First collaboration – Building Value Together

Ronald: Steven, we’ve known each other for quite some time, always in the context of cybersecurity partnerships – and it has always worked out very well. That’s why we’re happy to put this partnership in the spotlight today.

With SITS | Traxion, the strength lies in advice, implementation and integration. We bring expertise in HSM, applied cryptography and data security in general. With Thales we ensure that projects not only succeed, but also scale, even in future, especially with the broader portfolio after the Imperva acquisition by Thales.

Steven: Exactly. You are the trusted integrator and service partner,  while we – as the vendor – provide the technology – HSMs, key management, application security, cloud data protection. You add value and services around it and together, we deliver complete, working solutions.

Take for example; In critical infrastructure such as energy grids and smart meters, compromised certificates can disrupt thousands of households. By automating PKI and securing device identities, operators not only reduce outage risks but also gain a scalable foundation for future digital services.

Together, we have already completed projects with some large Dutch enterprises. I won’t mention names, but they were very successful. The value lies in your knowledge, local presence, and onsite support, combined with our cutting-edge solutions. Eventually, those are not just technology deployments – they are business outcomes where customers are the ones who truly benefit.

Market Challenges & Trends

Ronald: We approach challenges from an identity philosophy: today, everything has an identity: not just users, but also data, machines, and servers – even the connected coffee machine in the office. The key question is: how to grant the right access, manage those identities securely and at scale?

In the past, the focus was primarily on SSO, followed by governance – which remains important today. Now, however, security has become central in all approaches, while many organizations still struggle with identity and data protection. That’s why we look beyond individual technologies and deliver end-to-end security solutions together with Thales.

Steven: I completely agree. And the market is evolving fast. Let me highlight a few trends we see:

• AI-driven attacks: Deepfakes, automated phishing, and poisoned datasets are becoming real risks. The question is not “if” but “how” we ensure data authenticity.

• Quantum era: The “harvest now, decrypt later” threat means stolen encrypted data today could be broken in the near future. Organizations need a roadmap to quantum-safe cryptography.
• Compliance as a driver: NIS2, DORA, GDPR – Compliance has become a strategic catalyst—no longer just a checkbox. Many CISOs now report that regulation plays a central role in driving cybersecurity budgets.

• Data sovereignty: With GAIA-X and the upcoming EU Digital Identity Wallet, organizations must retain control over where and how their sensitive data is stored.

Ronald: Exactly. This is where applied cryptography and Public Key infrastructure come in. Very few organizations have in-house crypto specialists, yet certificate-related incidents, such as expired or mismanaged certificates, are increasingly common. Key management and Certificate Lifecycle management (CLM) is another area where SITS | Traxion is highly active. Together with Thales’ innovative solutions, our local expertise turns complex challenges into clear, practical strategies.

Compliance – More Than a Checkbox

Ronald: What role does compliance play in your projects?

Steven: Compliance is often the very reason clients start a project. The first box to tick is drafting policies or performing a risk assessment, simply showing auditors that basic controls are in place.  But it shouldn’t stop there.  NIS2, for instance, is just the beginning. True value lies in turning regulation into stronger future-proof governance and resilience serves the business. It all serves the goal to increase the Data Security posture of an organization to become more resilient against cyber threats.

Ronald:  Yes, many companies underestimate the journey. After ticking the first box, the real work begins: translating policies into daily practice, embedding controls into IT processes and automating these,  like certificate renewal or access governance. It’s also about extending protection to company-wide identity and data security. Moving toward continuous monitoring and audit readiness. That’s  where our joint role is to help transform these regulatory pressures or requirements of our customers into an actionable catalyst for lasting security,  not just a cost factor.

Looking ahead – Opportunities for Clients

Ronald: For us, the priority is to unburden clients. Through managed services, we aim to support their entire security operations, which requires trust, staffing and professionalism. Our goal is not only to prepare organizations for tomorrow’s risks, but also to give them confidence to innovate securely today.

Steven: And that is where we see big opportunities or synergies for our partnership:

• Managed HSM and Key Management as a Service – giving mid-market companies access to enterprise-grade security without needing scarce crypto experts or to compromise on security.
• Workshops & awareness sessions – bridging the market skills gap, from quantum readiness to NIS2 preparation.
• Integration with broader identity and access management – combining IGA, PAM, and applied crypto into a holistic security fabric.

You know the clients, you manage the integration and first-line support; we provide state-of-the-art technology. Data is the new oil – governance and protection are essential.

Ronald: Exactly. In today’s market, technology alone isn’t enough. Organizations need guidance, operational support, and a clear view of the road ahead. Together, we can offer all three.

Message to customers

Steven: No one wakes up in the morning thinking: “Today I’ll install an HSM.” It’s not about the hardware – it’s about what it protects. Without strong crypto; payment systems, medical devices, connected cars, and even public infrastructure would all be at risk.

Our motto: we make the world a safer place – for ourselves and our children – so technology can be used in a constructive and secure way.

Ronald: That fits perfectly with the SITS | Traxion vision, which is about making people and organizations resilient. Security should never paralyze business. Our mission is to uncomplicate,  to strike the right balance between security, cost, and usability, enabling clients to innovate securely.

Closing thoughts

Steven: These are exciting times. With post-quantum cryptography, AI, and compliance requirements on the horizon, the demand for trusted partnerships will only grow.

Ronald: Absolutely, that’s where our collaboration thrives: bringing global innovation and local expertise together. Clients can rely on us to prepare for tomorrow’s risks – while still enabling them to move fast today.

Steven: A partnership takes two to tango. Let’s keep learning from each other and our clients, and continue delivering the right answers together.

Ronald: That sounds like the perfect conclusion. Thank you for this conversation, Steven.

Steven: Thank you, Ronald – and I look forward to strengthening our collaboration even further.

Curious about how our collaboration could help your organization?

Identity & Access Management can be perceived as complex – from access challenges to securing sensitive data. While this article highlights the partnership between SITS | Traxion and Thales, we’re here to support you with your specific needs. We’re happy to help!

Ready to take the next step? Let’s talk with our experts.

Nederland:                                    BeLux:

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