The future of cybersecurity: Insights from Michelle Ragusa-McBain

Michelle Ragusa-McBain, Global Channel Chief at SonicWall, discussed the future of cybersecurity and the role of AI in combating cyber threats in an eye-opening session at the SuperSummit Virtual ‘24. Throughout the session, she emphasized the importance of reimagining cybersecurity strategies, staying updated with the latest technologies, and addressing vulnerabilities head-on. In this blog, we'll delve into the highlights of this session, and discuss key pointers to maximize your cybersecurity efforts.

The growth opportunities in cybersecurity

Michelle highlighted the significant growth opportunities in the managed services sector and the increasing demand for cyber insurance risk management. She underlined the alarming statistic that 80% of small to medium-sized businesses that experience a cyber attack end up closing down. This emphasizes the critical need for proactive cybersecurity measures and the potential benefits, as well as risks associated with AI in the field.

Furthermore, she discussed the importance of implementing layers of security to protect against cyber threats. She emphasized the need for constant monitoring and containment of incidents, particularly pointing out the increasing threat of attacks through the cloud. By protecting the cloud edge, organizations can strengthen their overall cybersecurity.

The role of MSPs and trusted advisors

Michelle stressed upon the vital role of MSPs as trusted advisors in the cybersecurity landscape and encouraged partners to focus on areas such as AI automation and SOC services, emphasizing the need for multiple layers of security. She also mentioned SonicWall's recent acquisitions in MDR (Managed Detection and Response), XDR (Extended Detection and Response), Sock-as-a-Service, and Zero Trust solutions. These strategic acquisitions are geared towards providing comprehensive cybersecurity offerings to their customers.

Challenges and opportunities in the industry

This session also addressed the challenges faced by organizations, including competition and global economic uncertainty. Michelle highlighted the importance of building trust and authenticity with customers, addressing the talent shortage in the industry, and embracing digital transformation to tap into the growth opportunities in the SMB market. She also mentioned the consolidation and platform approach adopted by many vendors, which opens up new possibilities for collaboration.

The intersection of AI and cybersecurity

AI is a double-edged sword when it comes to cybersecurity. Michelle discussed its potential for both good and evil, emphasizing the need for caution. She pointed out the risks associated with deep fakes and the potential for cybercriminals to manipulate AI models. Exploring the security risks inherent in AI, she touched upon unexpected behavior, lack of explainability, data breaches, adversarial attacks, and partial control over outputs.

To leverage the benefits of AI while mitigating its risks, she emphasized the importance of conducting bias audits on training data and models. This ensures fairness and prevents the introduction of unconscious biases. She also advocated for the establishment of ethical guidelines and securing the AI supply chain. Addressing shadow AI, the presence of unauthorized or unnoticed AI systems, Michelle also spoke about the need for comprehensive education and training programs to promote safe and authorized use of AI.

Empowering organizations with data and collaboration

Further, Michelle discussed the crucial role of data in empowering organizations to make informed decisions. She urged organizations to be hyper-alert and prioritize cybersecurity, highlighting the common issue of infrequent alert monitoring. Many organizations only check their logs once every 30 days, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. By using data effectively, organizations can strengthen their security measures and proactively respond to threats.

Collaboration was another key theme of the session. Michelle encouraged organizations to work with vendors and MSPs to access threat data and stay informed about the evolving threat landscape. By leveraging the expertise of partners, organizations can align their efforts with industry best practices and better protect their customers.

Embracing proactive cybersecurity measures

This session by Michelle provided valuable insights into the future of cybersecurity and the intersection of AI and cyber threats. By embracing proactive cybersecurity measures, building trust with customers, and leveraging the expertise of MSPs, organizations can strengthen their security posture. It also shed light on the importance of staying informed, continuously learning about risks and opportunities, and implementing the necessary safeguards to protect against cyber threats. As Michelle emphasized, the empowerment of organizations through data-driven decision-making and collaboration is key to a robust cybersecurity strategy.

Don’t miss out on valuable insights and action points from the rest of the sessions at SuperSummit Virtual ‘24 — watch the recording to catch up on key highlights!