As you know, cybersecurity never stands still and neither do we. Nynox is now fully integrated into ACEN as ACEN Managed Detection & Response (MDR), where one chapter ends, a new one begins. It’s a story of growth, ambition, and the drive to deliver true end-to-end security.
We sat down with Federico Meiners and Kris Bogaerts. Federico, who helped shape Nynox from the ground up, and Kris, who is the new manager of ACEN MDR since August. We talked about the reasoning behind the integration, their vision for the future and the challenges that lie ahead regarding managed detection and response.
From Nynox to ACEN MDR
Q: Why did Nynox decide to merge into ACEN?
“The only way to provide real security is through an end-to-end service. Monitoring is essential, but without identity, network, and platform protection in the mix, it’s never the full picture. At ACEN, we have all the pieces needed to deliver a connected, accountable service to our clients”, says Federico.
For Federico, the decision was as much about strategy as it was about scale. Competing with larger players in the market is difficult when you stand alone and offer one specific service. Within ACEN, MDR becomes part of a stronger brand, with a larger team and a more complete portfolio, all under one umbrella and that’s what clients want.
“I’ve been active in the cybersecurity world for about 15 years. Back in the day, I started in consultancy and security operations. At Telenet, I built MDR services from the ground up. What drew me to ACEN was the practical approach: keep it simple, make it valuable, and focus on the customer.”
It was more than just a professional fit, there was also a personal connection. As Kris explains, joining the ACEN MDR team meant the chance to combine hands-on operational leadership with the opportunity to grow the service further and further. Together with Federico, who focuses on strategy and growth, they form a complementary leadership duo.
Priorities of ACEN MDR
Q: What are the short-term priorities now that Nynox has become part of ACEN?
Federico: “Our success is measured by how many incidents we can contain without bothering the customer. Containment first, automation wherever possible, and accountability always.” Kris agrees: “To handle the volume of alerts we see today, scalability is key. That means automation and AI where it makes sense, but always supported by human expertise when it matters. We see that clients really appreciate that human touch.”
Partnerships with Google, SentinelOne, and Silverfort illustrate that ambition. By integrating these technologies into the MDR service, ACEN is not only scaling detection and response, but also pioneering new integrations like Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), a unique differentiator in the market. Something to keep an eye on!
Cybersecurity trends: cutting through the noise
Q: How is the cybersecurity landscape changing, and what’s next?
“AI and automation dominate the headlines, but let’s be honest, most breaches still come down to the basics: no multi-factor authentication (MFA), missed patches, fragmented vendor management. Customers don’t buy technology, they buy outcomes. Our role is to provide clarity in a market flooded with tools and acronyms.” says Federico
Kris agrees and says that data is another big theme in the cybersecurity world. “Everyone talks about security data lakes and detection. But what truly matters is what comes next: having the expertise and context to interpret alerts, and the ability to handle, analyze, or even automate the first layer of analysis. Turning signals into meaningful action that’s where we bring peace of mind. And that peace of mind can make or break your day.”
They share the same view on the following: identity is at the heart of modern cybersecurity. With ACEN’s heritage in identity security, MDR now embeds ITDR (Identity Threat Detection & Response) capabilities directly, addressing threats where most attacks begin.
The future of ACEN MDR
Q: Where do you see ACEN MDR in the coming years?
Federico: “I’d like to see us become a leading MDR provider in Europe. Belgium is our stronghold, and we’ll continue to deliver that close, trusted approach. But with the scale of ACEN and the backing of the Cronos ecosystem, we can take it further.” Kris agrees and states that you need to be ambitious in this business. “With the team and the vision we currently have, there’s no reason to not aim that high.”
What sets ACEN MDR apart?
- End-to-end security: from identity to network to incident response.
- Speed & containment: resolving incidents before they impact customers.
- Scalability & automation: leveraging AI and tooling without losing the human touch.
- Accountability: one trusted partner who owns the outcome.
- European ambition: building a MDR Powerhouse with Belgian roots
Conclusion
The integration of Nynox into ACEN is more than a rebranding. It marks a shift towards a future where security is faster, smarter, and more accountable. By combining Federico’s strategic vision with Kris’ operational leadership, the ACEN MDR is ready to take its place as a trusted European MDR provider, delivering clarity in a world of complexity.
Want to see how MDR can give you peace of mind? Discover what we can mean for your business today.
