Christos Syngelakis is a tenured infrastructure and network security professional with extensive knowledge of its applications in various industries. He specializes in understanding complex problems in different segments and solving them with a unique approach.
In an interview with Electrical Business Review Europe, Syngelakis shared his insights on enhancing resilience and balancing operational integrity amid evolving digital threats in cybersecurity in an AI-driven world. He also shared his experience of the current trends and the challenges in empowering businesses to safeguard data and trust.
Strengthening Workflow Security in the Digital Age
Digital transformation is fundamentally changing how work environments function. The focus on widespread access to data and resources for a geographically distributed workforce clashes with traditional security models, creating complex security challenges in today’s data-driven world.
Businesses face two major challenges that hinder them from adopting full-scale digital transformation. The first is the potential problems technology might pose, and the second is the risk of going out of business due to a lack of digitization.
Modernizing existing work pipelines requires time for integration, implementation and adaptation. The workflows are built on conventional methods and ideologies, rendering them incompatible with complete digital transformation. Data security and privacy pose a greater challenge to all industries that are set to adopt digitization.
By implementing Zero Trust architecture, we can create a comprehensive and adaptable framework that integrates security as a core principle rather than an afterthought. This ultimately leads to a more secure and resilient organization.
Reconfiguring industrial functioning with digital transformation as the driving force requires solving the de facto problem by rebuilding the systems from the ground level, which needs time, steadiness and in-depth understanding of the technology.
Rapid tech development poses a constant challenge in the digital era. While deep tech like cybersecurity and AI offers to solve problems swiftly, their technical functionality remains unknown to most people. Excessive information and rapid advancement lead to burnout and a lack of strategy.
By implementing Zero Trust architecture, we can create a comprehensive and adaptable framework that integrates security as a core principle rather than an afterthought. This ultimately leads to a more secure and resilient organization.
Proactive and Impactful Data Protection Strategies
While foreseeing data protection breaches can be challenging, following certain measures to prevent them is wise. Filtering incoming information helps manage information overload and prevent unauthorized access and malware.
Standing by and following trusted sources of information helps avoid potential breaches. As security expert communities grow, sharing and learning from experiences becomes easier. Staying updated on the various ongoing security threats discussed in these communities is an effective learning method.
These communities are also reliable sources of information on impactful strategies, security practices and support, enabling organizations to minimize potential damage and breach.
Addressing Infrastructure Gaps in Data Security
Building and strengthening resilience against data breaches starts with solving deep-rooted, long-standing infrastructural problems that hinder organizational progress.
Most companies deeply rely on traditional technologies, particularly regarding their IT infrastructure. The potential disconnect between addressing fundamental infrastructure challenges and pursuing new-age, cutting-edge technologies creates vulnerable foundations.
For instance, a system that integrates quantum computing in its workflow might not be compatible with the advancements of quantum technology. When performed without the necessary foundational infrastructure, this integration leads to potential malware penetration.
In these cases, resolving root-level problems helps rebuild foundational systems compatible with advanced technology, without compromising data security standards.
Measuring the Success of Data Protection Strategies
While the absence of a problem in workflows is the ideal scenario to measure the success of a data protection initiative, careful validation of the same is essential. The absence can be perceived in two ways: one wherein there is no problem or vulnerability in the workflow and the other when there is a vulnerability that has not been identified due to lack of awareness or misinterpretation.
Quantifiable metrics like the number of vulnerabilities fixed and the number of machines patched with security protocols don’t necessarily reveal whether the root causes are being solved or if new problems are emerging. Relying on these metrics to assess security progress can lead to a misleading perception of safety or advancement.
The only holistic approach is to identify underlying environmental problems and implement effective solutions.
Advice for Fellow Leaders in Cybersecurity
My advice to professionals in the same field would be to remain calm and continue to go on. Every day presents new challenges and risks. It is important to avoid burnout from daily challenges and find stability in an unbalanced environment. This helps keep minds clear and see the real picture to create effective strategies.
