ICS - Newsletter September 2024

Over 270 million Social Security numbers were breached. Three Steps to Take Today.?

The recent social security data breach, confirmed by organizations such as the National Public Data, occurred in December 2023. It is estimated that over 270 million Americans may have had their social security numbers breached. Since social security numbers serve as unique identifiers, such a breach could significantly impact our lives.

The primary step in mitigation is to remember the standard philosophy, which involves risk avoidance, risk limitation, and risk transfer. There are several measures that we can take, such as freezing our credit reports, obtaining services from a firm that provides identity theft protection, encrypting sensitive data, and setting up fraud alerts with banks and credit card companies. These measures would be significant areas to focus on for risk avoidance.

For risk reduction, whether you are a company or an individual, it is essential to implement measures such as cybersecurity education. Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that you have updated anti-virus applications loaded onto your devices, such as phones and computers. Ensure also to have VPN and two-factor authentication set up on your computers and devices, such as your cell phones. Remember to use longer phrases and change them often.

Lastly, it is crucial to transfer the risk and acknowledge that there is always a risk acceptance. Consider purchasing cybersecurity insurance for your home and business. Your insurance company likely offers cybersecurity insurance. If you work with third-party companies, find out what their cybersecurity plan entails and be aware of the measures they have taken for risk mitigation. Remember that you may be sending documents, contractual agreements, and transferring funds between these companies, so it's essential to be protected.

It's undeniable that we live in a world of constant cybersecurity threats. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that, both personally and in business, you are implementing risk avoidance, risk reduction, and risk acceptance/risk transfer in all aspects of your daily lives.?

"Harnessing the Power of AI: Transforming Business Processes with Kevin Dean"

I recently recorded a podcast with the CEO of Manobyte, Kevin Dean. In this podcast episode, Kevin Dean shares insights about his journey from working with two Fortune 500 companies to founding Manobyte, which has been delivering solutions for business process automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence for 16 years. He emphasizes the impact of technology on improving business processes, particularly through the application of generative AI (GenAI).

The conversation pivots to the immense potential of GenAI across various business functions, such as sales, marketing, procurement, logistics, and operations. Dean highlights that automation through GenAI is not just a future possibility but something businesses need to engage with now to stay competitive.

In alignment with Kevin Dean's views, there is a conversation about how the advent of AI tools like ChatGPT has evoked both anticipation and unease among business leaders. Some express concerns about AI potentially displacing human jobs. However, Kevin elaborates that rather than replacing jobs, AI empowers employees to direct their focus toward more strategic and innovative tasks by streamlining monotonous, repetitive work.?

The discussion evolves to consider how GenAI is at a tipping point, much like the early days of the internet, where businesses must balance the hype and fear around AI and focus on leveraging its realistic, immediate benefits. Both emphasize the importance of leaders fostering a culture of experimentation by piloting AI initiatives with solid governance and measurable use cases.

The conversation concludes with Kevin detailing specific AI-driven tools within platforms like HubSpot that allow companies to personalize marketing campaigns and automate content creation. He explains that AI's ability to provide targeted predictive analytics can drive both top-line growth and operational efficiency. However, he cautions that the success of AI initiatives depends on clean, well-managed data. Incorrect or outdated information can lead to AI errors or "hallucinations," which underscores the importance of proper training and knowledge management. The podcast paints a clear picture of AI as a tool for empowerment and business transformation when applied strategically.

"Leading Digital Transformation: Steve Taplin on Nearshore Innovation, AI, and Building a Winning Culture"

In a recent podcast interview with Steve Taplin, CEO of Sonatafy Technology, I took a few minutes to delve into Steve’s career journey, leadership insights, and the unique operations of Sonatafy as a nearshore software development company. Steve started by discussing his career at IBM, where he worked on early versions of cloud computing before transitioning into custom software development. He emphasized the significance of digital transformation for companies and highlighted how custom software can give businesses a competitive edge. These themes have driven his career and led to his leadership role at Sonatafy.

Steve also touches on the rise of AI and its significant advancements over the past few years, especially with generative AI. He argues that while AI can enhance productivity for software developers, it will only partially replace the need for human input and creativity. He advises caution when using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding or business processes, reminding listeners that information fed into AI models could be exposed publicly. This perspective reflects a balance between embracing innovation and protecting intellectual property.

The conversation shifts to nearshore software development, where Steve explains the advantages of using Sonatafy’s model. He contrasts nearshore development with offshore practices, highlighting the benefits of collaborating with developers in the same time zone for better communication and productivity. Sonatafy’s approach, with its bilingual and highly skilled developers, helps clients in North America develop custom applications efficiently. Steve emphasizes that while offshore development may seem cheaper, the collaborative nearshore development model is often more effective in the long term.

Finally, Steve delves into leadership and company culture, particularly in the remote work environment. He shares how his anti-corporate approach values teamwork, transparency, and an open-door policy. He also describes Sonatafy’s core value system, where employees are recognized for embodying the company’s values. Steve believes fostering a culture where employees feel valued and connected is essential, especially in remote teams. He ends by encouraging young professionals to find passion in their work and to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence, drawing parallels with the perseverance and success of Michael Jordan.

You can enjoy these Infinavate podcasts and many others on Apple, Spotify, or BuzzSprout.?