

Taco will share his insights and hands-on experience with the implementation of NIS2 across several federal entities. Taco will discuss the strategic focus on people, processes, and technology that Belgian authorities have embraced to meet the directive's security requirements. He will highlight the practical steps, challenges, successes, and even the fun aspects of the implementation projects. Taco views NIS2 as an opportunity for CISOs to connect with like-minded professionals and collaborate toward a shared goal of enhancing cyber resilience.

Rik is a very experienced senior security executive. Currently he's the CISO for Tech at ING Global where he leads teams of security professionals that secure the bank against immanent threats. Because of his broad experience in technology, security and leadership, he's also a strategic advisor in various companies. 

Cybersecurity is crucial in the financial sector due to the sensitive nature of financial data and the sector's frequent targeting by cybercriminals. Financial institutions face a high volume of threats, including ransomware, phishing, and sophisticated fraud schemes. To counter these, they employ strong encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect transactions and customer data. Regulations like DORA, GDPR and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), mandate stringent cybersecurity practices to safeguard against breaches. Financial institutions increasingly adopt AI-driven anomaly detection to identify potential threats in real time, enhancing their resilience against cyberattacks.

As CISO of Harrods, Paul Davies is responsible for cyber defence in a business that continually innovates to bring to life a world of luxury like no other destination can.

Defending Masters of Luxury: Harrods is an internationally recognised and iconic brand, with luxury customers, brands and products that is well established as a “master of luxury”.  But what does it take to preserve customer trust and Harrods reputation? Join Paul to learn about how he leads cyber security in Harrods, and discover if protecting them is very different to the cyber challenges faced in retail more broadly.

Erik specialises in legislation and regulations regarding IT, internet, e-commerce, e-communications, privacy, digitisation and new technologies. He is a known speaker and author on the various EU digital law instruments including the GDPR, Data Governance Act, Data Act, Digital Services Act, DORA, NIS2 and the Cyberresilience Act.

Europe and national authorities are tightening their grip on cybersecurity requirements and related compliance obligations. The company management will be the bull’s eye for the related accountability and responsibility.

What should you have on your radar to avoid that your head may role? How will you proof that you are meeting your duties? And how can you align your personal interests and those of your company?

Johan is the Director of Belgium's National Cybersecurity Competent Authority (NCCA), overseeing cybersecurity certification performance surveillance. He has been instrumental in helping the CCB with accreditation during the implementation of the NIS1 directive and contributed to the development of the Cybersecurity Act.

The CCB plays a central role as Belgium’s national cybersecurity authority, coordinating cybersecurity measures across public and private sectors. To support compliance, the CCB has introduced the "Cyberfundamentals Framework," which provides tools and resources to help organisations meet NIS2 standards. Additionally, all relevant entities must register with the CCB through the Safeonweb@Work portal.

Phédra Clouner has held leadership roles in enterprise content management, founded the Belgian branch of FEDISA, and advanced her expertise in cybersecurity as a CISO for the Ministry of Justice. She has been the Deputy Director of the CCB since its creation 10 years ago, is a Founding Member of the Women4Cyber initiative by ECSO, and serves on the Advisory Board of the Forum International de la Cybersécurité (FIC).

Discover how a proactive, tailored, automated and participative approach to cybersecurity can safeguard against modern threats. From dismantling phishing infrastructures with BAPS, the Belgian Anti-Phishing Shield, to building public trust via Safeonweb, learn how targeted warnings and standards like the Cyberfundamentals Framework, cyfun.be and safeonweb@work, and finally balanced online accountability keep systems secure. Join us to explore five key steps in staying prepared, protected, and ahead of cybercriminals.

Marc is a CISO and international keynote speaker. He inspires his audience with personal experiences, working for large consulting organisations like IBM, Arthur Andersen, KPMG and Protiviti, but also for professional IT service organisation Smals. Today Marc is CISO for a division of Veralto, a global leader in essential water and product quality solutions

Cybersecurity involves protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, while digital trust is the confidence users have in the security and integrity of digital services. So building digital trust will require transparency and accountability via clear communication, privacy protecting user data and reliable technology in fostering digital trust. Marc will explain how cybersecurity and digital trust work together but also what the main advantages of digital trust are for any organisation.  Marc will end by urging the prioritisation of cybersecurity and digital trust  and the ongoing efforts to build a secure and trustworthy digital environment.

Gili establishing himself as Flanders' only comedian-mentalist. After a series of stage shows, Gili delved into mentalism in 2009. This involves using his five senses so skilfully that it appears as though he has a sixth sense, humorously exposing so-called psychics and clairvoyants. His shows Iedereen Paranormaal, ONmogelijk, CTRL and Charlatan made him a household name in Flanders. Gili also toured in France, with performances in Paris and at the Avignon festival.

This performance combines mentalism, humor, science, illusionism, ventriloquism, clever lies, and honest trickery. Fans of comedian-mentalist Gili know that he defies being categorised into a single craft. His shows are a harmonious blend of these elements, delighting audiences and drawing them in.

This show is a teaser for Gili's ninth stage show, "Weird, isn't it?". After a 40-year career, Gili is combined the funniest and most beloved elements from all his previous shows into one ultimate performance and introduces new acts. 

One thing is certain: by the end, we will be left thinking, "Weird, isn't it?"