Thinking ahead to keep traffic systems secure: Meet Ruben – our IT security specialist

At Yunex Traffic, we shape the future of intelligent traffic systems by harnessing data and digitalization to make mobility safer, smoother and more efficient.

Meet Ruben Ebersold, part of our Solution Sales team in Germany and an expert in IT security. Hear about his role and see how he helps shape secure, connected mobility systems – for today and tomorrow.

Hi Ruben, thanks for speaking with us! Can you please tell us about your role and what you do?

Ruben: Absolutely. I’m part of the Solution Sales team, where we support the sales activities of our regional organizations across Germany. My special focus is IT security – which basically means I get to think about all the things that could go wrong in connected traffic systems, ideally before they actually do. I work at the interface between technology, regulation and customer solutions to make sure security is not an afterthought, but part of the concept from day one.

How long have you been with #TeamYunexTraffic?

Ruben: My journey started back in 2014, straight after completing a dual degree in Business Administration. I joined what was then Siemens ITS as a contract manager. Fairly quickly, I realized that road traffic technology has far more exciting technical roles than I originally expected – which encouraged me to add a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering alongside my job.

From 2019 to 2024, I worked as a consultant for Sales and Project Execution. While my first role was highly standardized, the second felt like the complete opposite – almost every project seemed like a brand‑new puzzle. That experience eventually led me to my current role in IT security, which combines technical depth, fast‑moving regulatory topics in a surprisingly exciting industry.

What excites you most about your role and the work you do?

Ruben: It’s the mix. Technology, regulation, conceptual work, operational implementation – all wrapped up in a very dynamic environment with real impact. The systems we work on aren’t theoretical; people interact with them every single day – the impact is very tangible. When things work well, no one notices. And in IT security, that’s basically your standing ovation.

Are there also any challenges?

Ruben: Absolutely. In IT security, you don’t get the luxury of feeling “done”. Every day is about questioning existing solutions, improving them and staying at least one step ahead. A big part of the job is realistically assessing risks – not overreacting, but also not being naive – and then figuring out how to mitigate them properly. That keeps things interesting… and occasionally humbling.

Is there an interesting fact about your job people might be surprised about?

Ruben: In Die Hard 4.0 (2007), there’s a scene where a cyber‑attack causes massive traffic chaos by switching all traffic lights to green at the same time. The good news: that specific scenario has been technically impossible for quite a while. The slightly less comforting news: if the wrong people gain access to a traffic management system, a lot of other nonsense is still possible. Preventing that is pretty much my job – sadly without Bruce Willis.

Traffic management in general is a highly digital field. What does that mean for your role?

Ruben: IT security exists because of digitalization and connectivity – it’s basically the flip side of all the exciting opportunities digital traffic systems bring. Some people see IT security experts as the ones saying “no”. I prefer to see my role as making things possible by ensuring risks are managed professionally. If risks and threats are managed properly, innovation doesn’t slow down – it accelerates.

What does the future of traffic look like to you?

Ruben: First and foremost: safer. Not just in terms of secure systems behind the scenes, but noticeably safer for everyone on the road. At the same time, traffic will become more efficient – shorter travel times, lower energy consumption and better use of space. And the best part? There’s still a lot of untapped potential to work with.

If you could say anything to a person considering a role at Yunex Traffic – what advice would you give?

Ruben: Interestingly, only my very first role came with a fully defined job description. For all the roles that followed, it felt more like they were shaped around me than the other way around. That flexibility is, in my opinion, one of the reasons why so many colleagues stay for so long. If you’re curious, willing to learn and don’t mind roles evolving over time, you’ll enjoy it here – and there’s definitely no shortage of meaningful challenges waiting for you.

Thanks for speaking with us Ruben – it’s been great to learn more about your role and what you do!