In a world where technology and privacy collide it requires foresight, vision, and, most importantly, a commitment to security.
Meet Peter, the Chief Operating Officer at Partisia, whose journey into the tech industry and dedication to privacy and security are not just a career, but a mission. In this blog post, Peter shares his story, insights into the biggest challenges companies face when investing in privacy-enhancing technologies (PET), and his take on how businesses can stay ahead of the forthcoming privacy challenges.
Meet our COO, Peter!
With over 20 years of experience in the software development industry, Peter has worked across different Danish companies as both a developer and project manager. His journey took a turn when he started working with advanced cryptographic technology at Partisia in 2017.
“It was by coincidence that I ended up as CTO (now as the COO) here at Partisia,” he says.
”You have to seize the opportunities life offers”.
It’s no coincidence that Peter’s passion for privacy and data protection began long before his work with Privacy Enhancing Technology. Around the early 2000s, as smartphones and social media were starting to rise, Peter’s own privacy-conscious approach began to take shape. While many were quick to adopt Facebook, Peter waited, and this caution led him to a deeper understanding of the growing concerns around personal data online.
His curiosity deepened after listening to German podcasts about data protection, which inspired him to explore privacy through the lens of cultural differences. A changing moment occurred when he collaborated on an integration project for the German Federal Ministry. Here, he saw firsthand how seriously privacy was taken in Germany, where personal data is considered a fundamental right; something that deeply resonated with him.
Technology has always been my passion and driving force
Peters’s path in tech has been shaped by a deep passion for innovation and a constant drive to improve.
"Technology has always been my passion and driving force" he shares. "It’s been a constant, guiding thread throughout my entire career."
As he progressed through his career, the idea of privacy became a central theme. Over time, this grew into a more focused interest in how personal data is handled in a connected world.
The experience of working with German institutions, especially in dealing with sensitive data, further reinforced Peter’s commitment to developing privacy and security solutions that protect individuals while also meeting the needs of businesses.
The window of maturity: Why revolution does not necessarily equal greatness
As Peter reflects on the current state of the tech industry, he emphasizes that maturity is key when implementing Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PET). While many companies are excited by revolutionary technology, he prefers a more grounded approach.
This mindset highlights the importance of integrating privacy and security measures in a sustainable way. The rush to embrace the latest tech trends may seem appealing, but the real value lies in thoughtful adaptation. For companies to continue growth and stay ahead of disruption, they need to understand that privacy is not a passing trend - it’s a fundamental aspect of building trust with customers and securing their data for the future.
What are the biggest challenges you believe we face in implementing PET?
When it comes to implementing Privacy-Enhancing Technologies, Peter believes the biggest challenge lies in having the will and determination to make privacy a top priority.
"There’s a cost when it comes to privacy" he explains, "and not everything makes sense to protect with Privacy-Enhancing Technologies. Many things simply don’t need to be confidential. However, GDPR has provided a fantastic framework that clarifies the essentials."
One of the key challenges businesses face is the need to embrace the spirit of the law, not just the letter.
“If organizations genuinely prioritized careful data handling, it wouldn’t be so challenging to implement Privacy-Enhancing Technologies as an additional layer of protection,” Peters notes.
However, the reality is that data management is often disorganized, which makes it difficult to implement structured security solutions.
“Many people start thinking about what to do in response to a hack only after the hack has occurred,” Peter says.
“But what if they proactively locked the 'doors' that hackers use to get in, took the keys, and secured their computers? This proactive approach makes data far more challenging to get malicious access to.”
That’s where Partisia steps in.
"We deliver additional security, above the standard maintaining basic security protocols, like closing and locking the 'front door' " Peter explains.
It’s all about creating a culture of security that goes beyond just meeting lowest bar.
Why, in terms of a company's structure, would a potential client be willing to invest?
Peter encourages potential clients to think beyond the immediate impact of implementing privacy technologies.
"Our ideal clients are those who understand that adopting our technology won’t immediately change their business, but it will give them a competitive advantage in the near future" he shares.
"Investing in privacy and security today means avoiding becoming the next Kodak or Nokia. If you don’t adapt, someone else will, and you’ll eventually be left behind."
The fear of disruption is real, but Peter points out that while it’s easy to get caught up in short-term thinking, successful businesses focus on long-term goals.
"It’s easy to see that change is coming, but it’s not always easy to take action" he explains. "Fortunately, there are companies and decision-makers who recognize this and are starting to position themselves for the future."
What advice would you give to a company’s CTO regarding the adoption and implementation of PET as a customer?
Peter offers some valuable advice for CTOs considering Privacy-Enhancing Technologies:
"First and foremost, focus on the critical elements - confidentiality, privacy, and security. We provide countless opportunities for your business to benefit from stronger security in the software you use."
This is a fluid market and being ahead will provide you with an edge.
While the adoption of PET may be seen as risky, Peter believes the reward outweighs the risk.
“I often say that we are on the bleeding edge, not just the cutting edge. The difference is that when you're on the "bleeding edge," you might get cut, while on the "cutting edge," you're trying to avoid it. And I am confident that companies that embrace this "bleeding edge" technology will find themselves better positioned to compete in a world where privacy and security are no longer optional”.
Building Stronger, More Secure Futures
As Peter reflects on his work at Partisia, it’s clear that he believes the future of privacy and security is being shaped today.
"It’s not just about protecting data" he emphasizes. "It’s about protecting your future."
The companies that invest in privacy and security now will be the ones leading the way in the next decade. For those ready to make the leap, Partisia offers the tools and expertise to ensure that your business is not only secure, but ready to thrive in a privacy-first world.
Ready to take the leap into a more secure future?
Follow Peter on LinkedIn for more insights on privacy, security, and the future of technology. Be sure to read our newsletter for the latest updates and expert advice on how your business will benefit from adopting PET solutions.
