Alumni Week: What if quantum computers spark a new era in internet security?
Tuesday 7 October| 19:30-21:00 | REC C.104
- Date
- 7 October 2025
- Time
- 19:30 -21:00
- Room
- REC C.104
In this session, we will introduce how quantum computers may impact everyday cybersecurity. Which systems are at risk? What can we still trust? In addition, cybersecurity leaders will share their practical experiences and their vision for building a secure internet for the future.
Speakers
Koen Groenland is Quantum Innovation Officer at the University of Amsterdam. In this role, he initiates collaborations with industry, supports start-ups and develops (re)training programmes for professionals. Groenland is fascinated by the ways in which quantum technology will influence our economy and daily lives. He recently published the book Introduction to Quantum Computing for Business. Groenland obtained his PhD at QuSoft, focusing on near-term applications of quantum computers.
Ailsa Robertson is a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam, working at the intersection of theoretical computer science and the social sciences. With a background as a software engineer in the financial sector, she brings an interdisciplinary perspective to cybersecurity. Robertson’s research focuses not only on the theoretical foundations of quantum-secure systems, but also on the major practical challenge of transitioning global infrastructures to quantum-safe cryptography. By combining technical depth with a socio-technical perspective, her work contributes to both the development of quantum-resistant cryptography and its implementation in real-world contexts.
Jaya Baloo is a leading expert in cybersecurity and quantum readiness, and currently serves as an advisor on these topics for the World Economic Forum. She also provides guidance to Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3). Baloo is COO at a stealth start-up and has over 12 years of experience in cybersecurity leadership, including roles as CISO at Rapid7 and Avast, and previously at KPN, the largest telecom provider in the Netherlands. She also teaches at Singularity University. In recognition of her distinguished career, she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Twente in 2022. Baloo is a member of the audit committee at TIN Capital and serves on the boards of Yubico, the Cyber Threat Alliance (CTA), the DIVD, and the CTREX board of the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Prof. Martijn Dekker is Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at ABN AMRO. He is responsible for developing, overseeing and implementing the bank’s information security strategy. Dekker began his career at ABN AMRO in 1997, after earning a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Amsterdam. He is also a member of the advisory board and Chair of the ICT subcommittee at Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In addition, he is a part-time Professor of Information Security at the University of Amsterdam. Dekker shares his experience and insights through various advisory boards and as a speaker. He is co-founder of the Partnership for Cyber Security Innovation (PCSI), and founder and Chair of the Dutch CISO Circle of Trust.
