From Cybersecurity to Community Impact: How Jaap Looijen Gives Old Laptops a New Purpose
At Ab Ovo, technology is about more than software and systems. It is also about people. In this edition of Studio Ab Ovo, we spoke with Jaap Looijen, Senior Consultant IT Management. During the day, Jaap helps protect Ab Ovo’s networks, systems, and customer data. In his spare time, he uses retired laptops to support children who need it most.
Keeping Security One Step Ahead
Martijn Meerman: Jaap, what do you do at Ab Ovo?
Jaap Looijen: I’m a Senior Consultant for IT Management. A large part of my role focuses on security management. My responsibility is to improve the security of our network, laptops, data, and of course the data we manage for our customers.
Martijn: That sounds like an important job these days.
Jaap: It certainly is. Security is all about prevention. If you have a security incident, you’re already too late. Our goal is to stay ahead by continuously improving the security of our infrastructure, devices, and the awareness of our people.
Martijn: So educating employees is also part of your work?
Jaap: Absolutely. Security is a team effort. We regularly work on awareness campaigns and sometimes test our colleagues with phishing simulations. The goal isn’t to catch people out, but to help everyone recognize suspicious emails and improve overall security awareness.
Martijn: And does that work?
Jaap: Most of the time, yes. Occasionally someone falls for a phishing test, but that becomes a learning opportunity. Every exercise helps us strengthen our security culture.
Giving Old Laptops a Second Life
While cybersecurity keeps Jaap busy during office hours, another passion occupies much of his free time.
Martijn: Is there something special you do outside your work at Ab Ovo?
Jaap: Yes. I’m a volunteer with the Lions Club in Almere. One of the things I do is refurbish old laptops that Ab Ovo no longer uses.
Martijn: What happens to those laptops?
Jaap: First, I completely erase all data. That’s essential. Then I test the hardware, install an official version of Windows 11, and prepare the laptops for resale.
The proceeds are donated to projects run by the Lions Club, particularly initiatives that support children from families facing financial hardship.
Creating Unforgettable Days for Children
One of those projects has a special place in Jaap’s heart.
Jaap: We organize a day out for children who otherwise rarely have the opportunity to experience something special. Together with one of their parents, we take them to a large playground called Oud Valkeveen.
They spend the entire day playing, enjoying the attractions, and simply being children.
Martijn: That sounds wonderful.
Jaap: It really is. We provide lunch during the day and later take everyone to a restaurant where the children can eat as many pancakes as they want.
At the end of the day, we bring them home exhausted but happy.
Martijn: It’s hard to imagine that there are still children in the Netherlands who don’t always have access to things many of us take for granted.
Jaap: Unfortunately, there are. We work together with the Dutch Red Cross to identify families who could benefit from these experiences. For many of these children, it’s a day they will remember for a very long time.
Supporting the Community
The Lions Club supports many local initiatives beyond the playground trips.
Jaap: We also help fund activities for children with physical or mental disabilities. Sometimes government funding disappears, and local organizations struggle to continue their programs. When we can, we step in and help.
For us, it’s about supporting the community wherever possible.
Affordable Technology for Everyone
The refurbished laptops themselves also make a difference.
Martijn: How can people get one of these laptops?
Jaap: Mostly through my network and through the Lions Club. We also sell them during King’s Day events. The demand is actually higher than the number of laptops we have available.
Because Ab Ovo purchases high-quality Dell business laptops, these devices still have many years of life left in them. By offering them at affordable prices, people who might otherwise struggle to buy a computer can still access a reliable Windows 11 laptop.
From Technology to Impact
What starts as a retired laptop at Ab Ovo often ends up creating opportunities elsewhere: helping families access affordable technology and funding memorable experiences for children.
Martijn: We can conclude that both you and Ab Ovo contribute far beyond the walls of the company.
Jaap: I think so. It’s a nice journey: from an old laptop to a child enjoying a fantastic day out. That’s something we’re proud of.
Martijn: Thank you very much, Jaap.
Jaap: You’re welcome.
