Spill it, CISA
As nations grapple with the complexities of cybersecurity, the role of water and wastewater systems (WWS) in ensuring public safety has come sharply into focus. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in concert with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has discharged a significant security playbook specifically for these critical systems. This intricate guide aims to fortify the WWS sector against mounting threats by delineating federal roles and responsibilities throughout various stages of cyber incident response. With comprehensive recommendations, this joint Incident Response Guide (IRG) fosters proactive measures for WWS professionals to safeguard the integrity of our water supplies.
AI, but You First
Amidst the accelerating pace of technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as a beacon of potential for executive leaders across the globe. A recent survey by BCG X, canvassing over 1,400 C-suite executives, illuminates a fascinating paradox: while AI is acknowledged as a strategic priority, a mere 10% of these leaders have moved past the ‘observers’ phase, with substantial deployment of AI expected to require more than two years. Furthermore, the survey highlights two significant hurdles—training the workforce in generative AI tools remains relatively uncharted territory, and a pronounced confidence dearth lingers among executives regarding their grasp of AI technology.
Home Is Where the Smart Is
Silicon Labs CEO Matt Johnson casts an optimistic forecast on the Internet of Things (IoT) industry, particularly focusing on the surge of consumer gadgets. As IoT devices increasingly infiltrate our homes, they not only promise convenience but also bring heightened security risks. Recognizing this double-edged sword, companies like Owlet are stepping up their game, subjecting their products to rigorous security evaluations before launch. The proliferation of connected home devices characterizes a market that is simultaneously thriving and bracing for the imperative of robust security solutions to protect consumers’ privacy and safety.
Industry IT Insight
Dispatch from the digital frontier: the Pwn2Own Automotive car hacking competition in Japan has just concluded with nearly $1.3 million in prizes—a testament to the remarkable skills of security researchers. Meanwhile, Gartner’s renowned analyst, John-David Lovelock, warns of an ongoing exodus of internal IT talent, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by CIOs. On a related note, analysts and industry players mourn the decline of an unsung hero – the computer mouse – as we navigate our way towards a more touch-focused future. In the midst of this flux, companies like Code Labs step up to streamline the process of acquiring quality IT talent, ensuring teams are well-equipped to confront the tech world’s ongoing challenges.