Dimitri van Zantvliet (NS): Securing Dutch Railways Amid Geopolitical Turmoil

Summary

Join hosts Jeroen Prinse and Irfaan Santoe in this episode of re:invent security as they sit down with Dimitri van Zantvliet as they talk about the challenges of securing critical infrastructure and OT at the Dutch Railways. Especially in time of geopolitical turmoil and hybrid warfare. Dimitri van Zantvliet is an accomplished leader in information security currently serving as the CISO of Dutch Railways (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). Dimitri is at the forefront of protecting one of the Netherlands’ most vital transportation networks against an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.

His leadership has been instrumental in addressing the unique challenges of securing critical infrastructure in an era marked by hybrid warfare and complex geopolitical dynamics. Known for his bold and innovative perspectives, Dimitri emphasizes in this podcast that the “C” in CISO stands for Change—highlighting the role of security leaders as agents of transformation within organizations. He has also spoken about the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, warning that AI is a “Weapon of Mass Disruption”.

Dimitri’s expertise extends beyond technology into organizational culture, promoting resilience, adaptability, and collaboration as key components of effective cybersecurity. He is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on topics such as hybrid warfare, OT security, and the future of cybersecurity leadership. Under his guidance, Dutch Railways is not only defending its operations from cyber threats but also setting an example for how critical infrastructure operators can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.