Trusted Collaboration: Enabling Agile Public-Private Action While Preserving Independence
The session will share different approaches to and aspects of public / private partnerships, how to establish trusted cooperation, and move beyond a vendor/customer model to a true partnership. It will also examine ways to operationalize collaborative frameworks - from threat intelligence sharing to joint incident response - while addressing the fundamental tension between rapid action and maintaining institutional independence, as well as respecting laws and governance that may cross multiple jurisdictions.
Dave Maasland Bio
Dave Maasland (1990) is the CEO of ESET Netherlands, one of the largest IT security companies in the country, and the ESET brand has a global presence. As a cybersecurity expert, he speaks about the risks but especially the opportunities offered by the digital world. Driven by his passion for IT and technology, he aims to inspire people and dispel fears caused by a lack of knowledge. Maasland: "We want to help individuals and businesses move forward, making the Netherlands safer step by step."
Eoghan McHugh Bio
Eoghan McHugh is a Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, leading strategy and product management for Microsoft’s anti-malware service that secures the software supply chain. His work focuses on protecting critical workflows, including code signing, release pipelines, and major software marketplaces. Eoghan drives initiatives at the intersection of security and AI, applying machine learning and large-scale signal analysis to detect malware, assess publisher reputation, and reduce risk across first- and third-party software. He brings deep experience in product strategy, marketplace security, and cross-organizational leadership to address emerging threats in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
Madalin Dumitru Bio
With more than 28 years of hands-on cybersecurity expertise, Madalin Dumitru has dedicated their career to anticipating threats, dismantling vulnerabilities, and architecting digital defense strategies that withstand real‑world attacks.
Madalin Dumitru began working in cybersecurity in 1997—long before it became a boardroom priority—driven by a hacker’s curiosity and a relentless desire to challenge systems before adversaries could.
In 2010, Madalin Dumitru founded Cyber Smart Defence, built on a clear conviction: that offensive expertise is the most powerful defensive strategy. The mission was straightforward—“Let us hack you before they do.” Under Madalin Dumitru’s leadership, CSD quickly gained global recognition as a pioneer in ethical hacking and advanced penetration testing.
Today, Cyber Smart Defence is part of the Stefanini Group, a global technology powerhouse, and continues to deliver high‑impact cybersecurity services to Fortune 500 clients across multiple industries.
Madalin Dumitru brings a rare combination of deep technical mastery and strategic business acumen, developed through decades of direct threat engagement and global executive leadership.
Madalin Dumitru’s approach blends entrepreneurial agility with disciplined execution, helping organizations proactively mitigate cyber risk, align security initiatives with business priorities, and build resilience in an era of ongoing digital disruption.
Silke Hoffmann Bio
Public sector professional specializing in internal security and cybersecurity for the economy at the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Extensive experience in public-private partnerships, fostering collaboration between government institutions and industry to strengthen cyber resilience across the economic sector. Strong expertise in designing and organizing high-level event formats, including contributions to the Digital Summit of the German Federal Government, where strategic dialogue between stakeholders from politics, industry, and academia is fostered.
Background includes several years at the Ministry of the Interior of North Rhine-Westphalia, with leadership experience in project management and a strong foundation in public administration.
Arjan Meijer Bio
Arjan Meijer is a cybersecurity expert with broad experience at the convergence of IT and Operational Technology (OT), specializing in securing industrial and critical environments against modern cyber threats.
As co founder of Hudson Cybertec, he helped establish a pragmatic, risk based approach to industrial cybersecurity for organizations operating within complex technical landscapes.
Arjan has worked in both public and private organizations in sectors where availability, safety, and operational continuity are paramount. His background spans cybersecurity strategy, governance, and hands on security engineering across IT and OT environments, enabling organizations to effectively bridge the gap between traditional IT security and industrial realities.
His current focus is on positioning cybersecurity as a business enabler, creating tangible business value by aligning security with operational objectives.
More presentations from Dave Maasland: BS BS 4 / When the Stakes Are High, Early Warning Is Everything
