Welcome to SecureITWorld, an interview series where we connect with leading minds in technology and security. Today, we are honored to have a conversation with Eva Rudin, the Vice President of Mobile Connectivity Solutions at Thales. With over two decades of leadership experience across diverse fields from automotive to defense, Eva now stands at the forefront of securing our hyper-connected world.
In this interview, Eva shares how her unique background has shaped her approach to digital identity and cybersecurity. She further reveals how Thales’ “invisible” technology quietly protects users every day and how the company is preparing for the future of threats posed by innovations like AI and quantum computing.
Join us as we explore how a global leader builds trust in an age of constant digital transformation.
Hello Eva, Hope you are doing well today!
1. You’ve worked in the automotive sector (Renault, Nissan), geoscience (CGG), and now cybersecurity at Thales. How have these diverse experiences shaped your approach to leading mobile connectivity solutions today?
Eva. Each industry has taught me something unique and valuable. The automotive domain brought a solid experience in industry leading practices in engineering, quality management, production systems and project management in a highly competitive environment. In geoscience I learned how to deliver high-stakes services in extreme environments. We had to ensure the highest standards of people safety, data quality and service excellence – sometimes while dealing with the harsh offshore environment with storms, sharks damaging equipment, or even pirate threats!
Joining Thales, and stepping into the cybersecurity and digital identity space, was yet another shift. It’s a very diverse and global environment, both in terms of the business landscape and the go-to-market approach. But despite the differences, I see a strong continuity. Whether it’s about building secure-by-design products, ensuring operational excellence, or ultimately delivering trust to end users and customers, the core principles remain the same.
My past experiences helped me bring a holistic view to mobile connectivity: ensuring that users can trust how their data and identity are protected, and that our customers can rely on the security and performance of the services we provide.
2. Thales secures everything from eSIMs to 5G networks. In simple terms, how does your team ensure that when people or devices connect—whether it’s a car or a phone connecting to the network —it’s always safe from hackers?
Eva. Think of us as an invisible secure vault with lock and key. Every time a device connects IoT to a cellular network, Thales authenticates it and encrypts the data exchanged, at the highest level of cybersecurity. Whether it’s a connected health monitoring device or a connected vending machine, we make sure only the right people or systems have access. As the cybersecurity threat is constantly evolving, we ensure that we stay ahead of the attackers by continuously integrating more advanced cybersecurity solutions. The concept of “security by design” both implies that our products and solutions are born secure, but also that they can be updated over the air with the latest state of the art software and cyber algorithms at any time during their life in the field.
3. Your work touches millions silently—eSIMs, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure. What’s one everyday technology people use without realizing Thales is keeping it secure behind the scenes?
Eva. That’s exactly what we mean by “Thales Inside.” Our technology is embedded in many of the devices and services people use every day—often without even knowing it.
Take your mobile phone: Whether it’s a SIM or an eSIM, or even a Secure Element that protects your digital credentials or payment data, there’s a good chance Thales is behind it. We enable and secure the connection to your mobile operator. And it goes beyond phones—your car’s connectivity, the smart meter at home, or even a medical wearable might be connected and protected by our solutions without you even knowing it. Thales solutions are quietly working in the background to ensure secure, reliable connectivity, managing the eSIM platforms that remotely and securely upload your profile. We ensure your connectivity adapts to your needs, wherever you are.
So, whether you're tapping to pay, verifying your identity online, or using a connected device, chances are Thales is inside—protecting your data, your identity, and the trust you place in the technology around you.
4. Thales made waves by acquiring Gemalto (digital identity and cybersecurity) and Imperva (applications and data cybersecurity). How have these mergers transformed Thales’ ability to tackle modern cyber threats?
Eva. They’ve been game-changers. With Gemalto, Thales became a global leader in digital security, bringing in trusted products and secure solutions like biometric passports, banking cards, SIM cards and connectivity solutions, and IAM (Identity and Access Management) and data protection.
Then came Imperva which added deep expertise in protecting cloud environments, applications and data - perfectly completing our cybersecurity portfolio for enterprise cybersecurity.
Together, these mergers have enabled Thales to offer end-to-end cybersecurity. Today, we protect identities, data, and digital infrastructure across a wide range of sectors—from cloud services and mobile networks to government platforms, banking, automotive, and energy systems.
In short, we’ve built a comprehensive ecosystem of trust—helping organisations and individuals stay secure in a connected world.
5. 5G and IoT are booming, but so are the risks like data breaches or spoofed devices. How is Thales turning these vulnerabilities into strengths for businesses?
Eva. We turn risk into resilience. With our ‘Secure by Design’ approach, we embed security at every layer—from the chip to the cloud, from the product to the service. For example, we collaborate with telcos and device manufacturers to ensure that only trusted devices can connect to their networks. That means faster innovation, without the fear of security breaches slowing them down.
6. You’ve said your goal is delivering “trusted solutions” for seamless connectivity. In a world where scams and deepfakes thrive, how do you build that trust, both technologically and culturally?
Eva. Trust isn’t just technical—it’s earned through transparency and accountability. Technologically, we use strong identity verification, sophisticated agile cryptography, and real-time threat intelligence. Culturally, we work closely with partners and regulators, and design products with privacy and ethics in mind. Trust is built into our DNA—because without it, there is no true connectivity, no successful digital transformation fully embraced by end users.
7. From running seismic operations at CGG to securing global mobile networks, what is the most unexpected leadership lesson you have carried between industries?
Eva. Can I pick two? One is the importance of connecting with all layers and areas of the organisation to ensure alignment on our priorities. This empowers the organisation and enables the right decisions to be made. The second lesson is to truly listen to the client’s needs, rather than making a techno push. I wouldn’t say either of these are unexpected leadership lessons, but for sure I consider them very important.
8. Between quantum computing, AI-driven attacks, and space-based networks, what emerging tech keeps you on your toes—and how is Thales preparing?
Eva. Quantum computing is both thrilling and daunting. It will break today’s encryption—but we are anticipating this and already developing quantum-safe cryptography. AI is another double-edged sword: attackers use it, but so do we—for threat detection and real-time response. At Thales, we invest in future-proofing security to always be one step ahead of the danger.
9. After years in stressful tech jobs, how do you rejuvenate yourself? Any unexpected hobbies or interests outside work?
Eva. Very regular and different physical activities keep both my head and body in shape and energy levels up. Being Swedish, I relax best in nature, whether it be long walks in the nature with my husband or simply attending my garden. I also love cooking and for me it’s both relaxing and creative. And then the pleasure of enjoying a good meal with family and friends. So, no unusual hobbies, just the simple pleasures of life!
Discover More In-depth Interviews:
