Intelligent CIO North America Issue 45 | Page 80

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The challenges in implementing new technologies are not so much geographical , as they are industry specific .
Google Workspace and Azure . As more core IT assets are placed behind single sign-on systems in the cloud , they become prime targets for hackers . and fill the strategic gaps currently existing in the cybersecurity landscape .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in North America ?
Instead of regional challenges , we see vertical-specific hurdles . Certain industries , like education , often struggle with budget constraints and end up investing in tools that may not provide the most effective solutions . When they assemble a traditional stack with SIEMs and other similar tools , they often exhaust their resources without investing in the solutions that truly work .
We were the first company globally to implement active detection and response on Microsoft 365 and Azure single sign-on . We ' ve noticed that the volume of attacks on these platforms is five times higher than on-premises attacks , leading to ransomware incidents . Ransomware isn ' t going away anytime soon .
Therefore , securing cloud workflows and single signon services should be a top priority .
Blackpoint Cyber is focused on MSPs – what is your strategy to help them succeed ?
First and foremost , we acknowledge the challenges MSPs face – retaining quality IT talent , acquiring new customers , retaining existing ones and navigating the complex cybersecurity landscape . We aim to take the heavy lifting of security work off the MSPs ' shoulders , allowing them to focus on their core competencies .
We ' ve adopted what I call the Green Beret Go-to- Market Model . It ' s about upskilling the business side of MSPs . They ' re already great at IT , so we focus on enhancing the business model . Our product roadmap , pricing , packaging and the extensive educational resources we offer through Blackpoint University are all designed to help upskill these companies .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your cybersecurity industry ?
Compliance-heavy verticals , such as healthcare and federal sectors , face their own unique challenges . While they have stringent cybersecurity requirements , the prescribed methods often emphasize compliance over effectiveness .
The challenges in implementing new technologies are not so much geographical , as they are industry specific .
The key is to strike a balance between meeting compliance requirements and investing in effective security measures .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside the office ?
I ' m an avid race car driver , so hitting the track and feeling the adrenaline rush helps me destress . That along with music , skiing and snowmobiling are hobbies that help me deal with stress and keep a healthy work-life balance .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain a senior management position in your industry ?
If you aspire to reach a senior management role in this industry , focus on becoming an active practitioner , gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundational knowledge of IT . p
Security Information and Event Management ( SIEM ) is a failed technology for catching hackers . Yes , you heard that right . Every major company uses a SIEM , yet they continue to fall prey to cyberattacks . SIEMs are excellent for checking compliance boxes , but their efficacy in thwarting hackers leaves much to be desired .
There ' s a sea change coming and we ’ re going to see industry investment challenge the status quo
80 INTELLIGENTCIO NORTH AMERICA www . intelligentcio . com