In a world increasingly dominated by digital technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. Organizations must strike a delicate balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding their assets against evolving threats.
At the recently concluded VST ECS CXO Summit in Cebu, there was a discussion on how organizations manage this complex challenge. During the press conference held at the sidelines of the event, a range of perspectives and insights from professionals and experts in the field of technology and cybersecurity highlighted the importance of consolidating security tools in a single platform to leveraging Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced security. These experts all agree on the critical role of technology in securing today’s digital landscape.
“We help many companies by providing the best technology solutions in the country and representing the best brands in the industry. We conduct sessions like the CXO Summit so that the CIOs will know what’s new, the trends, and what are the things to do (and not to do) — our contributions to the Philippine IT community,” according to Jimmy D. Go, President and CEO of VST ECS Phils., Inc. at the press conference.
Consolidation of Security Tools with AI & ML
One recurring theme in the conversation is the significance of consolidating security tools within a single platform. This approach streamlines cybersecurity operations, making it easier to manage and scale. The deployment of AI and ML into technology solutions is mentioned as a game-changer. These technologies empower organizations to gain valuable insights into their network’s activities, enhancing visibility and security.
The integration of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced pattern recognition has become a game-changer for organizations seeking to bolster their defenses. AI, driven by machine learning algorithms, empowers these organizations to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities with a level of effectiveness that was previously unattainable. This capability hinges on the AI’s ability to analyze vast troves of data in real time, a task that would be overwhelming for human analysts. Through advanced pattern recognition, AI can discern subtle anomalies and trends within the data, even those that might elude human scrutiny. This, in turn, equips organizations with the means to unearth previously undiscovered attack vectors and vulnerabilities, fortifying their cybersecurity posture.
In parallel, the incorporation of Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities into management platforms ushers in a holistic understanding of security events, underpinning quicker responses and more efficient issue mitigation. NLP endows systems with the ability to comprehend human language, making it easier to parse and interpret the vast volumes of textual data generated in the course of security monitoring. This functionality greatly enhances an organization’s capacity to make sense of security logs, incident reports, and communication-related to security breaches. Consequently, the integration of NLP aids in the rapid identification of threats and anomalies and facilitates a more coherent and informed response to security incidents. By seamlessly melding these technologies, organizations are better equipped to navigate the ever-advancing landscape of cybersecurity, proactively addressing threats and vulnerabilities while optimizing their overall security posture.
The Future of AI & Collaboration
AI emerges as a key player in the ongoing conversation about the future of technology and innovation. Experts believe that AI will continue to transform various industries, including the possibility of autonomous driving cars and robots that can simplify repetitive tasks. AI’s potential to revolutionize the way we live and work is a recurring theme, and it’s expected to remain a dominant topic of discussion in the coming years.
“Security is embedded inside HPE GreenLake. If customers want to build their own applications or external parties would like to talk to them, we have deployed security technology that has become a standard for API-based exchange between two different parties and we do this in partnership with VST ECS,” said Joel Josol, Client Architect at HPE.
Collaboration with external partners, like VST ECS Phils, Inc., is seen as a crucial element in driving innovation while maintaining strong cybersecurity controls. Partnerships provide organizations with opportunities to exchange insights and work on shared projects. The tech event itself serves as a prime example of this, allowing professionals to showcase their innovations, receive feedback, and discuss the challenges faced by different regions and industries.
“Events like this (VST ECS CXO Summit) are amazing and they don’t happen everywhere. It is good for us to showcase what we are doing, and our innovations, and it is also good for us to get feedback, as well as to see what the challenges are from region to region. One of the key things for everyone is consolidation and platformization to possibly save on their IT budget,” said Simon Eappariello, SVP for EMEIA & APJ at iBoss, a cybersecurity firm.
Balancing Innovation & Cybersecurity
Balancing innovation and cybersecurity is a challenge that organizations must tackle head-on. The approach to striking this balance is not one-size-fits-all but depends on each organization’s unique requirements and circumstances. The emphasis is on first identifying the specific problems and challenges an organization faces.
Security experts and partners like VST ECS Phils., Inc. can provide guidance and solutions tailored to an organization’s needs. A well-defined cybersecurity strategy serves as the foundation for collaboration, helping organizations to create a secure architecture and operational framework.
“VST ECS, to be honest, is a very big help for organizations, and they act as a single point for collaboration. We talk with other vendors, and it does not happen every day,” said Evenard Marquez, Solution Engineering Head at VMware Philippines highlighting the importance of the CXO Summit event.
The Role of Shared Responsibility
It’s important to recognize that security is a shared responsibility. While technology partners can offer tools and solutions, organizations must actively participate in securing their applications and data. This shared responsibility approach helps minimize risks and strengthen the security posture of the entire ecosystem.
“You need to have a very good cybersecurity strategy. If you engage us, we can collaborate with VST ECS and other partners to help organizations build their cybersecurity strategy. This is the right mindset organizations need to have,” said Oscar Visaya, Country Manager of Palo Alto Networks.
Leveraging the power of AI, collaborating with external partners, and implementing robust cybersecurity strategies are all crucial steps in navigating the complex digital world while staying secure and innovative. As the digital era continues to evolve, finding this balance will remain a top priority for organizations across all industries.