MedTech company [NYSE: SYK]

Tiauna Ross, Director of digital and ERP cybersecurity at a Fortune 500 MedTech company

As our reliance on technology deepens, so does the complexity of cyber threats.  Every digital system advancement brings both risk and reward to the forefront but too often the security measures are a trailing effort.  New exciting upgrades leave behind previous versions that quickly become outdated, with vulnerabilities that can be exploited faster than they can be patched, leaving the systems, data, and users at risk. In this sense, it becomes evident that the key to safeguarding data and protecting digital ecosystems lies in embracing innovation as a must—a necessary bridge that connects us to a more secure future.

According to the Collins dictionary, innovation refers to the introduction of changes and new ideas in the way something is done or made. From a technological perspective, it is clear how innovative capabilities transform and impact outcomes in a compelling, meaningful way.  The rise of AI and ML solutions, robotic process automation, connected IoT devices and cloud-based applications are recent examples of innovative technologies that have greatly impacted the world and introduced new possibilities to transform and improve the human experience. Each of us plays a crucial part in driving innovation when it comes to ensuring the security aspects of cutting-edge technological advancements. Here are some concepts to consider:

Leading technology companies: Organizations that offer new and exciting technology solutions that are easy to adopt should also offer innovative ways to secure these technologies in a sustainable way.  The firms who develop solutions with a security by design perspective will be best positioned for long-term success. 

“From a technological perspective, it is clear how innovative capabilities transform and impact outcomes in a compelling, meaningful way.”

Aside from being user-friendly, these technologies must also prioritize security, ensuring their sustainability and long-term utility. This requires leading technology companies to normalize having both usability and security prioritized in how the solution is developed and promoted.  Historically, usability and security have been considered mutually exclusive.  The call to action is to innovate beyond these preconceived barriers.

Cybersecurity solution vendors: Firms that offer technological solutions for cybersecurity measures should be just as demonstrative in how their solutions can be adopted and scaled by security teams, as they are with creating sales pitches and marketing campaigns. 

We are beyond the point of the minimum viable product as the standard for acceptance.  We must reach a stage where the tools and technologies bear a greater share of the responsibilities carried by security professionals, who are tasked with keeping pace with both the rapid advancements in innovation and the unwavering determination of threat actors.

Cybersecurity leaders: Empower your teams to innovate, evolve and continuously improve in the way security services are delivered.  Make sure that you are clearing the path for your teams to learn and adopt new ways and methods of working.  Consider adjacent best practices (business analysis, solution design, process improvement, agile methodology) and technologies that could yield more innovative outcomes if used in a cybersecurity context.

Cybersecurity professionals:  Leverage best practices from other functions in your work as a cybersecurity professional.  Consider learning about concepts and practices that have been successful outside of cybersecurity that you can implement in your work and share with your team and leaders.  Learn more about how innovation is promoted in other organizations and disciplines to understand how this can be applied in your own work.  This will help you determine how you can better align people, processes, and technology to secure your environment.

The views expressed in this article are solely my own and do not represent those of any organization or Company.