In this English-language episode of the My Precious Data Podcast, cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems sits down with longtime colleague (LSEC) and internationally renowned cryptographer Prof. Dr. Bart Preneel (KU Leuven). Together, they explore the past, present, and future of cybersecurity — from the foundations of cryptography to the political and societal challenges of digital trust today.

Topics discussed:

• The evolution of cryptography and its real-world applications
• The balance between privacy, security, and surveillance
• Quantum computing: a threat or a promise?
• Europe's role in shaping global cybersecurity standards
• What needs to change in the next decade?

Quotes from the episode:

“In the end, trust is not built by technology alone. It’s about governance, transparency, and respect for users.” — Prof. Dr. Bart Preneel

“People often think cybersecurity is just about hackers and firewalls. But it's deeply tied to our rights, our freedom, and the way societies function.” — Eddy Willems

“We are now entering an era where cryptography will face its biggest challenge: quantum resistance.” — Prof. Dr. Bart Preneel

This is not just a technical conversation — it's a thought-provoking dialogue between two world-leading experts who have been part of the cybersecurity evolution for decades.