How Approach Cyber Turns Digital Trust into Practice

Trust isn’t just a word at Approach Cyber – it’s a system, a culture, and a commitment

In today’s fast-changing digital world, cybersecurity is no longer just a technical challenge – it’s a question of trust. For Approach Cyber, a Belgian-Swiss cybersecurity and privacy specialist with nearly 25 years of experience, digital trust is the foundation of everything they do.

Their mission is simple but powerful: “We take care of cybersecurity, so our clients can focus on their business – with peace of mind.” That peace of mind isn’t delivered through software alone. It’s built through a holistic, human-centered approach that combines legal, technical and organizational expertise.

Trust by design: embedded in every layer 

At Approach, trust in digital is not limited to technical controls. It’s embedded throughout the company: 

  • Cross-functional teams work across legal, privacy, and security. 
  • A culture of openness and accessibility ensures employees can speak up. 
  • Regular knowledge lunches and coffee corners facilitate sharing and reflection. 
  • Internal privacy requests from employees are taken seriously and used to improve processes. 

“It’s the human side of trust that really matters. When people know they can ask questions, challenge each other, and get better together – that’s when trust becomes real.” says Lotte De Graeve, Privacy Consultant at Approach Cyber.

“We don’t just write security policies. We live them – together.” -adds David Vanderoost, CEO of Approach Cyber.

ISO certification as a license to operate 

Approach achieved ISO 27001 certification through Vinçotte, and added ISO 27701 verification for privacy. For them, these certifications are not just about compliance – they are a mark of quality, transparency, and long-term maturity. 

David adds, "Certification is not a goal. It's recognition – a signal to our clients and employees that we constantly improve." 

These standards also raised the internal bar, helping teams harmonize processes, structure documentation, and strengthen ownership. 

Internally strong, externally resilient 

Approach understands that trust is slow to build and fast to lose. That’s why they invest in resilience: 

  • A clear incident response plan, combining security, privacy and communication teams 
  • Crisis communication procedures involving HR, legal, board and external stakeholders 
  • Regular training, simulations, and legal updates 

“You can’t avoid every incident. But you can prepare, respond, and rebuild trust.” says David.

Advice to others: Start early, stay open 

Their advice to other companies? Don’t wait until your organization is “mature” to work on trust in digital. Build it from the beginning – before you’re too big to change. 

“Certification helps you become a better version of yourself. The sooner you start, the stronger your foundation.” 

Trust in digital isn’t just a marketing theme at Approach Cyber. It’s a guiding principle – one they live internally, demonstrate externally, and help their clients embed in everything they do.