In this English-language episode of My Precious Data, cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems sits down with one of the most recognized voices in the industry: Mikko Hyppönen, currently with Sensofusion and formerly of WithSecure.

Eddy and Mikko go back to the late 1990s, a time when computer viruses were spreading via floppy disks and email attachments, long before cybercrime became a global industry and cyberwarfare entered mainstream discussions.

This episode is both a journey through the history of cybersecurity and a sharp look at where we are heading.

“We used to fight individuals writing viruses for fun. Today, we are dealing with organized crime and nation-state actors,” says Mikko Hyppönen.

“Cybersecurity has grown from a technical niche into a fundamental part of our society,” adds Eddy Willems.

Together, they explore how the threat landscape has evolved, from early malware outbreaks to modern ransomware, disinformation, and geopolitical cyber conflict.

Topics discussed:

• The early days of antivirus and virus hunting
• The rise of cybercrime and ransomware
• Nation-state attacks and cyberwarfare
• The role of ethics and responsibility in cybersecurity
• What the future holds in an increasingly connected world

“The biggest change isn’t technology, it’s who is behind the attacks.” – Mikko Hyppönen

A deep, honest and sometimes nostalgic conversation between two veterans who have witnessed the transformation of cybersecurity from the inside.

In this English-language episode of My Precious Data, cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems sits down with longtime colleague and industry veteran Jeannette Jarvis from CTA.

Eddy and Jeannette go back to the late 1990s, a time when cybersecurity was still a niche domain, long before it became a boardroom priority. Their conversation reflects not only decades of experience, but also the evolution of the industry through very different lenses.

This episode also marks a small but meaningful milestone: it’s the first time Eddy welcomes a female cybersecurity expert to the podcast, bringing a fresh and valuable perspective to the discussion.

“Cybersecurity has always been about understanding behaviour, not just technology,” says Jeannette Jarvis.

“We often focus on systems, but it’s people who make the difference between security and vulnerability,” adds Eddy Willems.

Together, they explore how the human factor, awareness, and communication have become central pillars of modern cybersecurity.

Topics discussed:

• The evolution of cybersecurity since the late 90s
• The importance of human behaviour in security
• Awareness, education, and communication challenges
• Diversity and perspectives in cybersecurity
• Lessons learned from decades in the field

“Technology changes fast but human behaviour changes much slower. That’s where the real challenge lies.” – Jeannette Jarvis

A thoughtful, honest and engaging conversation between two experts who have witnessed and helped shape the evolution of cybersecurity over decades.

In this new English episode of My Precious Data, cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems sits down with longtime colleague and friend Andreas Clementi, founder of AV-Comparatives, the independent organisation behind some of the most respected security product tests worldwide.

For decades, AV-Comparatives has been the silent benchmark behind the cybersecurity industry. Vendors build products. Marketing teams make claims. But independent testing determines what truly works.

Eddy and Andreas go back many years, to a time when antivirus testing was less structured and transparency in performance evaluation was still evolving. Together, they reflect on how independent testing became a cornerstone of trust in the security ecosystem.

“Independent testing is not about attacking vendors, it’s about improving protection for users,” says Andreas Clementi.

“Without transparency and objective testing, trust in cybersecurity would simply collapse,” adds Eddy Willems.

The conversation dives into:

• The origins of AV-Comparatives
• The evolution of malware testing methodologies
• False positives, performance testing and real-world scenarios
• The pressure and responsibility of independent testing
• The future of security validation in an AI-driven world

“Testing must evolve as threats evolve. Otherwise we measure yesterday’s problems, not tomorrow’s risks.” – Andreas Clementi

An insightful and candid discussion about trust, integrity and the often unseen backbone of the cybersecurity industry.