Interview in TRENDS: How INNOCOM makes companies Cyber-Resilient
Adequate cybersecurity involves much more than simply installing IT equipment. It requires a holistic approach where your security strategy must align with your business strategy, and where change management and people play a crucial role.
Jurgen Van de Sompel, CEO of INNOCOM, explains in an exclusive interview in TRENDS magazine.
Read the full article here: Van apparatuur naar architectuur - Hoe INNOCOM bedrijven Cyberweerbaar maakt, TRENDS, dossier Veiligheid 24/10/2025
From Equipment to Architecture - How INNOCOM makes companies Cyber-Resilient
At INNOCOM, Enterprise Security Architecture (ESA) is the distinctive approach for defining and implementing security strategies, policies, and controls. The goal is to systematically protect organizations against cyberattacks and data breaches through a structured method that integrates security into the broader business architecture.
“It’s a big picture approach, where all components across the entire business environment play their part,” Jurgen explains. “Not only in terms of IT but also OT (operational technologies). It also requires deep insight into business processes to know how to embed security strategically. In short: ESA runs through all layers of the company and doesn’t stop at the IT department.”
When developing an ESA, the management’s risk appetite also plays a role, says Jurgen. “How far do they want to go? What are the company’s strategic capabilities, and what is critical for them and what isn’t? That will determine what we tackle and how.”
AI will transform today’s reactive systems into systems that detect even the slightest threat autonomously. That will be a game changer.
INNOCOM’s ESA approach is more than just a solid framework to work within. Ultimately, it’s people who do the work, not the framework itself. That’s why INNOCOM places strong emphasis on the human aspect in all its cybersecurity missions. In this process, change management is often neglected, Jurgen notes. “Yet humans are often the weakest link. We are an accredited institute that can help strengthen employee competencies through training and coaching. That’s a unique position. This way, as a client, you only need one partner to cover the entire chain. For example, we recently secured a multi-million contract with the Ministry of Defense to help them improve their cyber resilience.”
INNOCOM has been around for 27 years and has always been a pioneer in technological and societal developments. Today, this translates into a strong focus on domains such as AI and cybersecurity. In addition, INNOCOM actively connects the business world with academia. Recently, we welcomed Prof. Wim Mees as a new colleague. This authority in the field of security contributes to further expanding their knowledge and services in this domain.
Jurgen concludes. “The days when business leaders thought installing a firewall in a hurry was enough are thankfully behind us. We have almost thirty years of experience, so we can compare. No, the sense of urgency to approach security holistically is definitely here now. The topic is gaining importance, and geopolitical tensions are forcing companies to think about it. In the future, that importance will only grow. "
