My Precious Data

A Conversation with Tjark Auerbach, Founder of Avira (now part of Gen).

Eddy Willems Season 3 Episode 5

In this English-language episode of the My Precious Data Podcast, Eddy Willems reconnects with an old friend and cybersecurity pioneer, Tjark Auerbach, the founder of Avira (now part of Gen Digital), one of Europe’s earliest and most respected antivirus companies.

Their conversation goes far beyond technology: it’s a journey through decades of cybersecurity evolution, innovation, and shared history. From the early days of fighting computer viruses to the global challenges of today, both experts reflect on how much the world (and the industry) has changed, and what remains truly important.

“Back then, we weren’t just building software, we were building trust,” says Tjark Auerbach.
“For me, cybersecurity has always been about people first. The technology is just the tool,” adds Eddy Willems.

The discussion is personal, insightful, and at moments even a little emotional, as two veterans of the field look back at their parallel journeys and the legacy of a shared mission: making the digital world safer for everyone.

Topics discussed:

  • The founding story and philosophy behind Avira
  • How the antivirus industry evolved from passion projects to global enterprises
  • Ethics, trust, and the human side of cybersecurity
  • Lessons learned from decades on the digital frontlines

A rare and authentic conversation between two pioneers who helped shape the cybersecurity landscape as we know it.