From CISO to Member of the European Parliament: Anouk van Brug on the Future of Cybersecurity

On the first day of Cybersec Europe, taking place on May 21 and 22, Member of the European Parliament Anouk van Brug will take the main stage. In her presentation, “Striking the Balance – Cybersecurity, Trust & Smart Regulation,” she offers a perspective grounded in both hands-on experience and policymaking.

Security professionals in the European Parliament are rare. Before being elected as an MEP for Renew Europe and the Dutch VVD party, Anouk van Brug worked for over five years as a cybersecurity professional. “First in the private sector as a consultant, then as a CISO at Logius, the main IT service provider for the Dutch government,” she explains.

“This has given me experience with cybersecurity in both the private and public sectors, and insight into the challenges professionals face on both sides.” This background provides Van Brug with valuable insight into the practical realities of cybersecurity, which now serves her well in her mission to build a digitally secure Europe from within the European Parliament.

Cyber Threats as a Societal Issue
In her keynote, Van Brug will discuss the evolution of cyber threats from technical issues to societal challenges. “Cyber threats are no longer merely technical problems; they have become societal issues—they have significant consequences for businesses, consumers, and society as a whole,” she emphasizes.

She cites specific examples: “Ransomware attacks can cripple hospitals and essential services, while AI-driven scams and deepfakes are making it increasingly difficult to detect fraud.” These developments affect more than just IT departments—they undermine trust in digital services and can destabilize entire economies.

Balancing Regulation and Innovation
A key theme in Van Brug’s presentation is the role of effective regulation. “Smart regulation should support businesses, not stifle them,” she argues. “Policies must help organizations strengthen their security rather than drown them in compliance.”

This view reflects her broader vision of the EU as a means to solve problems and create opportunities for economic growth and innovation—not as an end in itself. During her keynote, she will discuss how regulation can contribute to a safer digital Europe without unnecessary bureaucracy.

The Human Factor Remains Crucial
In addition to technical solutions and legislation, Van Brug highlights the importance of the human factor in cybersecurity. “Trust is just as important as technology,” she says. Her advice to professionals: “Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and encryption; it’s about protecting people, ensuring trust, and enabling businesses to operate without fear of digital threats.”

She will also look ahead to how cybersecurity will evolve in the coming years. She predicts that international cooperation will become increasingly important: “Cyber threats don’t stop at national borders. Europe must take a leading role in promoting global collaboration on cybersecurity standards and threat intelligence sharing.”

She also points to the growing importance of securing supply chains and the need for flexible regulations that can quickly adapt to technological developments. Anouk van Brug will speak on Day 1 of Cybersec Europe, May 21, at 11:50 AM.