Gilles Crofils

Gilles Crofils

Hands-On Chief Technology Officer

Based in Western Europe, I'm a tech enthusiast with a track record of successfully leading digital projects for both local and global companies.1974 Birth.
1984 Delved into coding.
1999 Failed my First Startup in Science Popularization.
2010 Co-founded an IT Services Company in Paris/Beijing.
2017 Led a Transformation Plan for SwitchUp in Berlin.
April. 2025 Eager to Build the Next Milestone Together with You.

Homomorphic Encryption Explained

Abstract:

Homomorphic Encryption allows computations to be performed directly on encrypted data, enhancing data security. Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) supports arbitrary computations on encrypted data without decryption, addressing the limitations of traditional Data Encryption. The technology has the potential to bolster cybersecurity, facilitate secure data sharing, and drive innovation. Collaboration with other technology leaders is crucial for successful integration into cybersecurity strategies, while transparent communication with stakeholders is essential. Embracing Homomorphic Encryption, particularly FHE, presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity, foster digital trust, and enable secure, private, and trustworthy computing.

Create an abstract illustration in shades of blue that visually embodies the concept of Homomorphic Encryption, particularly focusing on Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The artwork should depict a serene, yet intricate digital landscape where encrypted data streams flow seamlessly through an ethereal, cybernetic realm. Manifest this realm as a space where traditional locks and keys morph into advanced, cryptographic elements, symbolizing the transition from conventional data encryption to the superior security and flexibility offered by FHE. Within this digital dreamscape, incorporate visual metaphors of collaboration and transparent communication, such as interconnected nodes glowing with shared energy and transparent, flowing pathways. This scene should convey a sense of strengthened cybersecurity, digital trust, and the innovative potential of secure, private computing in an increasingly interconnected world.
Homomorphic Encryption, Cybersecurity, and Data Protection: A Chief Technology Officer's Perspective

Homomorphic Encryption: A Powerful Ally in Data Protection

As a Chief Technology Officer, I am always on the lookout for innovative technologies that can enhance our cybersecurity posture and strengthen data protection. One such technology that has piqued my interest is Homomorphic Encryption. This groundbreaking cryptographic technique enables computations to be carried out directly on encrypted data without the need for decryption. By doing so, it offers unparalleled data security, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential even when being processed.

To better understand Homomorphic Encryption's significance, let's first examine its more traditional counterpart, Data Encryption. Data Encryption is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity, converting plaintext into ciphertext through the use of an encryption algorithm and a secret key. This process ensures that data remains confidential and secure during transmission or storage. However, when it comes to performing computations on encrypted data, Data Encryption falls short, requiring the data to be decrypted first, thereby exposing it to potential security risks.

Fully Homomorphic Encryption: The Game Changer in Data Security

Enter Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE), a more advanced form of Homomorphic Encryption that supports arbitrary computations on encrypted data without decryption. FHE's introduction marked a significant milestone in the world of cryptography and cybersecurity, addressing the limitations of traditional Data Encryption. With FHE, organizations can now process and analyze encrypted data, unlocking valuable insights while maintaining the highest level of data security and privacy.

In the context of my role as a CTO, FHE holds immense potential for bolstering cybersecurity and fostering digital trust. Imagine a world where sensitive data can be securely shared and analyzed across organizational boundaries, enabling groundbreaking research and innovation without compromising data confidentiality. This is the promise of FHE, a technology that I believe will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity and data protection.

To fully realize the benefits of FHE and Homomorphic Encryption, it is crucial for technology leaders like myself to collaborate closely with Directors of Technologies and Directors of Engineering. By pooling our collective expertise and resources, we can successfully integrate Homomorphic Encryption into our cybersecurity strategies and drive innovation across our organizations. Furthermore, as advocates for digital trust, we must ensure that we transparently communicate the benefits and implications of this cutting-edge technology to our stakeholders and the wider public.

In conclusion

Embracing Homomorphic Encryption, and more specifically Fully Homomorphic Encryption, is an exciting opportunity for technology leaders to strengthen cybersecurity, foster digital trust, and unlock new possibilities for data-driven innovation. As champions of cybersecurity and data protection, let us seize this opportunity and lead the charge in ushering in a new era of secure, private, and trustworthy computing.

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25 Years in IT: A Journey of Expertise

2024-

My Own Adventures
(Lisbon/Remote)

AI Enthusiast & Explorer
As Head of My Own Adventures, I’ve delved into AI, not just as a hobby but as a full-blown quest. I’ve led ambitious personal projects, challenged the frontiers of my own curiosity, and explored the vast realms of machine learning. No deadlines or stress—just the occasional existential crisis about AI taking over the world.

2017 - 2023

SwitchUp
(Berlin/Remote)

Hands-On Chief Technology Officer
For this rapidly growing startup, established in 2014 and focused on developing a smart assistant for managing energy subscription plans, I led a transformative initiative to shift from a monolithic Rails application to a scalable, high-load architecture based on microservices.
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2010 - 2017

Second Bureau
(Beijing/Paris)

CTO / Managing Director Asia
I played a pivotal role as a CTO and Managing director of this IT Services company, where we specialized in assisting local, state-owned, and international companies in crafting and implementing their digital marketing strategies. I hired and managed a team of 17 engineers.
More...

SwitchUp Logo

SwitchUp
SwitchUp is dedicated to creating a smart assistant designed to oversee customer energy contracts, consistently searching the market for better offers.

In 2017, I joined the company to lead a transformation plan towards a scalable solution. Since then, the company has grown to manage 200,000 regular customers, with the capacity to optimize up to 30,000 plans each month.Role:
In my role as Hands-On CTO, I:
- Architected a future-proof microservices-based solution.
- Developed and championed a multi-year roadmap for tech development.
- Built and managed a high-performing engineering team.
- Contributed directly to maintaining and evolving the legacy system for optimal performance.
Challenges:
Balancing short-term needs with long-term vision was crucial for this rapidly scaling business. Resource constraints demanded strategic prioritization. Addressing urgent requirements like launching new collaborations quickly could compromise long-term architectural stability and scalability, potentially hindering future integration and codebase sustainability.
Technologies:
Proficient in Ruby (versions 2 and 3), Ruby on Rails (versions 4 to 7), AWS, Heroku, Redis, Tailwind CSS, JWT, and implementing microservices architectures.

Arik Meyer's Endorsement of Gilles Crofils
Second Bureau Logo

Second Bureau
Second Bureau was a French company that I founded with a partner experienced in the e-retail.
Rooted in agile methods, we assisted our clients in making or optimizing their internet presence - e-commerce, m-commerce and social marketing. Our multicultural teams located in Beijing and Paris supported French companies in their ventures into the Chinese market

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