Mary-Jo de Leeuw
Associate Partner
Revnext
Bachelor ICT – communication systems at Utrecht University of Applied sciences
Vice president Women in Cyber Security
President Platform Internet of Toys
I work as a lead advisor on cyber security, innovation and strategic communication at Revnext . At Revnext we all have a specific expertise that we bring to the table. We offer custom solutions and strategic advise to companies in need of a specific cyber expertise. We really have a track record on subjects like forensics and cybersecurity, but also work cross sector in the fields of e-health, clean tech and logistics. We don’t offer a generic advise right of the shelf, but really dive into the details of every particular situation to come up with a bespoke solution. Furthermore at Revnext we praise ourselves for spending 21 percent of our profits on research and development. This gives us the opportunity to invest in subjects which are dear to us, such as standardization for the internet of things, cyberpeace and social return in cyber security.
I am helping a company set up an e-forensics department at the moment, guiding them and providing strategic advice. Furthermore I advice a big insurance company about their ‘Spaeklab’ on cybersecurity. With my platform Internet of Toys, a think and do thank, we expose vulnerabilities and security flaws in toys that are connected to the internet. For a presentation to former generals I reprogrammed Cayla, a cute internet connected doll, to speak a death wish in Arabic. You should’ve seen the look on their faces, they thought I'd lost my mind! I’m also publishing a lot of columns and articles on cybersecurity and internet of toys in various magazines and newspapers and speak at conventions on cybersecurity related subjects quite often.
I’ve always been busy with computers and the technique around it. When I was 8 years I got a Commodore 64 that had a cassette deck connected to it. I bought new cassettes, recorded signals which were broadcasted through radio and connected it to the Commodore to see what would happen. Not much happened, but it was my first experiment with a computer. When the Commodore started to become boring I moved on to Nintendo, playing Mario for an endless amount of time. Later followed by the Sega and so forth, I was always busy with computers, gaming and experimenting with computer technique. When Interactive Voice Response Systems became popular, for example used by the ‘Belastingdienst’, I found out that you could skip the queue if you entered a certain combination of numbers while waiting. During my studies I found out that I wanted to be involved in more than the ‘hard side’ of IT (Security), just being busy developing and building things. I got more attracted to the ‘soft side’, so I decided to focus more on human aspects and resources instead of the machine part. That’s exactly what I’m doing now: helping clients with their cybersecurity issues within different perspectives.
It’s difficult to name just one. We are doing so many cool things at the moment. Last week we made front page of an important Dutch Newspaper, Trouw, because of our investigation about data breaches within hospitals. It even reached the members of Parliament! A while ago I was in Dubai as a founder of the Holland Innovation House, when I got a call from the ambassador of Abu Dhabi. He heard about this Dutch initiative, where we presented 11 companies within cybersecurity at the biggest technology event in the world, GITEX, and wanted to know all about it. He also made me promise to continue my journey in order to gain access to international markets within the United Arab Emirates. It’s nice to see that what we are doing is being noticed. Also the moment when I was asked tot join the Speakers Academy was cool. I was like: “you want me to be a speaker on your roster? Really? Wow!” It’s cool to get acknowledged for your efforts in this way. Another thing that happened recently is that I’m a finalist for a prestigious cyber award in Great-Britain: Women in IT Award 2017. I’m the first ever non-British person to be nominated in this category, so that is a pretty big compliment. But maybe the coolest thing is that with two partners we recently discovered something that will lead to an invention. All in all it’s really nice to see that all the effort I have put in over the past years is getting noticed.
In the IT Security business there are more and more cowboys popping up. An increasing number of new parties are entering the market. Not because they have the knowledge or experience but just because cyber consultancy is considered the new gold. It’s seen as an easy way to make money quickly. Sometimes I come across an advise or report produced by an accountancy firm or so called “expert” at my clients. It will shock you when I tell you what "solutions" were offered. What would you advise if your house were on fire? Get the fire under control or run away and never look back? There are a lot of firms entering the business without substantive knowledge who have a “cyber department” all of a sudden. They will come up with the advice to run away from the burning house as a figure of speech. As I often say, “we have to stop poisoning the well”.
After my bachelor I started working for a big consultancy firm, for exactly one month. It was really boring so I decided to start my own business. My first assignment was at a bank. I was hired to provide them with strategic advise in their first steps towards digital banking. Things like ‘My ING’ or ‘RABO Mobile’ did not even exist at the time. In that position I was the linking pin in the triangle of Human – Machine – Resources, exactly what I wanted to do. From there I went all over the place in the world of banking. Eventually I ended up working on projects for the NCTC (National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism, red.). That’s were I met Anouk Vos with whom I later founded the international network Woman in Cyber Security (WiCS).
I truly believe that you should focus on your potential. What makes YOU happy? What are the things in live that put a smile on your face? Make sure you go wherever your passion brings you. It is the only way to become a voice instead of an echo.
Furthermore, years ago I have set a personal goal; at least once a week I am having coffee (or tea for that matter) with someone I haven’t met before and/or with someone who wants to learn more about cyber security. We have a nice Women in Cyber Security office at the WTC The Hague. It really is a nice place to meet and mingle because everyone who runs an office at the 13th floor, leaves their doors open for each others. Therefore, we do not “only” have coffee but we make sure our guests can take a cyber dive if desired. I am looking forward meeting new people for a “cyber coffee” and, off course, hope to light their cyber fire. Just drop me a message.
