SURF Security & Privacy Conference
Retrospective SURF Security & Privacy Conference
Theme: Turbulent Times
We live in a time when digital developments are racing and dependence on big tech is increasing. At the same time, the current geopolitical climate puts things on edge: safe and privacy-friendly international knowledge and data exchange is under pressure. Thereby, we see that cyber threats can no longer be ignored on the world stage, and therefore also in education and research.
New technologies such as AI and quantum not only offer opportunities, but also raise fundamental questions about security and privacy (ethics).
For education and research institutions - where openness, innovation and collaboration are central - it is becoming increasingly challenging to chart a course. How do we protect our autonomy in an increasingly pressured digital world?
Digital sovereignty is a key concept here: the ability to make our own choices about technology and data, without being dependent on external powers or interests. In these turbulent times, cooperation is essential to safeguard that sovereignty. By sharing knowledge and acting together, we as a sector can strengthen our digital resilience.
This conference covered all these topics: from security (technology), policy and organisational issues in privacy and security to new technologies such as AI and digital sovereignty.
Presentation of the Security & Privacy Award 2025 by Nicole van der Meulen
On top of practice at Zadkine
For the first time that year, we organised the Security & Privacy Conference together with an MBO. What made it extra special was that students from different courses helped out and thus gained practical experience. Students from the banquet & cookery course provided the catering and security was provided by students training to be security officers. Construction, dismantling and cloakroom? Hospitality College students did that. Walking around at Zadkine was unique: there was a hairdressing academy, wine & food halls, and aspiring stewardesses practised in a real plane. So at this year's Security & Privacy Conference, you were on top of the practice!