AZ and DEFION Security: Official Supplier for Optimal Data Protection

ALKMAAR — AZ and DEFION are entering into a multi-year partnership in which DEFION acts as Official Supplier of AZ for the period 2026–2029. Data plays a crucial role in both sporting performance on the pitch and in the club's operations and fan experience off it. Together with DEFION, AZ is now taking an important step to structurally, future-proof and optimally protect this valuable data.

DEFION, a cybersecurity specialist, supports AZ in protecting sensitive information against digital threats. The partnership focuses on increasing cyber resilience without limiting the club's agility and data-driven culture.

Tom Pruim, Partnership Manager at AZ: “At AZ, data is an essential part of everything we do. From performance analysis and scouting to ticketing and commercial processes: data forms the foundation of decisions at all levels of the organisation. It enables us to work smarter, perform better and continue to develop. That's why we want to keep investing in innovative technologies and analyses. We're doing that here with DEFION, a partner who understands our ambitions and helps us make safety and innovation go hand in hand.”

Hartger Ruijs, CEO and Founder of DEFION: “AZ is an organisation that shows how data can make the difference in elite sport and business operations. We are proud to work together with such a forward-thinking club. By combining our cybersecurity expertise with AZ's data-driven vision, we ensure that insights can be used safely, today and in the future. Through our Active Defense strategy, we help AZ proactively secure itself and act as the partner for rapid response in the event of a cyberattack.”