Beyond the Hype: Why Cybersecurity Needs More Humanity

September 24, 2026

5 minutes reading time

Beyond the Hype: Why Cybersecurity Needs More Humanity

Released on September 2026

As AI reshapes the cybersecurity landscape, one fundamental question remains: who will guide it? During the annual Women4Cyber Foundation Conference in Brussels, Henk Dujardin, CEO of the Belgian Cyber Security Coalition, argued that the future of cybersecurity will be determined not only by technological innovation, but by the diversity, leadership and talent of the people behind it. Discover the key messages from his inspiring keynote.

Looking Beyond the AI Headlines

Artificial intelligence dominates today’s cybersecurity headlines. From discussions about increasingly autonomous AI systems to concerns about their potential impact on society, the pace of technological change seems to accelerate almost daily. Yet, during his opening keynote at the Women4Cyber Foundation Annual Conference in Brussels, Henk Dujardin challenged the audience to look beyond the hype. The most important questions facing cybersecurity, he argued, are ultimately not technological, but human.

While AI undoubtedly creates new opportunities and risks, cybersecurity professionals are confronted with three interconnected challenges. The first concerns the use of AI in both attack and defence. The second centres on securing AI systems themselves. The third, and perhaps most fundamental challenge, is governance: determining who remains accountable when AI influences decisions, what level of oversight is required, and how human judgement can be preserved in an increasingly automated world.

According to Dujardin, these questions cannot be solved through technology alone. They demand leadership, ethics, responsibility, trust, and, above all, human judgement. As technology becomes more powerful, the value of diverse perspectives and experiences only increases. This, he noted, is precisely why initiatives such as Women4Cyber play such an essential role.

The Meaning Behind Number 25

A central theme of the keynote was the number 25. Today, women represent approximately one quarter of cybersecurity professionals. While this reflects progress, it also highlights how much work remains to be done. At the current pace, reaching parity could still take decades.

Yet Dujardin cautioned against viewing women merely as the solution to a cyber skills shortage. Doing so reduces a much broader issue to a labour market challenge. Instead, he argued that the conversation should centre on diversity itself. Diversity in gender, culture, background, belief, and experience strengthens decision-making by bringing a wider range of viewpoints to the table.

Why Diversity Creates Better Decisions

Drawing on more than three decades of experience in technology and cybersecurity, Dujardin shared three principles that he believes are essential for building strong teams. First, organisations must actively encourage diversity of ideas and foster genuine listening. Second, they need what he described as a “noisy system”, an environment where people respectfully challenge assumptions, test ideas, and expose blind spots. Third, once decisions are made, teams must unite behind them and execute collectively.

Diversity without cohesion, he stressed, does not deliver results. Together, these principles transform diversity from an aspiration into a competitive advantage. In a world where AI is becoming increasingly capable, diverse teams provide the critical thinking and judgement needed to ensure technology serves people rather than the other way around.

Empowering the Next Generation

Addressing the women in the audience directly, Dujardin highlighted the importance of mentorship, professional networks and community support. Referencing the Women’s Day theme#GiveToGain, he encouraged attendees to share their knowledge, experience and support with others. Every act of mentorship and inclusion, he noted, creates momentum and opens opportunities for the next generation.

He also outlined the Belgian Cyber Security Coalition’s commitment to advancing gender diversity. The organisation continues to work towards greater female representation within its leadership structures, has increased the visibility of women speakers across its events, supports scholarships for the Solvay Executive Master in Cybersecurity, and actively promotes initiatives that encourage women to pursue leadership opportunities within the sector.

Have the Courage to Step Forward

One of the most powerful moments of the keynote came through a simple appeal: do not rule yourself out.

Reflecting on recent winners of the Belgian Cyber Security Awards, Dujardin observed that some outstanding candidates initially doubted whether they should even apply. His message was clear: applying is already a victory. It demonstrates confidence in one’s achievements and allows others to recognise the value of one’s work. Whether through awards, scholarships, leadership opportunities or new career challenges, talented professionals should not wait until they feel entirely ready before stepping forward.

A Starting Point, Not a Limit

Returning to the symbolic number 25 in his closing remarks, Dujardin described it not merely as a statistic, but as a starting point. The future of cybersecurity, he concluded, will not be defined by the intelligence of machines alone. It will be shaped by the wisdom, courage, diversity and humanity of the people guiding them.

If organisations and individuals continue to create opportunities, share knowledge and support emerging talent, the cybersecurity profession will become not only more diverse, but also stronger, smarter and more resilient.

Because the future of cybersecurity is not only about stronger technology. It is about stronger people.

About the author

Marie-Paule Baus

Community Manager