Episode 4: Cyber innovation and the development of AI

In this episode of Cyber Sessions by CIISec, we look at how innovation plays a crucial role in cyber security. To encourage innovation we need diversity; how do we get that, and how do we support it?  

Sarah Janes, owner of Layer8 a security culture change company, talks to Dr Saritha Arunkumar, the IBM public cloud worldwide technical leader on security.  

Sarah and Saritha offer advice to those who want to enter the industry, discuss how fulfilling a career in cyber security can be; and share how important it is to give back. 

People can be put off by the qualifications and skills required to enter the security industry, but it is a misconception. Learning on the job, shadowing others, and watching colleagues are great ways of upskilling.  

Innovation is driven by people with different backgrounds and perspectives. The more diverse the group, the better the cross-pollination of ideas.  All of which are crucial as we strive to stay ahead of the cyber criminals.  

With a career spanning over 20 years at IBM, Saritha has been lucky enough to be at the forefront of many innovations as they emerge, in each case it’s involved learning on the job to keep up. Technology will keep evolving and that means the conventional threats get a new meaning, it will always be important to put appropriate security controls around what you do. Today it’s all about AI, tomorrow it will be something else. 

Sarah and Saritha look at how AI can be a force for good, helping to build efficiencies, secure data better, and do things faster.  

In this episode Saritha concludes by leaving us with her three takeaways: get a mentor, get several, you’ll really benefit from their advice. Network to expand your horizon and your skills. Give back, whether that’s a talk in a primary school, or delivering a session to your team.