Today, the real battleground is cybersecurity, with constantly evolving threats ready to exploit any vulnerability. The workload of an IT administrator no longer involves merely solving simple technical issues; they must navigate challenges such as:
- Continuous monitoring of networks, devices, and applications to identify signs of compromise.
- Management of patches and software updates to close every entry point to an attack.
- Investigation of new attack vectors, such as quishing (phishing via fake QR codes), where criminals manipulate QR codes to redirect users to malicious sites, infecting mobile devices with malware.
Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) is the new force at play, transforming the historical paradigm of the workplace by bringing incredible benefits in terms of efficiency and automation, but it also harbors a dark side. Cybercriminals exploit AI to orchestrate cascading attacks, amplifying the scale of attacks across a wide spectrum. These are no longer targeted attacks on individual victims, but rather trap networks that ensnare a broad range of businesses, with around 8% falling victim to such schemes.
Native and design security: a proactive approach.
To effectively address these challenges, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity rather than merely reacting to incidents as they occur. This involves implementing a zero-trust strategy. It is natural to expect that when we purchase a product, it is designed to ensure our safety during use. Whether it’s a household appliance, a car, or even a technological device like a smartphone, we anticipate that security is an intrinsic component of the design. None of us would buy a car without brakes or a smartphone without password protection. So why doesn’t this same level of attention automatically apply to our IT systems?
Often, in the IT world, security is perceived as an afterthought—something to consider only after the system has been implemented. However, the increasing complexity of IT infrastructures and the multitude of modern cyber threats render this approach outdated and dangerous. Cybersecurity must now be integrated by design into every component of the IT infrastructure. This means that from the very first moment a system is designed, every aspect of its security, from data protection to access control, must be an integral part of its operation.
For many companies, ensuring that security is considered at every stage of the IT infrastructure lifecycle can be complex and costly. Relying on managed services allows businesses to ensure that security is integrated into every phase without needing to “add it” later. Only an infrastructure designed to be secure from the outset can withstand modern threats without compromising the core business of the organization.
The interview with Marshall McLuhan: a vision from the past still relevant today
In 1969, Marshall McLuhan, the renowned philosopher and communication theorist, spoke about the importance of embracing technology. McLuhan discussed the “aggression and vengeance of a dying culture toward its successor,” referring to the 20th-century society that desperately seeks to maintain influence over the new millennium, which is embracing a new technological paradigm. McLuhan foresaw that technological evolution would radically change our ways of living and working, and when we return to the topic of AI and its impact on business, it’s clear that his predictions were remarkably accurate. Today, more than ever, embracing innovation is essential. AI is transforming business processes, from internal productivity to decision optimization. However, this technology also brings new security challenges. As McLuhan suggested, while it is important to welcome these innovations, we must also protect our infrastructures from potential risks arising from AI itself.
Artificial Intelligence: the key to the future, with the right precautions
According to a recent survey conducted by EY, 88% of companies investing in AI are already seeing positive returns, especially in terms of operational efficiency and employee productivity. However, many business leaders underestimate the importance of a proper supporting infrastructure. Adopting AI does not simply mean integrating a technology; it means adapting to a new paradigm and revising the entire business ecosystem to ensure IT protection and that every process is resilient to external attacks. Only 34% of companies have aligned their AI strategy with their business objectives, and the risk of falling behind is high. In a market that rewards innovation, it is essential for companies to make the right investments in AI while simultaneously integrating necessary security measures. If an IT infrastructure is designed to be secure, resilient, and streamlined, AI can become a strategic asset for evolving the business and gaining a competitive edge. But, just like any powerful technology, adoption must be accompanied by a solid protection strategy to prevent what offers great opportunities from becoming our greatest vulnerability.