From Viruses to Cyberwar: A Conversation with Mikko Hyppönen (Sensofusion).

In this English-language episode of My Precious Data, cybersecurity expert Eddy Willems sits down with one of the most recognized voices in the industry: Mikko Hyppönen, currently with Sensofusion and formerly of WithSecure.Eddy and Mikko go back to the late 1990s, a time when computer viruses were spreading via floppy disks and email attachments, long before cybercrime became a global industry and cyberwarfare entered mainstream discussions.This episode is both a journey through the history of cybersecurity and a sharp look at where we are heading.“We used to fight individuals writing viruses for fun. Today, we are dealing with organized crime and nation-state actors,” says Mikko Hyppönen.“Cybersecurity has grown from a technical niche into a fundamental part of our society,” adds Eddy Willems.Together, they explore how the threat landscape has evolved, from early malware outbreaks to modern ransomware, disinformation, and geopolitical cyber conflict.Topics discussed:The early days of antivirus and virus hunting The rise of cybercrime and ransomware Nation-state attacks and cyberwarfare The role of ethics and responsibility in cybersecurity What the future holds in an increasingly connected world “The biggest change isn’t technology, it’s who is behind the attacks.” – Mikko HyppönenA deep, honest and sometimes nostalgic conversation between two veterans who have witnessed the transformation of cybersecurity from the inside.