Hello, I’m Victoria,
Data protection expert based in the Netherlands. I advance digital safety and our right to privacy with expertise and passion.

My focus is on empowering a brighter future by fostering safety and privacy in the rapidly evolving digital realm. I drive responsible and effective practices to protect critical data, including personal information and intellectual property. I aim to fuel growth and innovation by sharing and elevating my expertise in IT, security, and data protection affairs—including the intersection with relevant laws and regulations.

I serve as a strategic advisor on numerous boards and speak at leading conferences across Europe. Holding esteemed certifications, I help forge (new) industry standards and materials from globally recognised bodies such as NIST, EDPB, and IAPP. Being recognised for my ‘significant contributions to the security and privacy sectors’ has led me to also educate students and mentor young professionals.

Passionate about mastering my crafts, I immerse myself in various interconnected topics. Aware that attention to detail is pivotal, I strive to maintain proficiency in rapidly uncovering flaws, anticipating threats, and defending against the ever-evolving dark arts.

Although playing safe doesn’t allow us to flourish, I am determined to help others stay ahead of the curve and reveal the seemingly impossible yet possible.

Catch me, if you can.

In the press

Media features & interviews

Testimonials

Your kind words

Victoria is an exceptional expert in privacy! She always appears to be on top of evolving jurisprudence across multiple jurisdictions, making her an invaluable go-to person. She is a trusted voice in the field, with a unique ability to navigate legal intricacies and simplify complex technical concepts.

Group Head of Data Privacy

Victoria was lovely to work with! She was a great Chairperson for TechEx ‘Cyber Security & Cloud Expo’ Europe. Victoria interacted with the audience and facilitated many Q&A’s, her experience and knowledge really added to our agenda. We would love to welcome her to our future events!

Senior Conference Producer

Victoria is an engaging and charismatic speaker. She is deeply knowledgeable, insightful and brings a breath of fresh air. Even after many years of experience in the industry, I always enjoy her talks and leave with valuable takeaways.

Global VP of Security & Compliance
  • Outstanding Data Protection Officer Finalist
  • EU Cyber Woman of the Year Finalist
  • Data Protection Officer DPO200 Award

Profile

A sassy defender against the dark (cyber) arts

I blend legal, technical, and strategic expertise to achieve responsible data practices.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • Certified Cloud Security Professional (CSSP)
  • Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
  • Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
  • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
  • Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer
  • Certified Cyber Risk Specialist (CCRS)
  • Certified NIST Cyber Security Expert (NCSE)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional–Europe (CIPP/E)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional–U.S. (CIPP/US)
  • Certified Information Privacy Professional–Canada (CIPP/C)
  • Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM)
  • Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT)
  • Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE)
  • Certified ISO/IEC 27701 Lead Implementer
  • Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
  • Certified Open Source Specialist (COS)
  • Certified Open Source Investigator (COI)
  • (and more...)
Connect on LinkedIn

Public speaking

Empowering a brighter future ✨

I drive change through strategic discussions and technical deep dives. While still focused on other initiatives, I’m open to exploring speaking opportunities again. Reach out anytime.

Speaking announcement

Quantum computing and its impact on cybersecurity

Quantum computers perform calculations exponentially faster than our current computers, potentially threatening the security of our digital, encrypted communications, such as online banking. So, how can we prepare for the future?

Quantum computing and its impact on cybersecurity

Today, at 12:15 PM CEST, I’ll bring you up to speed on current developments such as ‘post-quantum’ cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD), as well as opportunities in cybersecurity to enhance threat detection and enable more robust defence mechanisms.

Join me at #RISK digital to examine the changing risk landscape and make quantum part of your long-term cyber strategy.

This event already took place.
Speaking announcement

Constructing an effective privacy initiative for measurable outcomes

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to privacy. After all, privacy is contextual, subjective, and culturally influenced. So, how can we construct an effective privacy program with meaningful key performance and risk indicators?

Constructing an effective privacy initiative for measurable outcomes

Today, at 12:30 PM CET, I’ll share why we need to pivot our privacy programs beyond mere compliance with data protection regulations. I’ll also share how organisations can build a privacy program that delivers measurable and impactful outcomes.

Join me for Global Privacy Day from the comfort of your own (home) office.

This event already took place.
Speaking announcement

ChatGPT: the data privacy nightmare?

ChatGPT has taken the world by storm. Within two months of its release, it reached 100 million active users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application ever—but what about the collection and (re)use of all this data?

ChatGPT: the data privacy nightmare?

Today, at 12:30 PM CET, I’ll share several concerns relating to personal data and intellectual property, what measures are said to be in place, and what the regulatory and operational future may hold to support AI language models.

Join me at the latest PrivSec Global edition from the comfort of your own (home) office.

This event already took place.
Speaking announcement

Practice what you preach: A CISO’s guide to mental health

Despite the crucial nature of well-being, it’s often neglected in the workplace. So, how can we restore prioritising people over processes and technology to increase our overall efficiency and productivity—and achieve the resilience we truly seek?

Practice what you preach: A CISO’s guide to mental health

Today, at 10:15 AM BST, I’ll dive into the importance and methods of cultivating and maintaining a psychologically safe environment, how to deal with specific stress factors, and why building relationships in the workplace goes a long way for getting people to work with you and for you.

Secure your VIP ticket to join me at the CIO + CISO Visions Summit in London.

This event already took place.

Interests

Taking it to the next level

Fostering digital safety and protecting our fundamental freedoms isn’t just a job; it’s a mission.

  • Legal Research and Public Consultations

    I conduct legal research and engage in public consultations on privacy, data protection, and information security policies, frameworks, standards, and guidelines. My focus is on the ethical and legal implications of Big Tech and emerging technologies such as AI, ensuring they uphold fundamental human rights.

  • Security Research and Ethical Hacking

    I investigate security vulnerabilities through research and ethical hacking, continuously refining my skills to stay ahead of emerging threats. My work helps to identify weaknesses, improve resilience, and fortify digital defences against sophisticated attack methodologies.

  • OSINT Challenges and Investigations

    I take part in open-source intelligence challenges to sharpen my investigative and analytical abilities. Additionally, I contribute to real-world investigations aimed at uncovering critical information to support ongoing cases involving missing persons, animal abuse, child exploitation, and human trafficking.

  • Software Development and Automation

    I create custom tools to boost both personal productivity and professional workflows. While I no longer serve as a DevOps engineer, I continue to explore and experiment with new programming languages, servers, databases, and orchestration tools to stay up-to-date with emerging technologies.

Contact

Talk nerdy to me

Security without privacy is surveillance; privacy without security is an illusion.

I’m always open to discussing opportunities to advance our community towards a brighter future. Data protection isn’t just for those with deep pockets.