When I first introduced "Jam Sessions" to our team - dedicated time for open discussion about technical challenges - I got more than a few skeptical looks. But after a year of running these collaborative sessions, they've become our most effective tool for breaking down knowledge silos and building deep technical understanding, as team members wrestle with concepts out loud and collectively work through complex scenarios. We've discovered that when engineers have to explain solutions in their own words, it not only reveals their true grasp of the concept but also highlights gaps in our documentation and training materials.

What methods have you found most effective for uncovering and addressing knowledge gaps in your team(s)?

Here's something I've been thinking about lately: AI tools are incredibly powerful, but they often lack the context that makes solutions truly effective. It's like having a universal translator that knows all languages but doesn't understand cultural nuances.

At my company, we've been working on ways to bridge this context gap, creating environments where we can safely test and adapt AI-generated solutions to our specific needs. I'm curious how others are handling the challenge of contextualizing AI recommendations in their work.

Which four prominent universities were instrumental in the development of the network? And are they still good universities?

If you missed today's interest group call, here's the link to the recording. It's 33 minutes in total.
https://comptia.zoom.us/rec/share/H...VBOjiPm-sZorF-TRr9cbrrNUS9Kk.QKxjPx2s-Zpwc9s0

Important notes from the call:

Watch Warwick's presentation and save the date for the follow up call on Thursday, February 6th, 2025 to understand more about using the templates and processes you'll see featured in the recording. You'll also have the chance to ask questions along the way because we'll schedule 1 hour for the follow up call. Warwick's presentation is attached for you below.

Maria and Bec announced the 2025 launch of our brand new, Advancing Women in Technology Interest Group officially kicking off on Thursday, March 6 for the Interest Group's first call. Save the date today, so you don't miss out.

All ANZ Interest Group calls in 2025 will be scheduled at Midday, Australian Eastern Time (or Daylight Savings Time) to ensure participants from NZ, Perth and all ASEAN Countries can join during daytime business hours.

Hello, I am a student planning on taking the ITF+ test. Any tips on it?

We are hosting 3 meetups in the ASEAN region in November. If you have registered and want to share your attendance with the world on social media, please download one or more of the attached images.

Liebe DACH Community,

anbei findet ihr die Slide decks, Fotos, etc. vom Meeting letzte Woche in Eppstein.

Gerne könnt ihr hier auch noch Eure Fotos und mögliches Feedback, Notizen zu den Workshops etc. hochladen.

Vielen lieben Dank für Eure Teilnahme - ich hoffe wir sehen uns am 8. Mai in München!

P.S. Falls Ihr noch Feedback loswerden möchtet - hier die Links zu den kurzen Umfragen:
Tag 1: https://forms.office.com/r/YBDYiQkQAc
Tag 2: https://forms.office.com/r/MKzBvvC3MD

Exciting Highlights from the CompTIA EMEA Member and Partner Conference 2024!

Over 600 attendees gathered in London for two days focused on community, cybersecurity, and vendor education. Networking and business growth took center stage, with more than 75 participants in the exhibition hall showcasing their innovations and more.

Key Takeaways:
Data is the new oil! Hollie Whittles emphasized harnessing data for business success.
CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux highlighted the need for diverse talent and new certifications.
Workforce Power Panel discussed talent management in the AI era.
Cybersecurity is about people, not just tech, says Darrender Jordan.
Deborah Meaden shared insights on business success, emphasizing culture and values.
Andrew Gould from City of London Police discussed cybersecurity threats and solutions.
CompTIA Community Interest Groups fostered connections and problem-solving, with innovative marketing ideas from the Managed Services Group.
The CompTIA Community Mentorship Program launched in the UK and Ireland, supporting career growth through member-mentor guidance.
Industry experts offered 1:1 consulting at the CompTIA Genius Café, providing valuable insights for MSPs.
75+ exhibitors showcased the latest tech products and services, with CoreTech, Kaspersky, and Mesh leading the recruitment challenge.

Missed the event? Catch up on these insights and more!

Share your experience with #CompTIACommunity and save the date for next year: 13-14 October 2025.

Hello Iam a Simple IT tech who is introducing himself started my hardware and software ie: doss format the pc systems was the IBMs 386 and the 486 and that was in the 80s. Now days there are alot of bugs in most of our operating systems like windows 11 my job is to Analize and to sort out the functionality of the OS and networking of so said OS! People do not know how to use there laptops and towers! I don't mean our IT Techs I mean the general population. Moral of the story this is where I come in to help! hardware, software and networking problems this is what I do in South Africa. Thank you letting me on this chatroom and I wish you all success for the upcoming new year 2025. (please excuse my grammar).

Spraying at pre-dawn ? Or spraying at night in high-peak farming time?
The adjustable drone headlight is much helpful.
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SYDNEY – Winners of the 2024 Australia and New Zealand Spotlight Awards​

Four individuals and four technology companies have been recognized for their leadership, commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and innovation in the industry. The awards were presented by the CompTIA Community, the membership arm of CompTIA, a leading IT certification provider.

“The winners represent the top tech leaders and innovators across the region,” said MJ Shoer, chief community officer, CompTIA. “We are proud to recognize those who excel in thought leadership, engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Award winners and finalists were honored at a dinner following the CompTIA Community ANZ meeting. The winners are:

• ANZ Future Leader Award: Raymond McCullagh, Avocado Consulting
  • Runner-up: Callum Simpson, SSW
• ANZ Advancing Women in Technology Leadership Award: Amy Kitson, Avocado Consulting
  • Runner-up: Vanessa Sunassee, MyCISO
• ANZ Community Leadership Award: David Norris, Nortec IT
  • Runner-up: Maria Armstrong, Pax8
• ANZ Cybersecurity Leadership Award: Aaron Jacobs, Sophos
  • Runner-up: Elliot Seeto, Pax8
• ANZ Advancing Diversity in Technology Leadership Award: CyberCX
  • Runner-up: Pax8
• ANZ Solution Provider Award: Avocado Consulting
  • Runner-up: Phriendly Phishing
• ANZ Innovative Vendor Award: Huntress
  • Runners-up: iasset.com and MyCISO
• ANZ Innovative Distributor Award: NEXTGEN Group
  • Runner-up: Pax8

Judges included members from CompTIA Community’s ASEAN, Benelux, DACH, North America, and UK and Ireland regional groups, and the CompTIA Community Workforce Advisory Council.

Let's congratulate everyone for their hard work and dedication.

In recent years, artificial intelligence has become an integral part of our everyday lives, revolutionizing various sectors, including education. Caktus AI is a noteworthy player in this evolving landscape. It offers a personalized, AI-driven learning experience that helps students optimize their learning process, understand complex concepts, and enhance their overall academic performance. In this article, we will explore what Caktus AI is, its key features, how it works, and its potential impact on education.

Overview of Caktus AI​

Caktus AI is an artificial intelligence platform designed to cater to students and educators by offering various tools aimed at enhancing learning and teaching experiences. Its core objective is to provide personalized educational support using AI, which tailors the learning experience to the specific needs of each student. This platform covers a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, science, language arts, and more.

What sets Caktus AI apart from other platforms is its AI-driven approach. The system analyzes a student's learning style, identifies their strengths and weaknesses, and then customizes the learning material to fit their unique profile. This approach makes learning more engaging and effective.

Key Features of Caktus AI​

1. Personalized Learning​

One of the primary features of Caktus AI is its ability to provide personalized learning experiences. By leveraging AI algorithms, Caktus adapts learning materials according to the student's needs. For instance, if a student struggles with a particular topic, the system can offer additional resources and explanations to aid understanding. Conversely, if a student excels in a specific area, the system can adjust to provide more challenging content, helping to maintain a steady pace of academic growth.

2. AI-Powered Tutoring​

Caktus AI functions as a virtual tutor, offering explanations, examples, and practice questions tailored to individual students. This AI-powered tutoring system is available around the clock, enabling students to access help anytime they need it. It ensures that students can get answers to their queries promptly, without waiting for a teacher or tutor to be available.

3. Real-Time Feedback​

Another critical feature of Caktus AI is the real-time feedback it provides to students. The platform analyzes students' work, identifies mistakes, and gives instant feedback on their progress. This immediate response helps students correct their errors and learn from them in real-time. The benefit of real-time feedback is that it allows students to stay on track and continuously improve their understanding of concepts.

4. Interactive Learning Tools​

Caktus AI incorporates interactive tools such as quizzes, interactive exercises, and simulations to make learning more engaging. These tools are designed to enhance students' critical thinking skills while providing an immersive learning experience. Whether it’s solving complex math problems or understanding scientific phenomena, the interactive tools on Caktus AI offer students an opportunity to learn in a dynamic, hands-on way.

5. Performance Analytics​

Caktus AI provides detailed analytics on students’ performance. This feature helps both students and educators track progress over time, identifying areas that require improvement. The analytics dashboard allows for a visual representation of the student’s growth, helping them stay motivated and on target with their learning objectives.

How Does Caktus AI Work?​

Caktus AI operates by using advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze a student’s interactions on the platform. The AI collects data such as response times, accuracy of answers, and topics that the student engages with the most. Based on this data, the AI creates a profile of the student's learning habits and performance.

Using this profile, Caktus AI customizes lesson plans, suggesting tailored resources, practice problems, and targeted exercises to improve areas where the student may be struggling. The system also continuously adapts to changes in the student's performance, ensuring that the learning experience remains both relevant and challenging.

For teachers, Caktus AI offers a platform where they can monitor their students' progress in real-time. Educators can use this data to provide additional support, modify lesson plans, and even predict future performance based on trends highlighted by the platform.

The Impact of Caktus AI on Education​

1. Enhanced Learning Efficiency​

The personalized nature of Caktus AI allows students to focus on areas where they need the most improvement, thus increasing learning efficiency. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all curriculum, students can move at their own pace, ensuring that they grasp concepts fully before moving on to more advanced topics. This approach not only saves time but also ensures that learning is more effective.

2. Increased Student Engagement​

The interactive and adaptive features of Caktus AI foster greater student engagement. Traditional classroom settings can sometimes struggle to keep students interested, especially if the pace of the class does not match their learning speed. Caktus AI addresses this issue by offering personalized, engaging content that keeps students motivated and invested in their education.

3. Scalability in Education​

For educators, Caktus AI offers a scalable solution to personalized teaching. Teachers can monitor the progress of multiple students simultaneously without sacrificing the quality of individual attention. This scalability makes Caktus AI a valuable tool for classrooms with a large number of students, as it allows teachers to provide personalized support efficiently.

4. Bridging Educational Gaps​

Caktus AI can help bridge the educational gaps that often arise due to varying levels of access to quality teaching. By offering on-demand, AI-driven tutoring, students from different backgrounds can access high-quality educational support, potentially reducing disparities in academic performance.

Conclusion​

Caktus AI is revolutionizing the way students learn and how educators deliver content. With its personalized learning experiences, AI-powered tutoring, real-time feedback, and interactive tools, it provides an innovative approach to education that caters to individual needs. The platform’s ability to adapt to students' strengths and weaknesses ensures that learning is both efficient and engaging. As AI continues to evolve, platforms like Caktus AI will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, offering scalable, accessible, and personalized learning for students around the world.

I've been diving into Microsoft's new AI feature, Recall AI, which is designed to help users remember important details and tasks by analyzing their communications and activities. While the technology sounds promising, especially for productivity, I'm concerned about the potential privacy implications.

Imagine an adversary gaining access to this AI. They could potentially exploit the system to collect sensitive data, track user behavior, or even manipulate the AI to retrieve confidential information. The more the AI learns about a user's habits, the more vulnerable that user could become to targeted attacks.

I'm curious to hear what others think. Could this be a significant privacy risk? How do you see this being leveraged by bad actors? Let's discuss the possible cybersecurity implications and share ideas on how we might protect against such threats.

The MSPAA is inviting MSPs to the MSP seminar & workshop event in the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado: Empowering the MSP Community: MSP Seminar for Growth
This event is designed to target the most troublesome issues in running a Managed Service (MSP) and work through options to find possible solutions. A complimentary hotel night is available for a limited number of registrations.

REGISTER

Featured Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Robert Beck - Chief Academic Officer / Fox Chase Cancer Research Center
• Chris Johnson - Sr. Director Cybersecurity Compliance Programs / CompTIA
• Rick Chapes - Business Center Vice President / AT&T

Workshop sessions hosted by subject matter experts in:

• Operations
• Marketing
• Sales
• Compliance
• Employee performance

Social Events:

• Evening Dinner at TopGolf
• Keynote Dinner
• $500 Cash Prize

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

3）The remote controller is constantly beeping?


4）The remote control broadcast volume is too low to hear clearly?


5）What other functions does the Type-C port have besides charging?




Any other questions about agricultural drone，leave your comments in the discussion.

Hey guys,have you ever seen or used an agricultural drone for spraying crops？

Lately i`ve been using an spraying drone to pesticide the rice,and i`ve got to say this tool really helped a lot.

Before I spray all rice field need 3-5 people , spent a lot of time to spraying the pesticides.

But with this smart agricultural drone, I can complete the 2hect fields spraying easily ,just within 1hour . Just mapping the fields and set the flight routes on remote, set the required dosage and speed, and it will work automatically. It returns automatically when out of medicine or power, just refill and replace quickly. I love it, especially in summer, as I can control remotely from the shade.

From the results, drone spraying saves 45% pesticide water than manual spraying, and the effect is also good. The most important thing is that it doesn't require as many people, making farming more easy and also can fertilize ,very useful.
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When shopping for services, small businesses and startups often focus first on cost, but that’s not the only important consideration when looking for a software-as-a-service (SaaS) vendor. The right technology tools can streamline processes and help SMBs better serve their customers—crucial factors in determining whether a business survives and thrives or goes down in defeat.

It’s vital to carefully vet SaaS vendors to not only get the maximum ROI on a critical investment but also to establish a long-term partnership that can support your growing business in the years ahead. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss essential factors an SMB should carefully consider when choosing a SaaS provider. Paying attention to these details ensures the technology tool you choose is the right fit for your unique organization.

1. Platform Flexibility
   • Since every small business aims to reach the next level, I recommend asking potential vendors, “How flexible is your SaaS platform in terms of technology and customer support—can it adapt to our business as it grows?” Focus on scalability to handle growing operational needs, integration with existing tools, customization for changing requirements, and responsive support for quick issue resolution.
2. Customer Support Systems
   • While costs cannot be overlooked, it’s essential to understand the kind of customer support one can expect from the vendor in question. Many SaaS vendors sit in the critical paths of their customers’ products, so it is crucial to know whether the vendor provides robust service-level agreements and a direct line to their technical staff when things go wrong.
3. Long-Term Contracts
   • One essential question small businesses and startups should ask a potential SaaS vendor is, “What incentives and support do you offer for long-term contracts?” While SaaS can initially ease cash flow, over time, it could become more costly than on-premises solutions. Comprehensive environments and additional modules from one vendor can be more cost-effective.
4. Vendor’s Security Architecture and Longevity
   • There are two essential issues here. The first is all about security, and it’s especially important for small companies. You need to understand whether a SaaS product is introducing vulnerabilities by thoroughly assessing the vendor’s security architecture and knowledge. The second issue is the vendor’s longevity. Very low pricing may be unsustainable; if they go out of business, you’re left vulnerable and without support.
5. Vendor’s Company Culture
   • An essential question is whether the vendor is a fit for your company’s culture and whether they will be an extension of your team. Far too often, we focus on technical aspects when something far more simple—such as asking yourself, “Would I hire these people to work with on a daily basis?”—can make a massive difference.
6. Whether (And How) The Tool Saves You Time
   • While cost is a key driver for a small business or startup that’s considering value, the larger consideration is, “How does this enable or empower my team or company to do more?” In a smaller company or startup, it’s the drain on the employees’, founders’, and/or management team’s time that is a growth constraint. By focusing on freeing up time through tools where possible, you will further drive your growth.
7. How The Vendor Stacks Up To Competitors
   • Data integrity, service reliability, customer support, receptiveness to feedback, and continuous improvement are all important. When meeting with a prospective SaaS provider, ask, “Your SaaS competitor may come to me in a year with a better price proposition than yours. What can you say to me today that will persuade me to say ‘no’ to them?”
8. Self-Service Capabilities and Support
   • For SaaS AI solutions, have questions about self-service capabilities. Can you fix, update, and maintain the solution with your own team? What kind of data and AI expertise would you need? Will the vendor provide education for your team?

Discussion Questions:

1. What has been your experience with SaaS vendors in terms of platform flexibility and scalability?
2. How important is customer support to you when choosing a SaaS provider, and what level of support do you expect?
3. How do you assess the security architecture and longevity of a potential SaaS vendor?
4. How important is it for a SaaS vendor to align with your company’s culture?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...iders-essential-factors-for-smbs-to-consider/

AI technology, like any programmable system, has inherent limitations. It cannot comprehend the meaning of the information it receives and adapt to it. These limitations underscore the need for a new approach to artificial systems.
In addition, AI systems are subject to the danger of an information explosion, cannot be fully autonomous, require training on huge databases, and are created to find solutions to a specific range of problems.

I managed to find an approach to creating a new class of artificial systems that, like living organisms, will not be subject to the problems listed above and will be able to help authorized people solve problems inaccessible to programmable systems. Such issues are unfamiliar to living organisms precisely because they are subjective.

So, we, too, need to move from creating programmable systems to creating subjective ones.

Despite the underrepresentation of women in tech, particularly in CIO roles, women have demonstrated exceptional collaborative skills that can significantly enhance team-centric cultures. Here are five ways women can foster better collaboration within organizations:

1. Driving Equality in Conversations:
   • Research indicates that groups with more women exhibit greater equality in conversational turn-taking. This inclusivity ensures that all members can contribute their skills and knowledge, leading to more effective teamwork.
2. Encouraging Buy-In with the Organization’s Mission:
   • Female CIOs excel in balancing innovative solutions with business outcomes, especially in the AI era. Their strong influencing and communication skills help align new technologies with organizational values, inspiring greater buy-in from team members.
3. Fostering Expectations of Fair Treatment:
   • The presence of female leaders often leads employees to expect fairer treatment, enhancing trust within the organization. This increased trust can have immediate positive impacts on collaboration and overall organizational health.
4. Building Trust Biologically:
   • Women naturally release more oxytocin, a brain chemical that fosters trust and reduces anxiety. This biological advantage helps female leaders create more cooperative and collaborative environments, even in competitive or stressful situations.
5. Adopting a Community-Oriented Approach:
   • Women tend to be more community-focused, which can lead to a more cooperative decision-making process. This approach uncovers new insights and ideas, driving better solutions and fostering a collaborative culture.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can organizations leverage the collaborative strengths of female leaders to enhance team dynamics?
2. What strategies can be implemented to ensure that the contributions of all team members are valued equally?
3. How can female CIOs balance the demands of innovation and cybersecurity while fostering a collaborative environment?
4. In what ways can organizations build trust among employees to improve collaboration and productivity?
5. How can the community-oriented approach of female leaders be harnessed to drive better decision-making and problem-solving?

By recognizing and promoting the unique strengths that women bring to leadership roles, particularly in tech, organizations can create more inclusive, collaborative, and innovative environments.

Read the article: https://www.cio.com/article/3477870/5-reasons-women-make-top-team-first-collaborators-in-tech.html

Artificial intelligence (AI) is deeply integrated into our daily lives, enhancing efficiency and productivity in various sectors. However, this technological advancement brings a paradox: while AI offers numerous conveniences, there is a growing desire for genuine human connection.

AI's ability to streamline processes and improve accuracy is undeniable. Yet, as AI systems become more advanced, concerns arise about the diminishing human element in business interactions. Humans are inherently social beings, and authentic interactions are crucial for building trust, loyalty, and a sense of belonging. In an AI-dominated world, these essential components can sometimes feel compromised.

Strategies for Balancing AI and Authenticity:

1. Hybrid Approach: Combine AI's efficiency with human empathy. Use AI for routine tasks and data analysis, but ensure that real people handle complex or sensitive interactions, especially those involving customers.
2. Personalized Interactions: Leverage AI to gather insights about customer preferences and tailor interactions accordingly. This approach makes customers feel understood and valued, fostering deeper connections.
3. AI-Generated Content: While AI-generated content can be useful, it's essential to have proper review systems in place. Human engagement is crucial for authenticity, as people can often distinguish between AI-created and human-created content.
4. Transparency: Be open about AI usage. Inform customers when they are interacting with a bot and provide easy access to human support. Establish clear AI policies for employees regarding when and how AI should be used.

As AI technology evolves, it has the potential to enhance authentic connections by better understanding and emulating human emotions. However, the current trend shows a strong desire for genuine human interaction in all aspects of life.

Ultimately, a brand or company's success hinges on its ability to connect with its target audience. While AI offers significant benefits, the key is to use it in moderation. Building trust and meaningful relationships with customers is best achieved through personal engagement. By prioritizing the human element in AI strategies, businesses can foster stronger, more authentic connections with their audience.

Discussion Question:

How can businesses effectively balance the efficiency of AI with the need for authentic human interactions?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...iness-and-still-cultivate-real-relationships/

Many organizations are unprepared for the escalating threat of cybersecurity attacks and breaches, particularly in the context of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications. Despite the widespread adoption of SaaS for core business functions, there is a significant lack of awareness regarding the associated risks.

Recent research highlights that 96.7% of organizations experienced a security incident with at least one SaaS application in the past year. Additionally, 8,500 applications now incorporate generative AI (GenAI) capabilities, many of which can train on user data, posing further security concerns.

The slow adoption of SaaS security measures and impending regulatory changes could leave organizations vulnerable. Regulations such as NY-DFS in the U.S. and DORA in the EU mandate rapid reporting of security events in SaaS supply chains, underscoring the need for speed in cybersecurity responses.

Key Risks in SaaS Adoption:

1. SaaS Invisibility: Unauthorized use of SaaS applications is widespread, with nearly half of these apps used by a single employee without oversight. Employees often accept terms and conditions without understanding the risks, potentially exposing sensitive company data to numerous SaaS providers.
2. SaaS Security Responsibility: While securing SaaS configurations is crucial, the responsibility often falls on both the SaaS provider and the employees. Security teams must quickly identify and address incidents, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining security standards.

The Need for Speed in SaaS Security:

Manual processes for monitoring and protecting SaaS are inadequate. To meet the 72-hour notification requirement, security measures must be efficient and not overly dependent on human intervention. Best practices for SaaS security should include:

• Speed in Supply Chain Change Detection: Regular checks are essential but not enough. Rapid changes in the SaaS supply chain necessitate immediate risk management processes.
• Speed in Risk Assessment: With over 300,000 SaaS applications available, a streamlined security approach is needed to facilitate quick decision-making within business units.

In conclusion, organizations must enhance their SaaS security practices to address these challenges effectively and comply with regulatory requirements. How are you or your organization enhancing the SaaS security practices?

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...-security-speed-to-keep-pace-with-saas-risks/

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, such as diversity training, targeted recruiting, and dedicated diversity-focused leadership roles, aim to address inequities, create an inclusive environment, and increase representation of historically marginalized groups. Many organizations globally are investing significant resources into these efforts, often implementing them with a one-size-fits-all approach.

However, these initiatives frequently fall short of their intended outcomes and can even lead to unintended negative consequences. For instance, a policy designed to promote gender diversity in leadership roles might, if not carefully communicated, alienate male employees or expose female employees, fostering division rather than inclusiveness.

The Importance of Employee Responses​

A critical factor influencing the success of DEI initiatives is how employees respond to them. Traditionally, employee responses have been oversimplified into two categories: “resistors,” who hinder DEI initiatives, and “supporters,” who facilitate their implementation.

Recent research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology suggests that this binary view is inadequate. Instead, managers should recognize the nuances in employee responses. Employees often exhibit ambivalence, simultaneously supporting DEI goals while harboring skepticism or discomfort about specific policies or their communication. Labeling these individuals as “against” DEI initiatives oversimplifies their stance and misses opportunities for constructive engagement. Embracing the complexity of employee responses, including ambivalence, is crucial for effectively navigating DEI initiatives.

The Four Ways Employees Respond to DEI Initiatives​

Our research identified a typology of employee responses to DEI initiatives. We conducted three separate online studies with over 1,600 employees across various industries, companies, jobs, geographic areas within the U.S., and demographic groups. Participants had experienced a diversity initiative within their organizations in the last six months.

We sent multiple surveys to each participant, spaced a few weeks apart. The first survey asked participants to describe the diversity initiatives they had experienced, providing detailed insights. Subsequent surveys captured their responses to these initiatives, measuring their thoughts on benefits and required efforts, their feelings (ranging from excitement to sadness), and their behaviors (from active support to active resistance).

Using latent profile analysis, we identified meaningful patterns in participants’ responses, uncovering typical response profiles. We ensured the robustness of these profiles by replicating them in follow-up studies and exploring factors that predict which profile a person will be assigned to, such as personal beliefs.

Key Takeaways for Managers​

1. Recognize Ambivalence: Understand that employees can simultaneously support DEI goals and feel skeptical about specific policies. Engage with these nuanced responses constructively.
2. Tailor Communication: Carefully communicate DEI policies to avoid alienating any group. Clear, inclusive communication can prevent misunderstandings and foster a more supportive environment.
3. Engage Constructively: Instead of labeling employees as “for” or “against” DEI initiatives, engage with their concerns and suggestions. This approach can turn potential resistance into constructive feedback.
4. Holistic Approach: Consider the broader context of employees’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A holistic understanding of their responses can inform more effective DEI strategies.

By embracing the complexity of employee responses and tailoring DEI initiatives accordingly, organizations can create a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately achieving their DEI goals more effectively.

Read the article: https://hbr.org/2024/07/research-4-ways-employees-respond-to-dei-initiatives

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries from healthcare to manufacturing to agriculture, and cybersecurity is no exception. As AI reshapes possibilities across various sectors, it is also steering the cybersecurity profession in a bold, new direction. This AI-driven transformation will not only alter the daily activities of cybersecurity practitioners but also necessitate new roles and skill sets within the profession.

The Cybersecurity Profession Today​

Globally, several jurisdictions are proactively addressing the expanding skills gap in cybersecurity. They are defining the profession to guide government, industry, and academia in a structured manner.

In the U.S., the Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework) spans public, private, and academic sectors. It defines seven high-level cybersecurity functions linked to 33 specialty areas and 52 work roles, detailing specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. These functions range from cybersecurity governance to design and development, threat management, operations, analysis, and investigation.

Similarly, the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) outlines 12 cybersecurity professional role profiles, detailing their titles, missions, tasks, skills, knowledge, and competencies. These roles vary from managerial to legal, operational, assurance, and risk management.

In the U.K., the Cyber Security Council defines 16 specialisms in cybersecurity, from managerial to technical. These governmental skills frameworks are mapped to credentials offered by cybersecurity associations, guiding professionals in enhancing their skill sets.

These initiatives are crucial as the cybersecurity profession evolves. The rapid adoption of AI and other emerging technologies, coupled with the creation of larger digital ecosystems and increased sophistication of cyber threats, underscores the need for a holistic set of skills per function. Cybersecurity expertise is essential, but viewing cybersecurity in isolation contributes to many of the failures observed today.

Cybersecurity professionals must understand the business context of the ecosystems they protect to apply or embed cybersecurity effectively. They also need to grasp adjacent domains like audit, privacy, risk, and digital technology governance to ensure cybersecurity aligns with the needs of these domains and is not siloed.

Moreover, understanding emerging technologies like AI is vital. One cannot protect what they do not understand—whether identifying risks, building controls, or conducting forensics and investigations in AI-embedded ecosystems.

Changes Coming to the Cybersecurity Profession​

AI is set to continue transforming the cybersecurity profession in the coming years, but the AI-shaped reality has already arrived.

As highlighted in our whitepaper, "The Promise and Peril of the AI Revolution," AI enables a more sophisticated world of cybercrime. Bad actors are using AI to write malware faster, generate hacking scripts, launch ransomware attacks, and convincingly imitate CEO voices. Concurrently, threats against AI are rising, from algorithm manipulation attacks to privacy breaches.

In this context, the cybersecurity profession will become exponentially more important. But what will it look like?

AI offers unparalleled capabilities to identify threats and patterns, automate real-time responses, swiftly process entire datasets, and accelerate decision-making. This transformation will demand cybersecurity professionals to adapt and evolve, integrating AI knowledge and skills into their repertoire to stay ahead of emerging threats.

The future of cybersecurity is intertwined with AI, and professionals must be prepared to navigate this new landscape. By embracing AI and expanding their skill sets, cybersecurity practitioners can ensure they remain relevant and effective in protecting our increasingly digital world.

Read the article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes...cybersecurity-profession-with-the-rise-of-ai/

The Internet of Things (IoT) has seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, from the wireless ATMs of the 1990s to today's smart traffic management solutions. The convenience and efficiency brought by connected devices are undeniable. However, as IoT usage has surged, so have concerns and incidences of cyber-security attacks and vulnerabilities.

Cyber-Security Vulnerabilities in IoT

IoT devices are prime targets for attackers seeking access to corporate networks and personal data. Many devices lack default encryption, creating significant vulnerabilities. Sensitive information can be exposed, taken, and manipulated as it is transmitted between devices. Additionally, unsecured interfaces and a lack of physical security measures make IoT devices susceptible to malware injection and other cyber-attacks.

Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks can leverage botnets to overwhelm and disrupt unsecure IoT devices. Physical or identity theft can grant attackers access to compromised systems, while unpatched security vulnerabilities in firmware and software present additional opportunities for attack. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities to disrupt operations, gain unauthorized access, and even launch ransomware attacks—a growing threat, especially for critical industrial and infrastructure systems.

In 2023, research found a 400% increase in IoT and OT malware attacks year-over-year, highlighting the rapid escalation of these threats.

Challenges in Addressing IoT Security

One reason this issue persists is that manufacturers prioritize affordability and streamlined user experiences over robust security features. This has created a breeding ground for vulnerabilities that attackers can easily exploit.

Patch management is another significant challenge. Maintaining the security and functionality of networked devices requires regular updates, but the diverse range of IoT devices complicates this task. Each product may require a unique patch, making it difficult for administrators to track and apply numerous updates across vast networks. Unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors, leading to security breaches, data theft, and compromised networks.

Enhancing IoT Security

Despite these challenges, there are effective methods and technologies to enhance IoT security.

AI and Real-Time Threat Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (AI-ML) are increasingly important for real-time threat detection and response (TDR). By analyzing vast quantities of data at speed, AI can identify trends, abnormalities, and possible security breaches. AI-driven security solutions for IoT networks can monitor and control connected devices, speeding up threat identification and mitigation. However, AI tools should not be relied upon solely.

Zero Trust Strategy

Implementing a comprehensive Zero-Trust strategy is crucial. This strategy secures an organization by removing implicit trust and requiring validation at each stage of a digital interaction. Blockchain, built on Zero-Trust principles, offers significant security potential for the IoT market. It enables coordination between devices, tracks these devices, and processes transactions efficiently.

A well-designed Zero Trust strategy should consider all IoT devices and internet-connected systems across a business and clearly delineate responsibilities for managing these technologies.

Conclusion

While IoT brings immense benefits, it also presents significant cyber-security challenges. By leveraging AI for real-time threat detection and implementing a comprehensive Zero Trust strategy, organizations can enhance the security of their IoT networks and devices, mitigating the risks and harnessing the full potential of IoT technology.

Read the article: https://www.business-reporter.co.uk/improving-business-performance/securing-the-modern-world-of-iot

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