Eddy Willems

Speaker
Dutch
English
Photo of Eddy Willems

Who is Eddy Willems?

Eddy studied Computer Science. After graduating, he went to work as a systems analyst and programmer in the commercial sector. As a young programmer, he soon confronted the issue of malware. “One day, I started my PC, but nothing happened. The only thing I saw was a message on the screen, asking me to transfer money to a certain account number. Without realising it at the time, this was my very first experience with ‘ransomware’; programs developed to take your PC hostage and only release it once payment has been made. Thankfully, I was able to overcome the issue in a few minutes and could continue my work without any problems.”

Eddy is now a guru when it comes to internet security and is a director in various organisations. Eddy is currently independent security evangelist at WAVCi, his own company. Eddy has been working for over 3 decades as cyber security expert for several security companies like G DATA, Kaspersky and Westcon. He is also COO of CSA (Clean Software Alliance) since 2024. Since 1989, he is Belgian’s internationally most quoted cyber security expert. His main task involves spreading the ‘good word’ about cyber security to the general public. In 2013 he published his first book ‘Cyberdanger’ in English, German and Dutch. He is also co-author of the SF cyberthriller ‘The Virus’ (English version coming end 2025). Eddy is an inspirational speaker and presents lectures (including TEDx) on cyber issues to all kinds of audiences across the globe, from children to seasoned experts. 

Request your offer

    Cyberdangers and The Human

    During this lecture, Eddy Willems will give you insight into the latest online threats. Why is a 33-year-old problem still the biggest security challenge these days? Malware, hacking, ransomware and perhaps even cyber wars between countries are analysed with a clear view by this cyber guru. What about tablets and smartphones? The business world is a popular target for cyber attacks. How do you recognise the first signs of a targeted attack on your company? What is the favourite modus operandi of the cybercriminals? What should you be afraid of as a company or organisation? What is the real problem behind most of today’s cyberdangers? And, importantly, what can you yourself do? Eddy Willems is your expert guide.

    Cybergevaar (cyber threat)

    Eddy Willems provides an overview of recent online threats and shows how you can arm yourself against them. The security guru adopts a rational approach to analysing viruses, spam, hacktivism and even cyber wars between countries. This lecture is based on his book Cybergevaar. Casting a vote online, performing financial transactions, ordering tickets ... How safe is it? What about tablets and smartphones? How can you outsmart cyber criminals? Eddy informs the audience about current, past and future cyber crime using interesting anecdotes, surprising insights and useful advice. An essential refresher for all conscious computer users.

    The real truth about ransomware and most malware

    Eddy uses this lecture to present the real story behind ransomware. He offers you an insight into how PCs and other equipment in your home or company can be contaminated. What are the real problems? Is it really so difficult to protect yourself? Should you pay the ransom? Are old security mechanisms able to protect you against new threats? The lecture shows us exactly what we can do against ransomware. After this lecture, you will have a completely different view of ransomware and malware. You will also have plenty of time afterwards to ask any questions that may be on your mind.

    Cyber threats for companies

    The commercial sector is the preferred target for cyber attacks. How do you recognise the first signs of a targeted attack on your company? What strategies do cyber criminals use? What must your organisation be aware of? And how can you protect yourself? Eddy Willems has the experience to answer all such questions. Thanks to a long track record in the commercial sector, he is perfectly placed to identify weaknesses and offer tips and tricks that your company can use to prevent attacks. After the presentation, you will have plenty of time to ask any questions you may have about security and other related problems. Attention is also paid to botnets and malware on mobile devices and tablets.

    IoT: Internet of Things or Internet of Trouble?

    Eddy uses this lecture to share his opinion on the Internet of Things. This relates to communication between smart devices: smartphones, smart cars, smart washing machines, step counters, treadmills, smart lighting, smart alarm systems… Which threats and security issues are encountered with IoT devices? Is there anyone who does not use a smartphone at home? Eddy uses the problems in his own ‘smart home’ as an example. However, such problems are not limited to home networks, but are also encountered in company networks. What are the real problems for your company if you use IoT? Other highlighted topics include malware on mobile devices and tablets and, in particular, future problems with IoT devices. Are there any solutions?

    My wife and the… Dark Web

    During this lecture, Security Evangelist Eddy Willems tells a story about how his wife ended up on the Dark Web and what she found. Did she really purchase a new Glock 17? Is the Dark Web dangerous? Besides weapons, drugs, IDs, credit cards and malware, you can find a whole lot more. The price of your identity card or credit card may not be what you expected. Which are the best web shops in this underworld? Who can you find on the Dark Web? What do most cyber criminals have in common?

    A detailed overview of the Underground Economy 4.0 will offer everyone a better insight into money laundering, money mules, drop zones and other active locations in the dark alleys of the internet. What are the police doing to address this situation? Your opinion on bitcoins and other virtual currency may change after this lecture.

    My wife is watching me: The spy inside all of us.

    During this lecture Eddy Willems will take you inside the dark world of some specific spyware: stalkerware. Why is stalkerware so special or isn’t it? Is this a new phenomenon? Eddy will guide you through the most common features of stalkerware. Is it easy to install? What are the differences between spyware and this kind of malware. How do the companies who create this software advertise themselves? Is it really legal? Eddy will show you a couple of examples. What are the technical challenges for the security industry? What can you do about it? What if your husband, wife, boyfriend, ex-lover or even father is using it against you? If you care about your privacy this lecture is a must. If you want to know more about spyware this lecture can open your eyes even more.

    Cyber Attacks targeting Industry 4.0, public infrastructure and more ...

    During this lecture Eddy Willems will take you back in the history of malware targeting industrial companies and public infrastructure. Together with the public Eddy will describe the modus operandi being used in targeted attacks against companies and organizations and possibly in future attacks against the Industry 4.0. As there are already a lot of recommendations and guidelines to secure your company it looks like the real cybercriminals are going for the low hanging fruit. What will happen if your high secured company, organization or public infrastructure is under attack with Ransomware. Could your company also be hacked? What are the real and present dangers? How to prevent these kind of cyber attacks now and in the future.  

    What can you learn from nation-state cyberattacks?

    Eddy Willems will give you his view on nation-state cyberattacks during this lecture. What should you be afraid of as a company, organization or as an individual? Are you sure you did the right thing to be ready? Are nation-state attacks not exaggerated? Eddy dives into the dark world of nation-state attacks and analyzes a couple of examples. What are the real lessons we can learn from those cyberattacks until now. Are nation-state attacks different from other cyberattacks? 3 decades of cybersecurity experience bundled in a short pragmatic and passionate view on what we all can learn from the biggest cyberattacks now and in the future.

Eddy Willems is an extremely good speaker. Our members really enjoyed his fascinating and very accessible lecture. I would recommend it to everyone!

Nadine de knock

Board member VIE Gent

Photo of micro

We were very pleased with the lecture by Eddy Willems. Very punctual, nice presentation, fascinating storyteller and great interaction with the audience.

Geert Pyck

Rotaryclub Poperinge

The lecture by Eddy Willems was a huge success. He is a fluent speaker who adapted perfectly to the audience, which mainly consisted of women over the age of 65. The many questions afterwards showed that the topic was of great interest. And he left plenty of time for this. I heard many enthusiastic reactions after the lecture. A few women asked for his contact details, so they could organise a lecture for another group. In our annual report, I said that I would recommend the lecture to everyone.

Kristien Mulier

Zilveren Passer Kapellen

Eddy is one of the few people who combines a thorough knowledge of security and a clear, pleasant and fascinating way of storytelling.

Jeroen Wils

Manager of Bepublic, former chief-editor of Het Nieuws at VTM