In this new English episode of the My Precious Data Podcast, Eddy Willems sits down with a true legend in cybersecurity: Pavel Baudiš, the co-founder of AVAST and current Board Member of GEN.

Pavel and Eddy share a friendship that spans decades, back to the early days when computer viruses were spreading on floppy disks, and the word “cybersecurity” didn’t even exist yet. Together, they reflect on the origins of AVAST, the passion that drove early antivirus pioneers, and how the industry evolved from a handful of enthusiasts into a global ecosystem.

“When I first saw a computer virus, I didn’t see it as a threat: I saw it as a challenge to be solved,” recalls Pavel Baudiš.
“That curiosity, that sense of mission, is what connected many of us in those early days,” adds Eddy Willems.

Their conversation touches on the ethics of cybersecurity, the balance between privacy and innovation, and the enduring importance of trust, both between users and companies, and between people in the cybersecurity community itself.

It’s a deeply insightful, honest, and sometimes nostalgic dialogue between two industry veterans who have seen the field evolve, but never lost their human perspective.

Topics discussed:

• The creation and evolution of AVAST
• How the spirit of curiosity became a global cybersecurity movement
• Ethics, responsibility, and the human factor in digital protection
• The importance of collaboration and trust in an AI-driven world

“Cybersecurity was never about fame or fortune. It was, and still is, about doing the right thing.” – Pavel Baudiš.

In this English-language episode of the My Precious Data Podcast, Eddy Willems reconnects with an old friend and cybersecurity pioneer, Tjark Auerbach, the founder of Avira (now part of Gen Digital), one of Europe’s earliest and most respected antivirus companies.

Their conversation goes far beyond technology: it’s a journey through decades of cybersecurity evolution, innovation, and shared history. From the early days of fighting computer viruses to the global challenges of today, both experts reflect on how much the world (and the industry) has changed, and what remains truly important.

“Back then, we weren’t just building software, we were building trust,” says Tjark Auerbach.
“For me, cybersecurity has always been about people first. The technology is just the tool,” adds Eddy Willems.

The discussion is personal, insightful, and at moments even a little emotional, as two veterans of the field look back at their parallel journeys and the legacy of a shared mission: making the digital world safer for everyone.

Topics discussed:

• The founding story and philosophy behind Avira
• How the antivirus industry evolved from passion projects to global enterprises
• Ethics, trust, and the human side of cybersecurity
• Lessons learned from decades on the digital frontlines

A rare and authentic conversation between two pioneers who helped shape the cybersecurity landscape as we know it.

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.