Head in the Cloud, Feet on the Ground: Balancing Security, Sovereignty & Strategic Control for the Dutch Central Government
Strategic Vendor Management Microsoft, Google Cloud, and AWS (SLM) manages these hyperscalers on behalf of the Dutch central government. SLM plays a pivotal role in negotiating, optimizing, and securing cloud services while ensuring that public sector interests are safeguarded. By collaborating across government entities and working strategically at a national and international level, this approach has enabled the successful implementation of essential compliance requirements while optimizing the use of cloud services. Yet, as the digital landscape evolves, so does the government’s approach. SLM is now actively exploring European cloud initiatives, including ESET, to strengthen cyber resilience, reduce dependency on non-EU providers, and align with EU regulatory frameworks. In this session, Henrique Barnard and Bas Dekker will share how the Dutch government is navigating the complexities of cloud vendor management, balancing innovation and compliance in an increasingly dynamic and evolving digital landscape.
Henrique Barnard Bio
Henrique has a lengthy background in the Dutch public sector. Over the last 25 years, he has worked on significant programs related to information provision and IT. In his current position with the central Dutch government, Henrique is responsible for vendor management for the strategic partners Microsoft, Google Cloud, and AWS. Staying in touch with the market and recognizing the needs of the Dutch Central Government guarantees varying challenges in the work of the Strategic Vendor Management Team, including engagement with EU initiatives. Work that is rapidly moving in the direction of a knowledge partner on all cloud-related topics.
Bas Dekker Bio
Bas is Senior Legal Counsel at Strategic Vendor Management Microsoft, Google Cloud and AWS (SLM), within the Dutch central government. He focuses on the lawful and secure adoption of cloud services by public entities. In addition, he and his team explore European and national cloud initiatives, leveraging their expertise with US hyperscalers to support compliant local alternatives. With a background in IT-law and a keen interest in the intersection of technology and law, he works on various legal and compliance matters. His focus includes contract and privacy law, DPIAs, audits, and compliance risks related to hyperscalers, with the aim of bringing clarity to the cloud. Before joining SLM, Bas worked at the Dutch Data Protection Authority, where he conducted investigations into data protection and regulatory compliance.
Dave Maslaand Bio
Dave Maasland (1990) is the CEO of ESET Netherlands. ESET is one of the largest IT security companies in the Netherlands, and the ESET brand is represented worldwide. In his field of cybersecurity, he speaks about the risks, but especially the opportunities that the digital world offers. With his passion for IT and technology, he aims to inspire people and eliminate fear caused by ignorance. Maasland says: "We want to help people and businesses and make the Netherlands safer in this way."
At ESET Netherlands, his career took off, especially because he studied dual-track and worked full-time from a young age. After roles as an account manager, sales manager, and business development manager, he has been the CEO of ESET Netherlands since 2018.
Maasland explains: "IT and technology are truly a passion of mine, and it affects me that people are afraid of it. The importance of IT is still underestimated, and that's where our value lies. I got my first computer when I was six and quickly became familiar with the phenomenon of 'viruses.' Luckily, we now have good software to prevent that. At ESET, we also strive to make the world a little better. With over 100 million users, we have access to a lot of data and increasing knowledge, which we use to stay one step ahead. Technology evolves every day and can still bring us many amazing things."
More presentations from Henrique Barnard: The Important Role of Government and Private Partnerships in Tackling Cyber Threats
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