Eddy Willems

Speaker
Dutch
English
Eddy Willems

Who is Eddy Willems?

Eddy Willems is a globally recognized cybersecurity expert from Belgium, with nearly four decades of experience at the forefront of the international security industry. Since 1989, he has been Belgium’s most internationally quoted cybersecurity expert and a respected voice in the global debate on digital threats, cybercrime, and online safety.

Eddy is a board member of two influential international security organizations, EICAR (European Institute for Computer Anti-Virus Research) and LSEC, and works as an independent Security Evangelist at WAVCi, his own consultancy company. In 1991, he became a founding member of EICAR, one of the world’s very first IT security research organizations, helping to shape early international collaboration in malware research and cybersecurity.

Throughout his career, Eddy has worked for and advised several leading security vendors and distributors, including G DATA, Kaspersky, and Westcon. In 2024, he took on the role of Chief Operating Officer of the Clean Software Alliance, where he contributes to initiatives focused on software trust and improving security standards across the industry.

Beyond his technical and strategic roles, Eddy is a passionate educator and storyteller. In 2013, he published his first non-fiction book, Cyberdanger, released in English, German, and Dutch, aimed at raising awareness about digital risks among a broad audience. He is also co-author of the Dutch science-fiction cyberthriller Het Virus, which combines storytelling with realistic cyber scenarios. The English edition, The Virus, was released globally at the end of 2025.

As an internationally sought-after and inspiring speaker, Eddy delivers keynotes, lectures, and presentations around the world, including TEDx talks, addressing audiences ranging from children and students to cybersecurity professionals, executives, policymakers, and board members. Known for his ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling, and often story-driven insights, he bridges the gap between technology, human behaviour, and leadership.

Through real-world examples, historical context, and a strong focus on the human factor, Eddy Willems continues to play a key role in shaping awareness and understanding of cybersecurity in an increasingly digital society.

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  • Cyberdangers: Unmasking the Threats That Shape Our Digital World

    Join renowned cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems for a gripping deep dive into the ever-evolving cyber threats that have plagued the world in recent years. Why does a 4-decades-old problem remain the most pressing security challenge of our time? Have we truly learned from past mistakes, or are we still making the same ones?

    Eddy will expose the real dangers lurking in the digital shadows, with a sharp focus on why businesses continue to be prime targets for cybercriminals. Discover the preferred tactics of hackers, ransomware operators, and cyber warfare actors, and learn what your company or organization should really be worried about. Are you certain you’ve taken the right steps to protect yourself?

    But cyber threats don’t just target businesses, they affect everyone. Whether you’re an individual, a professional, or simply someone who uses the internet, understanding these dangers is crucial. Cybercrime impacts our privacy, finances, and even global stability. Through eye-opening analyses of malware, hacking, ransomware, and even nation-state cyber conflicts, this session will change the way you see cybersecurity.

    With nearly four decades of frontline experience, Eddy refines the chaos of the digital battlefield into a pragmatic, passionate, and solution-driven approach to tackling today’s and tomorrow’s cyber threats. No matter who you are, this is a wake-up call you don’t want to miss.
     

  • What can you learn from nation-state cyberattacks?

    Cyber warfare is no longer the stuff of fiction: it’s happening right now. But how real is the threat to businesses, organizations, and even individuals? Are nation-state cyberattacks truly as dangerous as they seem, or is the risk exaggerated? And more importantly, are you prepared?

    Join Eddy Willems, a seasoned cybersecurity expert, as he takes you deep into the shadowy world of nation-state cyberattacks. Through real-world examples and in-depth analysis, he will uncover how these highly sophisticated attacks unfold, who the main players are, and what their ultimate goals may be. But are nation-state attacks really different from other cyber threats? What crucial lessons can we take from past incidents to better defend ourselves in the future? Whether you’re a business leader, IT professional, or simply an internet user, understanding these threats is essential in today’s digital landscape.

    With nearly four decades of frontline experience, Eddy distils complex cybersecurity challenges into a pragmatic, passionate, and eye-opening session that will leave you with a clearer, more informed perspective on the risks we all face, and how to navigate them. Don’t just watch cyber history unfold—learn how to defend against it

  • What real cyber incidents teach us about security

    In this inspiring and accessible keynote, Eddy Willems takes the audience on a personal journey through the evolution of cybersecurity, from the early days of computer viruses to the complex digital threats we face today.

    Starting from two seemingly simple floppy disk stories, he shows how small events can have far-reaching consequences. The first story revolves around the infamous AIDS Information trojan, the world’s very first ransomware, which Eddy personally analysed in 1989. This historical incident immediately makes one thing clear: cyber threats are not new, they have been evolving alongside technology for decades.

    The second floppy disk story did not infect a computer, but rather changed his way of thinking: shaping his views on security, technology, and human behaviour, and marking the beginning of a lifelong mission to raise cyber awareness.

    From there, the keynote broadens to include many other real-world examples and true stories drawn from over 35 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity. Through these cases, Eddy illustrates how:
    •    well-intentioned human actions can unintentionally create security gaps
    •    technology fails when human behaviour and context are ignored
    •    most cyber incidents are not the result of “brilliant hacking,” but of the interaction between people and technology
    •    the impact of AI and quantum computing on our digital future

    At the heart of the keynote is a simple yet powerful formula:
    Cyber Security Problem = Technological Factor × Human Factor,
    demonstrating that even the best technology becomes ineffective without awareness, responsibility, and critical thinking.

    By translating complex security challenges into relatable stories and concrete situations, this keynote makes cybersecurity understandable, human, and relevant, not just for IT professionals, but for everyone living and working in a digital world.
     

  • Is AI alive? The Truth Behind Artificial Intelligence

    ChatGPT has been the buzzword of the year, dominating conversations and fueling excitement about the future of Artificial Intelligence. But AI is so much more than just chatbots and automation: its impact reaches far beyond what most people realize.

    So, what are the real advantages of AI? And more importantly, what are the risks? While AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity by detecting suspicious behavior faster than ever, it’s also empowering hackers with new, highly sophisticated attack methods. Has AI launched a new era of cybersecurity, or are we losing control of the battle?

    But cybersecurity is just one piece of the puzzle. AI raises even bigger questions, some of which we may not yet have answers to:
    •    Can AI fail in ways we don’t understand?
    •    Will AI set its own goals, beyond human control?
    •    Can AI create even more powerful AI models that no one fully governs?
    •    What’s the bigger threat: malicious AI, or criminals using AI for cyberattacks?
    •    What is the greatest danger AI poses to the world?
    •    And what about your job? Is it safe in an AI-driven future?

    With over four decades of experience in security, IT and AI, Eddy Willems offers a pragmatic, passionate, and eye-opening perspective on the true risks and rewards of artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just changing technology, it’s changing everything. Are you ready for what’s next?

  • My Wife Went to the Dark… Web

    What really happens when an ordinary internet user stumbles into the Dark Web? Join Eddy Willems as he shares the fascinating true story of how his wife ventured into the depths of the internet’s most secretive and notorious corners.

    What did she expect to find? And more importantly—what did she actually discover? Did she really try to buy that Glock 17M? Is the Dark Web as dangerous as people claim, or is it just another overhyped digital underworld? From black-market weapons and drugs to stolen identities, hacked credit cards, and sophisticated malware, the Dark Web is teeming with illicit activity—but the real value of your personal data might surprise you. What are the most notorious marketplaces? Who are the key players lurking in the shadows? And what do malware developers, cybercriminals, and underground traders have in common?

    Get an insider’s look at the Underground Economy 4.0, where cybercriminals run vast networks of money laundering, money mules, and digital drop zones. How are law enforcement agencies fighting back against this invisible crime wave? And if you’ve ever considered investing in Bitcoin or Monero, you might think twice after this eye-opening session. Dare to take a deep dive into the Dark Web—and see the internet like never before.

  • The real truth about ransomware

    How can a 4-decades-old problem still be one of the biggest cybersecurity threats today? Have we truly learned from the past, or are we doomed to repeat the same mistakes?

    Eddy Willems knows the impact of ransomware firsthand—because he experienced it himself. In 1989, he encountered the world’s first ransomware attack: the infamous AIDS Trojan. That moment changed his life forever, propelling him into the world of cybersecurity and earning him international recognition.

    In this gripping session, Eddy will take you inside the evolution of ransomware, exposing how entire companies, organizations, and even home users fall victim to these digital extortion schemes. He’ll reveal why these attacks are so difficult to prevent, whether paying the ransom is ever the right choice, and if traditional security measures are still effective today. Ransomware isn’t just a problem for computers—mobile devices, tablets, and even smart systems are now at risk. Discover the hidden vulnerabilities attackers exploit, and learn practical, real-world tips to protect yourself and your organization from falling prey to cybercriminals.

    And most importantly—what does the future hold? As ransomware tactics evolve, will we ever get ahead of the threat? Your perspective on ransomware will never be the same after this lecture. Nobody else in the world can share this unique firsthand story—a story so compelling that TEDx invited Eddy to present it to a global audience in 2021 (without a live public due to the VOCID-19 pandemic). Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the real truth behind ransomware—and how to fight back.

  • Keep Your Smartphone Safe!

    Your smartphone is your lifeline, but it could also be your biggest security risk. In this eye-opening session, Eddy Willems will take you inside the dark side of smartphone security, exposing the real cyber dangers lurking within the devices we trust the most. From hidden malware to sophisticated spyware, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit your most personal data.

    Are iOS (Apple) and Android (Google-Alphabet) smartphones equally secure, or is one truly safer than the other? Is iOS really as impenetrable as many believe? Eddy will break down the critical differences between spyware and stalkerware, revealing just how these threats invade your privacy. Are these new dangers, or have they been evolving in the background for years? Most importantly, what can you do to protect yourself?

    Through real-world examples, Eddy will demonstrate just how easily things can go wrong: how cybercriminals infiltrate devices, how sensitive information gets stolen, and how simple mistakes can lead to devastating consequences.

    But it’s not all doom and gloom: Eddy will provide essential tips and strategies to safeguard yourself, your company, and your smartphone against modern cyber threats. If you care about your privacy, this lecture is a must. If you want to understand the hidden risks of smartphone security, this session will open your eyes like never before. Because in today’s digital world, your smartphone isn’t just a device, it’s a target.
     

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