Alejandro Fernández-Cernuda Díaz

A translator and a language engineer by education and training, Alejandro’s work has always revolved around building bridges across domains and making mutual understanding possible. This is probably the best way to describe his approach to the technical engagement task —and the large communities involved— in GCA’s Internet Integrity Program.

Alejandro’s landing on cybersecurity came from his previous work as an intelligence analyst specializing in non-financial risk at Spain’s largest retail financial institution, CaixaBank.

Even though his role there was at a strategic level and had an all-encompassing vision of security, his exposure to cybersecurity matters increased along the years, from dealing with phishing incidents and being part of the corporate CSIRT to leading the bank’s initiative to support the creation of a European chapter for APWG, APWG.eu.

APWG.eu helped him discover a whole new universe, and a very appealing one, where he could also put his second passion, International Relations, into practice. That, together with his interest in intercultural challenges (he can survive in a billion languages), is the reason why, back in 2019, he fell into GCA’s trap, accepting the mission to man its recently opened Brussels office. 

What is the greatest bit of advice a parent or mentor has given you?

‘Don’t move to Belgium— it’ll be boring!’ Because, sometimes, the best advice is precisely the one you decide not to follow.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I love cooking for my family and friends and I love cycling with my family and friends. I would probably love doing my taxes with my family and friends, but I have not tried that yet.

Where’s your favorite place in the world?

If you want to make me happy, take me to the North. Asturies, in Northern Spain, is the place where my heart beats. Lapland, in Northern Finland, is the place where it finds its balance. Just remember to bring a coat.