Technologies such as AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things) are leading the charge and businesses find themselves at an intersection between boundless opportunities and looming threats, writes Toby Alcock CTO of managed services firm Logicalis.
At the same time cyber threats proliferate, environmental concerns heighten, and economic uncertainties persist, the imperative for secure innovation has never been more pressing. Logicalis’s recent survey of over 1,000 global CIOs [chief information officers] highlights the balance required to navigate this complex terrain. As disruptive technology comes to the fore, decisive and adaptable leadership emerges as the cornerstone for steering organisations toward a secure and prosperous future.
Despite ongoing economic fluctuations, businesses are doubling down on the transformative potential of emerging technologies. The explosion of technologies like generative AI is bringing on the dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The proliferation of new technologies has amplified cybersecurity concerns, with a staggering 83 per cent of businesses reporting cyber-attacks in 2023. AI-driven threats are ushering in an era of relentless, automated assaults, while quantum computing threatens to undermine existing encryption standards. As organisations embrace innovative tech, they must also build and maintain robust defence strategies, particularly as out of the 83pc who reported cyber attacks, only 43pc of CIOs feel fully prepared for another breach.
One way CIOs can alleviate some of that pressure is to leverage the support of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) who have specialised security capabilities. By partnering with MSPs equipped to orchestrate a comprehensive security framework and collaborate with multiple vendors, organisations can mitigate the risk of cyber threats, while enabling internal teams to focus on core business objectives.
CIOs are eager to embrace innovation, but they face barriers on multiple fronts. Financial constraints have led to project cancellations or delays for 62% of organisations as the widening skills gap leaves many CIOs without the specialised expertise needed to navigate emerging technologies. MSPs can fill this void by providing insights into infrastructure performance, bridging skill gaps, and managing connectivity infrastructure for innovations like IoT, helping businesses cultivate new digital business models.
Amidst uncertainty, CIOs stand at a pivotal juncture, tasked with finding a way through a myriad of challenges and opportunities. How they navigate the maze of priorities, constraints, and collaborations over the next 12 to 18 months will shape the uncertain decade ahead. CIOs have long been heralds of change, and by promoting a culture of collaboration, embracing data-driven decision-making, and creating strategic partnerships, CIOs have the opportunity to take the lead in guiding their organisations towards a future that is both secure and prosperous. As organisations navigate digital disruption, the imperative for secure innovation looms large. By prioritising security amidst innovation, CIOs can chart a course toward sustainable growth and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
See also the Logicalis blog on its annual CIO report.
