The CYBERSEC Programme Committee

Izabela has long-standing professional relations within the digital community. She is a policy advisor with many years of experience in expert groups of Polish and international public institutions as well as business organisations, incl. Council for Digitization within the Ministry of Digital Affairs (2016-2025), Security and Defence Council under the National Development Council (2021-2025), DIGITAL EUROPE (2020-2022), Global Future Council on Cybersecurity in the World Economic Forum (2019-2022). She is a member of the Supervisory Board of Asseco Data Systems S.A. and ComCERT S.A.

In 2017 listed among the 100 Eastern Europe’s emerging technology stars announced by Financial Times & New Europe 100. She was ranked as one of “50 leading European Women in Cybersecurity for 2019” on the SC Media. In 2025 she was awarded by CEFCYS - Cercle des Femmes de la CyberSécurité, with the support of the Cyber Command of the Ministry of the Interior (COMCYBER-MI), in the category “Women in Cybersecurity in Defense and Security – WORLD”.

She also co-founded the Women4Cyber in the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO) and a leader of the W4C Polish Chapter.

She is a political scientist, graduate of the Jagiellonian University in Kraków and an author of many reports, publications and analyses centred on the issues related to EU policies, international relations, cybersecurity and dual-use

PhD in Computer Science, with 30 years of experience in the IT industry, cybersecurity expert in both IT and industrial automation systems (ICS). A graduate of Computer Science at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków, he earned his PhD in Computer Science from the Warsaw University of Technology.

He has worked for leading global companies and corporations, holding positions such as CISO / Director of Cybersecurity Business Development at the international defense conglomerate Thales, Director of Corporate Security (CISO) at Netia Group, Director of Security and Business Continuity Department (CISO) at Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE), and Chief Security Officer (CISO) at KOMBUD. He is currently Director of the Cybersecurity Business Line at ENIGMA (COMP Group).

He is also CEO of a California-based cybersecurity technology startup, Yonita Inc. For nine years, he managed the “.PL” domain as Director of the Domain Department at NASK. He began his career at COMARCH, where he ultimately served as Executive Director.

For four years, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the international organization CENTR. He led numerous international cybersecurity projects for the European Commission in the Balkans and represented the Government of the Republic of Poland at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva. He is a member of the Scientific Council of the “Cybersecurity” Research Center at the Warsaw University of Technology, as well as founder and president of the CISO #Poland Association.

He is an expert in international standards and regulations, including IEC 62443, NIST CSF, NIS2, and DORA. He is a Lead Auditor for ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 22301, holds expert-level ISA/IEC 62443 certifications, is a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and holds numerous additional certifications, including Dragos, Fortinet, ICSJWG, and CISA

Principal at 33N Ventures, a cybersecurity & infrastructure software specialised fund. I’ve been directly involved in 15 VC transactions in cybersecurity across Europe, Israel and the US. Board member and observer in high-growth technology companies..

An expert in ICT security and network systems architecture. Lecturer in digital forensics and IT security at the Centre for Forensic Science, University of Warsaw. He has carried out IT and cybersecurity projects, among others, for the law firm Wardyński & Partners, the Batory Foundation, the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, the Raben Group, the Polish Academy of Sciences, ProAlpha GmbH, Hyperoptic Ltd., mBank S.A., and Pekao S.A.

He has delivered cybersecurity trainings and workshops for the National Bank of Poland, KGHM, and the Warsaw Bar Association. Consultant on information systems in projects implemented for the European Commission. Creator and coordinator of the CERT NGO project, supporting Polish non-governmental organizations in the field of cybersecurity.

Co-founder and CEO of Dc9 Cyber, a company specializing in incident response for information and communication technology security.

She serves as President of the Management Board of the Kościuszko Institute and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Polish Cybersecurity Cluster #CyberMadeInPoland. In 2024-2025, she chaired the Programme Commitee of CYBERSEC. She is an experienced leader focused on strengthening international and cross-sector cooperation. At the Kościuszko Institute, she is actively engaged in promoting gender equality in the IT sector, advancing digital education for young people, and supporting initiatives dedicated to the Central and Eastern European region. She holds a law degree from the Jagiellonian University in Kraków and completed postgraduate studies in substantive and procedural criminal law, as well as in civilizational challenges and new technologies.

University Professor in the Department of Information Technology Law at the Faculty of Law and Administration, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw; habilitated doctor of legal sciences and computer science engineer.

Prosecutor and Director of the Department for Cybercrime and Digitalisation at the National Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Speaker at numerous national and international conferences and author of publications devoted to the legal aspects of digitalisation, public registers, personal data protection, legally protected secrets, as well as cybercrime and cybersecurity.

Her professional achievements have been recognised, among others, with the Bronze and Silver Medals “For Meritorious Service to the Police,” the Tomasz Hofmokl Award of NASK, the Marek Car Award, and twice with inclusion on the List of 100 Individuals Distinguished for the Development of Digital Competences in Poland. In 2025, she was named “Person of the Year” at the Cyber24 DAY Gala and was also included on the list of the 25 Best Female Lawyers in Business published by Forbes Women Poland and the Women in Law Foundation.

Matthias Muhlert is a cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience driving strategic security initiatives across diverse global industries, including automotive, food production, banking, and technology. As the current Group CISO at Dr. August Oetker KG and the ECSO BoD, Community Chair and DEACH Chapter Lead, he specializes in aligning technical security with business objectives while maintaining a healthy sense of humor about the absurdity of defending systems that increasingly have opinions about their own existence.

Holding certifications including CISSP, CISM, and CEH, Matthias has spent decades watching technology evolve from 'probably fine' to 'definitely concerning' to 'why does my refrigerator need a Terms of Service agreement?' This book represents his attempt to prepare the next generation of security professionals for threats that haven't happened yet—but probably will, on a Tuesday.

He is also the author of such books like Red Team Evaluation Framework, Navigating the Cyber Maze, and Philosophy.exe.

Rector of the Silesian University of Technology, Poland, for the 2024-2028 term, President of the Board of Rectors of the European University EURECA-PRO, Chairman of the Committee for International Cooperation and member of the presidium of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland CRASP, Vice-President of the Conference of Rectors of Polish Technical Universities (KRPUT), Head of the Department of Measurement and Control Systems at the Silesian University of Technology, member of the Council of the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), chairman of the jury of numerous programs and competitions. Editor-in-Chief of Archives of Control Sciences, Managing Editor of International Journal of Acoustics and Vibration. His scientific specialization includes digital signal processing, vibroacoustics, industrial automation, diagnostics, and mathematical modeling. He is among the top 2% of scientists in the world according to the Stanford-Elsevier ranking. He is a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Engineering in Poland. In 2016-2024, he was ViceRector for Science and Development at the Silesian University of Technology. He also served as Chairman of the State Scientific Policy Committee, President of the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration, and Vice-President of the Prosilesia - Business, Science, Local Government association. He has managed numerous projects financed by national and international funds, including the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programs. He has organized several international congresses. Laureate of numerous awards and distinctions.

Chief Information Security Officer at IATA

Serves as Chief Information Security Officer at International Air Transport Association. Over the course of her 28-year career, she has held various executive positions including Executive Director & Group Chief Information Security Officer at FNZ, Managing Director & Group Chief Security Officer at DWS, Global Chief Information Security Officer at Willis Towers Watson, Group Chief Information Security Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, Chief Technology Security Officer at Vodafone in the United Kingdom, and Director of Security at T-Mobile Poland.

Recognized on the TOP100 CISO list – among the world’s most distinguished security leaders – in 2017, 2020, and 2021 and 2025. Finalist of the European CISO of the Year 2024 Award. Listed in the TOP200 of the most distinguished cybersecurity professionals in Europe in 2018.

Actively promotes diversity in cybersecurity and supports young, talented women, helping them achieve professional success. Supports women focused initiatives such as Raising Start in Cybersecurity Awards, the “Women Go Cyber” community, which promote diversity in cybersecurity. ly technology education for girls and mentoring young, talented women in the field.

Serves as Co-Chair of the UK CISO C-Level Communities Governing Body at Gartner Group.

Holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan and an MBA from the University of London.

In her free time, she is passionate about travel and enjoys spending time actively with her family and friends.

Andrea G. Rodríguez is currently Chair of the Governance Board at IMPAQT, a Dutch quantum computing cooperative and Director for Quantum Technologies at Adigital. Andrea combines senior leadership in European digital and quantum policy with hands-on experience building and governing deep-tech ecosystems. She has held executive and board-level roles across the quantum sector, industry associations, and advisory bodies, while leading research and coordination on quantum strategy in the EU, AI governance, cybersecurity, and technological convergence. Her work spans from shaping national and European quantum roadmaps and standards to advising governments, startups, and international institutions on scaling resilient, competitive deep-tech systems across Europe and transatlantic markets.

Cybersecurity expert; Director for Strategic Development of Cybersecurity at NASK National Research Institute (NASK PIB). Until 2022, Deputy Director of NASK for Cybersecurity and Innovation. Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Digital Affairs in 2017–2018, responsible for the establishment of the national cybersecurity system.

Since 2004, representative of Poland on the Management Board of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA); Vice-Chair of the Management Board (2016–2023) and member of the Executive Board since 2013. Founder of the country’s first incident response team, CERT Polska. Initiator of innovative cybersecurity projects, including ARAKIS. Author of numerous publications in the field of cybersecurity. Member of the Council for Digitalization in 2023–2025.

Dr. Joanna Świątkowska is the Secretary General of the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO). She also serves on ENISA’s Advisory Group and the Research Council at NASK, the Polish National Research Institute. With great pride, she holds an honorary role as the godmother of the regimental colors of the Regional Computing Centre Kraków, a unit of the Polish Cyberspace Defence Forces.

Joanna’s career spans leadership, strategic, and academic roles. Most recently, she was Director in the Supply Chain Cyber and Information Security team at UBS (2020–2022). She is the originator, co-founder, and former Programme Director of the European Cybersecurity Forum – CYBERSEC (2014–2019). For a decade, she served as a Senior Cybersecurity Expert at the Kosciuszko Institute (2009–2019). Her academic background includes a position as Assistant Professor at AGH University of Science and Technology (2018–2020).

A recognized cybersecurity expert and speaker, Joanna has led numerous national and international initiatives at the intersection of technology and public policy. Notably, she was a member of the Advisory Group for Cybersecurity of the Republic of Poland at the Polish Presidential National Bureau of Security (2016–2017).

Her achievements have earned her multiple distinctions, including a nomination by Forbes Women Polska for Woman of the Year 2025, recognition among 100 Eastern Europe’s emerging technology stars by Financial Times & New Europe 100 in 2017, and inclusion in the Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity by the Women in Tech Summit in 2019. In 2016, Joanna participated in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) on Cybersecurity and Government Interoperability.

Senior executive with almost 30 years of experience. A Polish entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor. Since the beginning of his career, he has been associated with the digital technology and finance industries. Experienced both as a CEO of private enterprises, alongside senior roles in public administration. Knight of the Order of Rebirth of Poland. An expert at the Business Centre Club.

Since August 2022, he has been a member and advisor of the UN High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation (IGF LP). Since 2024, he has been a senior associate member & senior expert at the prestigious Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security at the University of Oxford. Member of the Mentor and Expert Network of the NATO DIANA - Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic.

He is the Plenipotentiary of the Director for Commercialization and International Cooperation at the National Institute of Telecommunications.

From 2020 to 2022, he was the President of the Board of the VC co-investment fund NIF ASI S.A. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Vice President of the Board and CIO at PKO TFI S.A., part of PKO BP, the largest bank in Poland, responsible for digital transformation, cybersecurity, and digital business initiatives.

Paul Timmers is professor at KU Leuven, CEO of iivii BV and partner at WeltWert®, focusing on geopolitics and technology. He authored studies on digital industrial policy, cybersecurity strategic autonomy, resilience/ security of telecoms and digital supply chains, AI governance. He is co-author of the EuroStack report on digital sovereignty for Europe. He is member of the advisory council of the Netherlands’ National Digitalisation Strategy and the Common Good Cyber fund.

Paul Timmers was Director at the European Commission responsible for legislation and funding for cybersecurity, e-ID, digital privacy, digital health, smart cities, and e-government. He was cabinet member of European Commissioner Liikanen. He is former research associate at the University of Oxford and Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Estonian eGovernance Academy.

Colonel Jarosław Wacko, Cyber LEGION program designer and coordinator, co-founder of national level POL MOD CSIRT and SOC. For 5 years Chief Of Operations in MOD SOC (L1, L2, L3). During this time, responsible for handling most crucial incidents in MOD constituency and supporting incidents handling in cooperation with other Polish national level and international CSIRTs. Nowadays Chief Expert in POL Cyber Command and CSIRT MON.

Since 2017 Sub Team Leader and since 2020 Commander (and instructor) of Polish and multinational teams (POL-USA, POL-LTU, POL-FIN, POL-FRA) in world largest livefire cyberdefence exercises NATO Locked Shields.

In 2024 he was awarded with the “Buzdygan”, the highest prize of Polish Armed Forces journal Polska Zbrojna - “for building and commanding one of the strongest cyberdefence team in the world”.

Graduate of the Military University of Technology (WAT) in Warsaw, Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, and the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology (PJATK) in the field of Cybersecurity.

An officer with many years of experience in cybersecurity, communications, and IT, particularly in organizing and conducting processes related to handling ICT security incidents and performing security testing of ICT systems. Actively involved in the design and implementation of ICT systems to ensure the required level of cybersecurity, as well as in organizing and conducting cyber threat intelligence (CTI) activities.

Co-creator and manager of the Security Operations Center (SOC) within the Military Counterintelligence Service. As a representative of the Ministry of National Defence, he co-created the National Cybersecurity System. He holds, among others, the GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certifications.