Inside Belgium’s Cyber Command

Tech&Meet Recap: Inside Belgium’s Cyber Command

Last November, I had the privilege of attending a Tech&Meet session hosted by Colonel Gunther Godefridis—Director for Development & Readiness at the Belgian Cyber Command. With over two decades of military service, Colonel Godefridis began his career as a young recruit and steadily rose through the ranks to lead Belgium’s premier cyber-defense unit.

A Closer Look at Cyber Command

Cyber Command is Belgium’s frontline defense against digital threats. Tasked with protecting Defense’s networks and weapon systems, gathering intelligence for the General Intelligence and Security Service (ADIV), and conducting both defensive and offensive operations in cyberspace, the unit operates within a strict framework of “Collect, Protect, Fight, Defend.” Working hand in hand with European peers, academia, industry, and civil society, they ensure Belgium stays ahead of evolving cyber risks—from espionage and disinformation campaigns to large-scale cyberattacks.

Organizational Structure & Recruitment

Colonel Godefridis explained how Cyber Command is structured into specialized teams—each focusing on areas like real-time threat monitoring, incident response, and intelligence analysis. He walked us through their rigorous selection process: candidates must demonstrate not only technical prowess (network forensics, malware analysis) but also strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate under pressure.

That same evening, attendees—most of whom were technical students—were invited to apply for roles within Cyber Command. Applicants can choose between:

• Full-Time Military Specialist: Serving as a commissioned officer or noncommissioned cyber expert.
• Civilian Cyber Defender: Balancing civilian life with Defense projects, a flexible option that intrigued many of us.

Frameworks & Best Practices

To illustrate their workflow, Colonel Godefridis shared several in-house frameworks and automation tools that enable rapid threat identification and response. From centralized dashboards that aggregate SIEM alerts to playbooks dictating escalation paths, these methodologies ensure Belgian Cyber Command can act decisively when seconds count.

Why It Matters

In today’s digital age, national security extends far beyond physical borders. Cyber Command’s mission—to safeguard critical military systems and support broader intelligence efforts—underscores how vital cybersecurity expertise has become. Their partnerships across Europe and with private-sector innovators amplify Belgium’s defensive posture, creating a resilient network of shared threat intelligence.

Final Thoughts

The session left me inspired by the blend of cutting-edge technology, strategic collaboration, and the human element required to defend a nation’s digital frontiers. Whether you’re considering a military career or a civilian role in cybersecurity, I highly recommend attending the next Tech&Meet with Belgium’s Cyber Command. It’s a rare chance to hear from the leaders shaping our cyber-secure future.