Tag: Cybersecurity experts

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 132

Information Security News Elon Musk’s Starlink Could Be Used to Transmit Australian Election Voting Results The Guardian by Josh TaylorThe Guardian reports that Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is being considered as a potential method to transmit voting results in Australian elections. This proposal 

Welcome New Member – Abid Malik from Dubai

Welcome New Member – Abid Malik from Dubai

Please welcome our newest member from Dubai, Abid Malik! Abid Malik isn’t just a GRC and cybersecurity advisor—he’s a strategist who turns risk management into business opportunities. With 20+ years of experience across banking, fintech, and multinational sectors, he helps businesses strengthen security, navigate regulations, 

“What Happens to Heroes?” – EPISODE #1: The Unsung Heroes of the Digital World by Didier Annet

“What Happens to Heroes?” – EPISODE #1: The Unsung Heroes of the Digital World by Didier Annet

The Psychological Impacts of Cyberattacks

This is the first episode of a story related to individuals who, in a matter of moments, transition from “employees” to “rescuers” in the immediate aftermath of a destructive cyberattack.

What I Will Call the “Heroes”

But what is a Hero in the context of a cyberattack? And why should it matter to us or the company?

Generally speaking, the definition of a Hero that could match what we speak about is:

“A real person or fictional character who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, courage, or strength.”

Protecting sensitive information has emerged as a pivotal concern for businesses across various industries. The ability to efficiently safeguard crucial data is now a decisive factor in achieving long-term success. It’s an endless battle, pitting skilled hackers against savvy security experts. The attackers are constantly adapting their tactics, always staying one step ahead. In contrast, security professionals must navigate increasingly complex corporate defense systems, where compromises are often inevitable. This relentless pressure has led to alarming rates of stress and burnout among IT teams dedicated to cybersecurity.

Despite their best efforts, hackers’ attacks can sometimes be successful, leading to system failures and data loss. The company then enters a crisis management mode often described as ‘war’ mode. Those managing these crises often employ language evocative of war, suggesting a fight for the company’s survival and the preservation of jobs.

In the immediate aftermath of the crisis, the company’s survival hinges on a select group of individuals who swiftly transform from regular employees into rescuers. These remarkable Heroes work relentlessly under immense pressure and stress, often for days or even weeks, with a singular focus: to prevent the company’s collapse and safeguard their colleagues’ jobs. Their dedication and tireless efforts are crucial in stabilizing the situation, ensuring that the company remains operational and that their fellow employees do not face the threat of unemployment.

Fortunately, most rescue efforts are successful, though they may take time and only partially resolve the issues. However, a more prolonged and lesser-known struggle continues, as the affected computer networks must undergo extensive cleanup and restoration while their security measures are strengthened.

Those who are hailed as heroes often face challenges adapting to their new reality, feeling misunderstood and overlooked despite their significant accomplishments. They fluctuate between feelings of frustration and neglect. Several months later, a cyberattack sparks a new round of consequences, this time directly impacting people’s well-being. Overlooked, fatigued, overburdened, and sick, these heroes may be at risk of burning out.

This Is the Fall of Heroes

The fact that these people are sick, unmotivated, or even leaving the company will inevitably have a negative impact on managing corrective measures after the crisis. While external consultants or new employees may fill the void left by these absences, the loss of knowledge will still result in collateral damage due to the lack of expertise and institutional memory.

Stay Tuned for the Next Episode

And don’t forget:

“Cyberattacks are like mosquitoes: you don’t see them coming, but they can ruin your night (and your data)!”

“And some, like tiger mosquitoes, can even ruin your life …”

About the Author

Didier Annet is an Operational & Data Resilience Specialist and a Certified Professional Coach dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to navigate the complexities of an ever-changing digital landscape.

Find him on LinkedIn: Didier Annet

Learn more in his book:
📖 Guide de survie aux cyberattaques en entreprise et à leurs conséquences psychologiques: Que fait-on des Héros ? (French Edition)Available on Amazon

Coming soon: The English version – “What Happens to Heroes”

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 131

Information Security News EU Looks to Tech Sovereignty with EuroStack Amid Trade War Biometric Update by Masha BorakThe European Union is making significant strides towards tech sovereignty with the development of EuroStack, a comprehensive technology initiative aimed at reducing dependence on foreign tech giants amid 

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 129

Information Security News Latin American Orgs Face 40% More Attacks Than Global Average Dark Reading by Nate NelsonOrganisations in Latin America are experiencing a surge in cyberattacks, facing 40% more incidents than the global average. This alarming trend underscores the unique cybersecurity challenges in the 

Dynamic Resilience: A Framework for Synergizing Operational Agility and Economic Security in the Era of Digital Transformation by Rupesh Shirke

Dynamic Resilience: A Framework for Synergizing Operational Agility and Economic Security in the Era of Digital Transformation by Rupesh Shirke

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges that necessitate establishing a robust framework to navigate operational agility and economic security. This document delves into dynamic resilience, harmoniously integrating these vital components to foster sustainable growth, adaptability, and long-term success. Through a comprehensive examination of the interplay between agility and security, we aim to provide in-depth insights and actionable strategies for how organizations can survive and thrive amid uncertainty, utilizing digital transformation as a powerful catalyst for innovation and stability.

Introduction

The modern era of digitalization has introduced a new business model marked by the rapid evolution of technologies, shifting customer behaviour, and volatile markets. As organizations compete to remain competitive in this high-velocity world, the imperative for operational agility—acquiring the capacity to respond rapidly to environmental changes—has arisen. However, this flexibility must be complemented by a robust foundation of economic security, guaranteeing that organizations can ride out any probable disruptions and remain financially secure. Dynamic resilience, therefore, emerges as an imperative framework for attaining this delicate balance, enabling organizations to balance their operational capabilities with enhanced security protocols.

Understanding Dynamic Resilience

Dynamic resilience encapsulates the inherent capacity of an organization to adapt, respond, and thrive amid complicated adversity while safeguarding its core functions and maintaining economic viability. It comprises several key elements:

  • Agility: This factor pertains to an organization’s ability to shift rapidly in response to changing market conditions, customer needs, and fast-changing technologies. It entails speed and the capacity to make good decisions under time pressure.
  • Security: Security encompasses implementing controls to guard business processes, confidential data, and organizational assets against possible threats, including cyber attacks, data breaches, and unforeseen economic downturns. This includes both physical and electronic security controls.
  • Integration: The most critical component of dynamic resilience is the seamless blending of adaptive practices with solid security protocols. This blending ensures the creation of a cohesive operations strategy that empowers organizations to respond to adversity while protecting precious resources effectively.

Through cultivating dynamic resilience, organizations can cope with current challenges efficaciously and prepare for and respond to future discontinuities, setting themselves up for long-term success and expansion.

The Interplay Between Agility and Security

The realization of dynamic resilience depends on a delicate sense of the interplay between agility and security. As agility promotes quick decision-making and flexibility in operations, security protocols tend to introduce levels of complexity that can undermine those qualities. Organizations must, therefore, attempt to balance these factors carefully to create a seamless operating environment:

  • Risk Assessment: A general evaluation of potential risks related to agile methods allows organizations to implement security measures that do not hinder agility. Active risk management allows both sides to work synergistically rather than in opposition.
  • Cultural Shift: Creating a work culture focusing on agility and security is paramount. Fostering employees to embrace innovative thinking while being watchful of threats from within and outside the organization helps create a culture where these two can coexist and flourish.
  • Technology Utilization: Harnessing advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, can significantly enhance agility and security. Automation of routine processes increases responsiveness, while real-time analytics can help to identify vulnerabilities, enabling a proactive stance in countering potential threats.

Implementing the Dynamic Resilience Framework

For organizations to successfully operationalize the dynamic resilience framework, they have to implement the following strategic steps:

  • Carry Out a Holistic Assessment: Begin with an in-depth review of current operations procedures and security measures to ascertain gaps, loopholes, and areas of enhancement. This analysis serves as the foundation for establishing a resilient plan.
  • Develop a Strategic Plan: Establish an overall roadmap that defines the integration of security and agility into day-to-day business operations. The strategic plan must define precise objectives, key performance indicators (KPIs), and success measures to measure progress and impact.
  • Invest in Training and Development: Equip employees with the competencies and expertise necessary to deal with the complexities of a more digital age. Periodic training programs can empower employees to adapt successfully to new technologies and methodologies.
  • Encourage Collaboration: Involve cross-functional teams to collaborate, innovate, and identify solutions that enhance agility and security. A collaborative approach entails bringing diverse perspectives and skills to the table, which provokes innovative problem-solving.
  • Monitor and Adapt: Maintain a continual process of observing the effectiveness of the dynamic resilience framework, employing data-driven insights to make intelligent adjustments when required. This ongoing process allows companies to remain responsive to shifting challenges and opportunities.

Conclusion

Amidst relentless digital transformation, companies must discover and embrace dynamic resilience as an essential strategic necessity. By combining operational flexibility with strong economic security, businesses are well-positioned to ride current challenges and best positioned for future growth, adaptability, and innovation. The model presented in this paper is a comprehensive framework for organizations that aim to thrive in an ever-more complex and uncertain world, ensuring that they are resilient and robust in the face of change.


References:

  1. Cloud Archives – IT Support Services in London, Ontario. Link
  2. Hybrid Cloud Backup: A Comprehensive Guide To Securing Your Data – Server Managers. Link
  3. Cyber Security Insights: Navigating Threats and Solutions. Link
  4. The Role of CFOs in Building Financial Resilience. Link
  5. Agile for Startups: Accelerating Growth Through Iterative Development – agile. Link
  6. Data and IT infrastructure – Computer Networking Services – Houston, TX. Link
  7. Rebuilding from Disaster: The Essential Steps of Flood and Fire Restoration. Link

About the Author

Rupesh Shirke, CISSP
Critical Infrastructure Protection | ICS/OT Cybersecurity | Mentor | Speaker | Writer | Global Advisor | Volunteer | Driving Resilient Solutions for a Secure Future
🔗 LinkedIn Profile

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 128

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 128

Information Security News 89% of Enterprise GenAI Usage Is Invisible to Organizations, Exposing Critical Security Risks The Hacker NewsA new report reveals that a staggering 89% of generative AI usage within enterprises remains undetected, exposing organisations to severe security risks. This covert AI activity can 

Cyber (In)Securities – Issue 127

Flaw found in stalkerware apps, exposing millions of people. Here’s how to find out if your phone is being spied uponBitdefender by Graham Cluley A significant security flaw discovered in stalkerware apps has exposed millions to potential spying, significantly compromising user privacy. This vulnerability allows 

DeepSeek: Revolutionizing Operational Technology by Rupesh Shirke

DeepSeek: Revolutionizing Operational Technology by Rupesh Shirke

In today’s fast-paced industrial landscape, the integration of advanced technologies in operational processes is no longer optional; it’s essential. DeepSeek stands at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity across various sectors.

At its core, DeepSeek leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data generated by operational technology (OT) systems. This powerful data-driven approach allows organizations to gain real-time insights, identify potential issues before they escalate, and make informed decisions that can significantly reduce downtime and optimize performance.

DeepSeek: Revolutionizing Operational Technology

DeepSeek is a new entrant into artificial intelligence, especially in the operational technology space. An AI startup that originated from China in 2023 has been doing remarkable work on innovating solutions cost-effectively1.

What is DeepSeek?

DeepSeek, or Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd., was earlier an AI lab of its mother company, High-Flyer. DeepSeek became an independent company in May 2023 and, since then, has released a few advanced AI models, among which are DeepSeek-V2 and the recent ones like DeepSeek-V3 and R1 models1.

DeepSeek’s Impact on Operational Technology

Operational technology refers to hardware and software that detects or causes changes through direct monitoring and control of an enterprise’s physical devices, processes, and events. DeepSeek’s AI models are particularly suited for this domain due to their efficiency and adaptability.

  1. Enhanced Efficiency: DeepSeek designs its models to run on much lower power and cooling than traditional AI systems. That is the factor that makes them ideal for working in an industrial environment where energy efficiency is crucial.
  2. Cost-Effective Solutions: DeepSeek’s models are a fraction of the cost to train and operate compared to other leading AI technologies. For instance, the training cost for DeepSeek-V3 was less than 10% compared to Meta’s Llama1. Cost efficiency allows corporations to deploy advanced AI without extreme expenses effectively.
  3. Real-Time Monitoring and Control: DeepSeek’s AI has the potential to enhance real-time monitoring and control systems in operational technology. Companies can use its advanced algorithms to get more accurate and timely responses to changes in their operational environment.
  4. Scalability and Flexibility: Since models in DeepSeek-like R1 are open-source, their models have a very scalable nature for further customizing and fine-tuning. Such flexibility is inevitable in an OT ecosystem where systems should often be tuned to particular industrial processes.

Case Studies and Applications

Some industries have already started incorporating DeepSeek’s AI into their operational technology frameworks. Manufacturing plants utilize DeepSeek to optimize production lines by reducing overall factory downtime and increasing the general output at higher efficiency levels. Similarly, energy companies will be using DeepSeek’s models for enhanced monitoring and control of power grids, which means more reliable and efficient ways of energy distribution.

Conclusion

DeepSeek seeks to shake things up in the operational technology world with its newer models for AI. At DeepSeek, cost-effective and highly scalable solutions allow industries to implement AI’s powers to pursue continuous operations improvements toward superior efficiency and higher reliability. DeepSeek is not just a tool; it is a catalyst for change in operational technology. By harnessing the power of AI and data analytics, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and productivity. As industries continue to evolve, DeepSeek is poised to remain a key player in shaping the future of operational technology, providing businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in a competitive landscape.

References:

Vitorino, J., Ribeiro, E., Silva, R., Santos, C., Carreira, P., Mitchell, G. R., & Mateus, A. (2019). Industry 4.0 – Digital Twin Applied to Direct Digital Manufacturing. Applied Mechanics and Materials. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.890.54

Disaggregation of health and nutrition indicators by ageand gender in Dadaab refugee camps, Kenya | ENN. https://www.ennonline.net/fex/44/disaggregation

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies: Enhancing the Industry. https://aiforsocialgood.ca/blog/emerging-technologies-such-as-artificial-intelligence-offer-significant-benefits-to-the-industry

Zhao, Y., Ni, Y., & Ni, Y. (2022). The Pricing Strategy of Digital Content Resources Based on a Stackelberg Game. Sustainability, 14(24), 16525.

Jaskulski, R., & Wiliński, P. (2020). Three-parameter Probability Density Function For Engineering Applications *. International Journal of Mathematics, Game Theory, and Algebra, 29(1), 63-72.

About the Author

Rupesh Shirke, CISSP
Critical Infrastructure Protection | ICS/OT Cybersecurity | Mentor | Speaker | Writer | Global Advisor | Volunteer | Driving Resilient Solutions for a Secure Future

🔗 LinkedIn Profile
📖 Read his latest blog: DeepSeek – Revolutionizing Operational Technology

Smart Security Everywhere: Empowering CXOs with Always-On Protection

by Shantanu Bhattacharya Posted on February 20, 2025 | Originally published on RSAC Conference 🔗 Read the original article on RSAC Conference In today’s digital-first business landscape, Chief Experience Officers (CXO) are frequently on the move, driving business growth outside the organization’s secure network perimeter.