Summa student becomes news himself by hacking the NOS

19-year-old Koen Kandelaars from Handel was the first ethical hacker to penetrate the NOS's computer systems. He initially discovered eleven vulnerabilities. A twelfth vulnerability made it possible to gain access to the news organization's systems. Koen reported everything carefully so that the vulnerabilities could be resolved.

It is great to see how this Summa ICT student uses his skills and drive to make systems more secure. “I would rather break into systems than watch a Netflix movie. I get a kind of kick out of it,” Koen tells Omroep Brabant.

For his reports, Koen received, among other things, a certificate from the NOS and two shirts specially designed for him showing that he hacked the NOS. For an ethical hacker, the certificate is particularly important: it is tangible proof of what you have discovered and that you handled it carefully and responsibly.

This is how Koen builds his portfolio and shows what he can do. This does not go unnoticed: he is now also being approached by other companies to put his skills to use.

Earlier this year, Koen participated in Skills Heroes, the national vocational competition for MBO students. He finished fourth in the Cybersecurity category. That participation set him on the track to continue his studies. Immediately after the summer, he hopes to complete his education at Summa ICT. He will start at Fontys in early 2027.