In this episode of re:invent security, we sit down with Petra Oldengarm, Director of Cyberveilig Nederland (CVN), to explore the real meaning of digital sovereignty—and why it’s more than just a political slogan. Petra takes us deep into the practical challenges and strategic decisions that come with reducing digital dependencies. From procurement strategies and fallback systems to encryption standards and talent development, this conversation unpacks what sovereignty can look like—without chasing unrealistic dreams of full independence. We also tackle the CISO’s role in influencing vendor choices, the myth of total control, and how European regulation (like NIS2) might help—but won’t solve everything. Whether you're in the public sector, critical infrastructure, or private enterprise, this episode is a must-listen for security leaders trying to navigate geopolitical complexity without losing sight of operational

Chapters:

00:00 - 1:44 - Teasers

1:45 - 4:44 - Introduction of the episode and Petra Oldengarm

04:45 - 08:03 - Reinventing security with private public collaboration (project Melissa)

08:04 - 09:43 - What are the biggest challenges that security leaders have regarding Digital

Sovereignty?

09:44 - 10:43 - Outsourcing is a strategic choice increasing dependencies

10:44 - 12:40- How can security leaders influence outsourcing decisions?

12:41 - 15:01 - Diversifying the vendor landscape is nog a security problem but a board problem

15:02 - 18:40 - Waiting for a European solution is not a strategy

18:41 - 21:15 - European legislation to improve digital autonomy

21:16 - 25:50 - European alternatives requires a broad long term governmental strategy

25:51 - 27:30 - Strategies to increase your sovereignty today

27:31 - 31:50 - Decreased risk is your Return on Investment

31:51 - 36:57 - What is the role of the government and the European Union to make sure leaders

diversify?

36:58 - 38:00 - You need to shift business continuity to the left

38:01 - 42:36 - Encryption is part of the solution

40:52 - 45:51 - What legislation is in the pipeline? (Omwille van de lengte mag deze er uit)

42:37 - 46:20 - Addressing the talent gap is a make or break for digital sovereignty?

46:21 - 49:40 - Petra’s advice: where do leaders start?

49:41 - 55:20 - Wrapping Up + Key take aways

Resources & Mentions:

Position Paper Cyberveilig Nederland on Digital Sovereignty: https://cyberveilignederland.nl/upload/userfiles/images/news/Position%20paper%20CVNL%20t_b_v_%20rondetafelgesprek%20Digitale%20soevereiniteit%20bij%20de%20Rijksoverheid%20d_d_%2013%20februari%202025%20(1).pdf

Article in the FD about dependencies in our digital autonomy: https://fd.nl/tech-en-innovatie/1549612/datacenters-worden-steeds-groter-maar-de-financiering-groeit-niet-mee

Connect with Petra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petraoldengarm/

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