EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
CHARLES EAGAN , CTO AT BLACKBERRY
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 .
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 .
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 .
The tech and cybersecurity sector must continue to innovate and support organisations to help build robust and well-prepared businesses , public services and societies .
34 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com