Cybersecurity expert Claudiu Popa discusses how AI is transforming the cyber threat landscape.
Our IT teams are busy, facing tight deadlines, emerging threats and competing priorities. Getting them out of the office and providing an opportunity for them to get face to face with their peers can be almost impossible. That’s exactly why MISA InfoSec is such a unique conference. For many, it’s the only chance they’ll get all year to learn from one of their most valuable resources – each other.
This year’s event was no exception. We heard from experts discussing concerning trends in the threat landscape, lessons from leveraging cyber insurance, and (most surprisingly) a growing desire for better and more productive communications both inside of IT teams and with the users those teams serve.
Communication, Communication, Communication
Emotional intelligence isn’t a buzzword, it’s an important part of how we can successfully connect with others and come to a mutual understanding. Multiple speakers touched on how changing your perspective on communication and finding ways to effectively explain your “why” makes a huge difference in getting buy-in for the key players in your organization.
“If you’re sending your most technical person into meetings, don’t be surprised when you don’t get what you ask for,”
For many, the facts are just a piece of their decision making. The reality is that cyber threats are hard for less technical folks to understand, and fear can only be an effective tool for so long.
Agentic AI is Good Business for Cyber Criminals
AI is optimizing more than your inbox – cyber criminals are using AI to rapidly enhance their operations. Generating phishing emails with AI creates messages that are more convincing and compelling, and threat actors can now spin up webpages and malicious scripts on the fly with programming models. We were given a grim reminder that these are large-scale criminal operations, with both the budget and financial incentive to use the latest and most advanced AI technology to get what they want.
Claudiu Popa shows how cyber crime has been accelerated by AI.
Not If but When
Municipalities, both big and small, that have experienced cyber attacks are all saying the same thing – it’s just a matter of time.
“Nothing could have stopped them once they targeted us,”
Speakers urged attendees to plan, prepare, and prevent with more than just their technical systems. They highlighted the importance of comprehensive training and the need for simulated exercises. No defense is perfect; your team needs to know what to do when the hackers get in to prevent the spread of the attack and minimize damage.
Connecting with our colleagues from across Ontario (and beyond) this year in beautiful downtown Hamilton was energizing and encouraging. We saw the passion and endurance of IT professionals shine as they spoke of their challenges, successes and plans for the future. Our sincere thanks goes out to the MISA planning committee for putting together this incredible event, and of course to our members who make everything we do possible.
Connecting Windsor-Essex is a non-profit organization helping teams across the region connect, secure and innovate. Find out how CWE strengthens IT teams by learning more about membership today.
