EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
CHARLES EAGAN , CTO AT BLACKBERRY
For many CISOs , last year was even more
challenging than expected . The world has seen huge changes in the way we live , socialise and work . From a rise in online scams to security incidents around the COVID-19 vaccine rollout , hackers have shown that they are an omnipresent threat . The world has changed and so must our approach to cybersecurity .
Many of these challenges will not be easy to fix . The shift to remote working has led the number of endpoints to rise at an unprecedented rate , potentially leaving businesses and employees more vulnerable to cyberattacks .
CISOs need to recognise that remote working still poses a huge threat to the organisation . However , that does not mean we lack the weapons to battle this threat .
To a certain extent , over the past few years AI has become a victim of its own success – it ’ s being used as a corporate buzzword , slapped on products and marketing collateral like it were a new coat of paint . But it ’ s important to remember that , in the cybersecurity realm , AI and ML are not quick fixes .
Authentic AI is about empowering human intelligence , not replacing it . The constant talk of automation and the rise of the robots is wildly misplaced ; the past year has reminded us just how important people are .
Embracing technological advances and the continued adoption of AI will allow CISOs to lead their organisations to operate in the new world in whatever way they build back .
CISOs need to recognise that remote working still poses a huge threat to the organisation .
AI can ’ t replace human intelligence where it ’ s needed most . Instead , we must choose the right problems to solve and react to unforeseen sudden changes in the landscape – changes like a global pandemic .
And , if we can use AI to do some of the heavy lifting of security and teach it to be flexible in the face of rapidly changing circumstances , it can prove invaluable in the ongoing battle to keep our organisations and people safe .
Going forward , the cybersecurity industry will play a huge part in helping the world return to normal in 2021 . However , some things , like flexible and remote working , are here to stay .
Embracing technological advances and the continued adoption of AI will allow CISOs to lead their organisations to operate in the new world in whatever way they build back . What has become more obvious to us all over the past year is that humanity is adaptable , but also vulnerable to sudden change and volatility .
The tech and cybersecurity sector must continue to innovate and support organisations to help build robust and well-prepared businesses , public services and societies .
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