Immersive Labs’ Post

🔧 The recent CrowdStrike Incident underscores the interconnected and centralized nature of cloud services like Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS). 🤔 Unlike on-premise data centers, where issues are isolated, this incident highlights the vulnerability of centralized cloud systems. Even with multizone failover, a misconfiguration could and probably will instantly replicate across all zones. 🎯 This is a crucial architectural consideration when evaluating vendors and having the ability to reverse changes quickly or conduct phased rollouts to prevent outages. Age-old software rollout principles apply here, and a big-bang approach has its perils. #CloudComputing #DataSecurity #CyberSecurity

The widespread disruption caused by today's IT outage highlights the fragility of our interconnected systems. A crisis can strike anyone, anytime as today has shown, and highlights why effective (and tested!) plans and recovery strategies are so vital.

Today’s event is a prime example of why technology, cyber, and supply chain resilience are no longer just problems for the CIO, CISO, or Head of Third Party Risk but must also be a business-owned imperative. Think about how the unintended and accidental actions of what must have been a very small number of people have - through cascading impacts - inconvenienced hundreds of thousands of people around the world today. Getting the Human Edge is key to resilience. Immersive Labs #HumanEdge #CyberResilience

I recently read another “Cybersecurity and Operational Resilience” report produced by a major international financial institution with worldwide reach (over $4.1 trillion in AUM), and while it highlighted some great foundational strategies—like scenario testing and tabletop exercises—it struck me how often the real-time, high-pressure incident drills are missing from the mix. Tabletop exercises are invaluable for planning and strategising, but they sometimes fall short of simulating the intensity and unpredictability of actual incidents. Without immersive, hands-on drills, teams can find it difficult to maintain communication, leadership, and decision-making under pressure when a real crisis hits. Key Areas for Improvement: Lack of Real-Time, High-Pressure Incident Drills: Traditional methods like scenario testing and tabletop exercises don’t replicate the pressure of live incidents. Without real-time simulations, teams may lack the hands-on experience needed for high-stakes situations. Continuous Testing and Improvement: Resilience should be an ongoing process. Regular, consistent testing helps teams continuously train and improve their decision-making, communication, and leadership in an evolving threat landscape. Comprehensive Performance Metrics: The importance of post-drill analysis is often overlooked. Tracking key metrics like Incident Commander ratings and Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR) provides valuable insights into team performance. Global Coordination and Process Alignment: Seamless cross-functional alignment is critical during incidents. Global teams need real-time coordination tools to ensure smooth collaboration under pressure. There’s definitely an opportunity for teams to step up and close these gaps, and I think adding immersive drills would be a game changer. To that end, I'd be more than happy to offer a couple of complimentary expert drills (with a bit of competition, if that’s your style) to test your team’s performance under pressure. Would love to hear your thoughts—how do you see your incident management processes evolving to address these challenges? #CyberResilience #IncidentManagement #OperationalResilience #CrisisResponse #Cybersecurity #LeadershipUnderPressure #IncidentResponse #BusinessContinuity #TechLeadership #PerformanceMetrics #MTTR #InnovationInTech #uptimelabs

When evaluating a new solution, it's vital to: 🌱 Embrace foresight over immediacy, ensuring decisions are informed by long-term considerations (3-5 yrs) rather than short-sighted impulses. 🎬 View a proof of concept (PoC) as analogous to a movie trailer; while it offers a glimpse into possibilities, the true assessment unfolds when experiencing the entirety of the feature. 🔄 Recognise the natural lifecycle of solutions, starting from an immature stage, maturing over time, and eventually retiring as newer, more advanced alternatives emerge. Hence, it's imperative to evaluate not only the current state but also anticipate the existing ecosystems, potential for growth and evolution over time. 🌟 #strategy #cybersecuirty

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲! Ever marveled at how Sherlock Holmes solved the most complex mysteries with his keen sense of observation? Imagine applying that same level of scrutiny to your organization’s security measures. In today's world, the art of observation has evolved. Advanced technologies now assist us in monitoring and protecting our environments, much like a modern-day Holmes. But it’s not just about having the tools; it’s about knowing how to use them effectively. Here's how you can embrace this detective mindset: - 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥-𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥: Just as Holmes noticed every detail, ensure your access points are monitored with precision. Use smart access solutions that adapt to your needs, ensuring only the right people have access. 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: Holmes didn’t just see; he observed. Modern surveillance isn’t just about cameras but about insightful analysis. Implement systems that provide not just footage but actionable intelligence. 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Holmes always had a plan. Ensure your emergency protocols are not just in place but are regularly updated and practiced. Preparation is key to handling the unexpected. By integrating these principles, you’re not just enhancing security; you’re embracing a holistic approach to safety and intelligence, much like the great detective himself. #Security #Observation #HolisticApproach #ModernSolutions #CCTV #ArcadianAI #Retail #Daycare #VSaaS #VMS #NVR #Tips #SmallBusiness #LetsWork  #Projectmanagement #Managementconsulting #Future #Markets #Startups #Partnerships #Consultants #Monitoring #leadership #technology  #ai  #innovation #cybersecurity #Saas

Technology resilience is one of the areas most businesses are still maturing in. As businesses (globally) start to place higher reliance on technology to support their strategic imperatives; technology resilience willl be an area that will get a significant amount of airplay (both at the board and management level ) across most industries ( including non regulated industries ) moving forward. There is no one size fit all approach to support technology resilience and it needs to be tailored to the key risks underpinning each business. The blog below provides some general pointers that businesses can consider to help suppport their technology resilience journey.

🌐✨ Successful Resilience Initiatives in IT: Navigating Global Challenges In an era of rapid technological evolution and global uncertainties, the resilience of IT projects is crucial for organizations aiming not just to survive but thrive. Here's a glimpse into how JDOT embraces successful resilience initiatives in IT, fostering sustainable practices and innovative solutions. 🔍 Understanding the Landscape: The global environment is more volatile than ever, with challenges from geopolitical shifts to health crises. At JDOT, we recognize the need for agile IT strategies that can adapt to ever-changing circumstances. 🚀 Sustainable Practices in IT Projects: Our commitment to sustainability extends to the core of our IT projects, integrating practices that reduce our environmental footprint and enhance the longevity of solutions. From energy-efficient data centers to streamlined coding, each step is towards a resilient and sustainable future. 🌐 Global Collaboration and Connectivity: Resilience involves building a foundation that withstands the test of time. We prioritize global collaboration, ensuring our teams work seamlessly across borders, leveraging diverse talents and ideas for a collective intelligence that propels our projects forward. 🔒 Cybersecurity Fortification: Recognizing the importance of a robust cybersecurity framework, we've invested significantly in fortifying our digital defenses. Our IT projects are not just innovative but securely innovative, safeguarding data and systems against evolving cyber threats. 🔄 Adapting to Change: Resilience is a continuous process of adaptation. Our IT projects are designed with flexibility in mind, embracing change as an inherent part of the journey. Whether technological advancements or market shifts, our teams are agile, ready to pivot and redefine success in the face of change. 🌟 Measuring Success Beyond Profit: Success is measured beyond profits. Our resilience initiatives focus on creating value for communities, fostering inclusivity, and contributing to the well-being of the planet. 💡 Embrace the Future with Resilient IT: In navigating global complexities, resilience in IT is a necessity. Embrace the future with initiatives prioritizing sustainability, global collaboration, cybersecurity, and adaptability. Together, let's build a resilient IT landscape that propels us into a brighter, more sustainable future. #ResilienceInIT #Sustainability #Innovation #GlobalCollaboration #Cybersecurity #Adaptability #FutureForward 🌍🚀

🌟 🚀 Navigating the Data Storm: #CIO Blunders of 2024 and How to Chart a New Course! 🌟 🚀 **The Biggest Mistake CIOs Are Making in 2024:** 🔴 **Neglecting Investment in Digital Transformation**: Imagine a ship refusing to set sail in a sea of opportunities. That's precisely what happens when CIOs sideline digital transformation. It's time to hoist the sails and embrace the winds of change! 🌊 🔴 **Not Having a Proper Understanding of Business Requirements**: Ah, the siren song of technology! But beware, my friends. Without understanding the business's heartbeat, we risk steering our ship into treacherous waters. 🌊 🔴 **Weak Risk Management Strategy**: Like tightrope walkers without a safety net, some CIOs dance perilously close to disaster. Let's weave robust risk management into our tech choreography! 🎪 🔴 **Lack of a Disaster Recovery Plan**: Picture this: Our digital castle crumbles, and we're left with pixelated rubble. A disaster recovery plan is our knight in shining armor. ⚔️ 🔴 **Poor Development of Lines of Communication**: CIOs, let's not be hermits in our tech caves! Effective communication bridges the gap between dreams and reality. 🌐 🔴 **Lack of Talent Management System**: Our data wizards and AI sorcerers deserve recognition. Nurture their magic, and watch your kingdom flourish! 🧙♂️ 🔴 **Not Setting Realistic Goals**: Shooting for the moon is admirable, but let's not forget to build a sturdy rocket first. Realistic goals propel us beyond the stratosphere! 🚀 **What CIOs Should Be Doing Instead:** 🌟 **Embrace #GenerativeAI**: #GenAI isn't just a buzzword; it's our secret weapon. Let's wield it across all realms of business, from #supplychain to #customerExperiences (CX). 🤖 🌟 **Navigate Ethical Waters**: As we surf the AI tsunami, let's ensure our boards are ethically waxed. #ResponsibleAI and #EthicalAI is our compass. 🌊 🌟 **Prioritize #Cybersecurity**: Our digital fortresses need vigilant sentinels. Cybersecurity isn't an option; it's our digital heartbeat. 🔐 🌟 **Remember the Human Element**: Amid #algorithms and code, let's cherish the human touch. AI should elevate, not alienate. 🤝 🌟 **Set Sail, CIOs!**: To my fellow captains of #innovation, let's steer our ships boldly. Reach out to me—I promise a treasure trove of insights to #accelerate your initiatives! 🗝️ May the data flow in your favor, and the algorithms be ever in your favor! 🌐📊 Yours, in bytes and bits, Naomi Kaduwela Head of Kavi Labs, Kavi Global 🚀🌟🤖🔐⚔️🌊🧙♂️🗝️ ---------------------------------------------- *Follow me to join me in my journey as I lead the AI R&D Lab Kavi Global, the Leading #Data #Analytics & AI Firm in the #USA, and keep up with the latest #DataAnalytics & #AI News & #TechTrends2024