Ethical Hacking and Gamified Security: Insights from Hugo van den Toorn #27

Hugo van den Toorn is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at HEMA, one of the Netherlands' most iconic retail brands. With a background in offensive security and ethical hacking, Hugo is passionate about fostering a positive image of cybersecurity and inspiring the next generation of ethical hackers. He also serves as an advisor to The Hacking Games, a platform aimed at creating interactive and gamified learning experiences to shape future cybersecurity professionals. In this episode, SoSafe CEO Dr. Niklas Hellemann talks with Hugo about the unique challenges of cybersecurity in the retail sector, from social engineering to gamified security training. They discuss how Hugo integrates playful, personalized learning approaches at HEMA to engage employees across diverse roles and improve security culture. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of ethical hacking, including its critical role in reshaping public perception and preparing organizations for emerging threats like AI-driven social engineering. Tune in to discover how Hugo’s innovative strategies are transforming security awareness and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. For more insights about SoSafe, please visit us at https://linktr.ee/humanfirewallpodcast. If you have ideas, suggestions, questions, or would like to be a guest on the Human Firewall Podcast, contact us at [email protected]