In this Help Net Security interview, Dan Lohrmann, CISO at Presidiodiscusses the need for organizations to rethink their leadership and operational strategies as well as the cybersecurity risks they face during digital transformation.
What are the most common cybersecurity risks organizations face during digital transformation? How can they integrate security measures into cyber-physical systems to mitigate these risks?
As with all technology projects, digital transformations require changes in the three broad areas of people, processes and technology – and the technology aspects are usually the easiest to understand. reach. One of the main reasons is that companies selling new solutions typically have a well-documented roadmap for success, which includes some level of data capture and mapping to the new architecture.
Conversions from old database formats to new ones, as well as from old applications to new ones and perhaps moving from on-premises hardware to cloud solutions, are generally well understood and common in many industries . However, cybersecurity options are essential at each of these stages. It is essential to pay attention to the choices made around encryption, privacy and identity management.
Which brings us to the hardest part of digital transformation. People and process areas. Although organizations can take many steps to train staff, rethink processes and transform workflows, cybersecurity can be left behind in these changes. Ensure repeatable cybersecurity processes are implemented, including updates in areas such as access controls, incident response plansbackup and recovery, vulnerability management, end-to-end change management and other aspects of operational security.
With the growing reliance on technologies like AI, IoT and 5G, what considerations should businesses make to balance innovation and security?
First, security must be a priority when planning all new technologies. As you innovate, ensure security is built into deployments and that the options chosen align with your business risk profile and organizational values. For example, consider enabling maximum security features that come with many IoTs, such as forcing changes to default passwords, patching devices, and ensuring vulnerabilities can be fixed. Likewise, ensure that AI applications are ethically sound, transparent, and do not introduce unintended bias.
Second, a comprehensive risk assessment must be performed on the current network and systems environment as well as the planned future “future” architecture.
Third, leverage AI for proactive cyber threat detection. AI can help identify anomalies in large data sets or network traffic patterns that could indicate a breach or attack.
Finally, partnerships are essential. Do your homework with the solutions you are considering. Make sure these vendors follow strong security practices. Make sure the products and services you implement do not introduce vulnerabilities into your systems. If there are known risks, develop a risk reduction/remediation plan. Develop a supply chain management plan to support these efforts.
How does digital transformation drive organizational change beyond technology, such as in leadership or operating models?
Employees at all levels who embrace digital transformation and apply tools to data will do their jobs more effectively. This positive change can lead to greater accountability, as employees gain access to real-time data (AI tools and automated systems that help them make decisions and improve productivity).
Digital transformation also encourages organizations to rethink their product and service offerings. Many companies are moving away from offering physical products to offering digital solutions or services that are scalable and can be continually improved through software updates or AI. Federal, state and local governments are also rethinking customer service and how they deliver services to citizens. For example. Montgomery County, Maryland has reinvented the way it serves citizens with its Monty Chatbot, which can answer questions in more than 140 languages and resolve many issues in less time.
One more. Digital transformation often requires breaking down silos and creating more cross-functional teams. This change leads to flatter organizational structures, where decision-making is more distributed and teams are able to work together more fluidly. For example, IT, marketing and operations teams can collaborate more closely to implement digital strategies that improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
What are the essential skills or competencies leaders need to manage cybersecurity during this transition?
In a digital world, the pace of change is faster than ever, and the pace of change is only accelerating. Leaders need to be more agile, data-driven, and able to make decisions faster. This trend is driving a move away from traditional hierarchical decision-making models in favor of more decentralized collaborative approaches where data and information empower teams at all levels.
Digital transformation also requires leaders who are not only technically competent, but also visionary to guide their organizations through change. Leaders must be able to inspire a digital culture, align teams with new technologies, and lead strategic initiatives that leverage digital capabilities for competitive advantage.
Finally, leaders must be lifelong learners, constantly updating their skills and forging strong relationships within their organization for this new digitally transformed environment.
How do you see the intersection of digital transformation and cybersecurity evolving over the coming years?
I see digital transformation becoming the norm for most businesses, and organizations having to reinvent themselves every few years as the pace of change accelerates and AI becomes an integral part of every business function.
Cybersecurity will increasingly be seen as essential to business continuity. The rapid transition to remote workCloud computing and mobile platforms have made security a critical part of organizations’ ability to maintain operations in an increasingly digital and decentralized world.
Finally, with the increasing adoption of cloud computing as part of digital transformation, secure the cloud infrastructure and applications will become a top priority.
