Why digital transformation is sparking huge opportunities in cybersecurity
In the second of a new blog series, Dr Manimuthu Arunmozhi, a Lecturer in Cybersecurity and Business Analytics, and a member of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University, explains why cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought in digital transformation (and why transformation offers so many opportunities for cybersecurity careers)
Digital transformations have reshaped many of the world’s biggest companies: think of Netflix’s shift from mailing DVDs to a streaming service that shapes not just how we watch, but what we watch.
In every sector, digital transformation is changing the way organisations work. IKEA’s recent digital transformation, which allows customers to design kitchens at home, and buy items in-store via an app, tripled the company’s ecommerce levels in three years.
Digital transformation is expected to grow to almost $4 trillion by 2027, according to analyst IDC, and will offer important opportunities in the cybersecurity sector, as companies scramble to keep up with digitally enabled competitors. For young people looking to find jobs in the cybersecurity sector, helping companies to ‘bridge the gap’ between old ways of working and new tech will be a key source of jobs.
A growing opportunity
Digital transformation is driving increasing demand for young people with cybersecurity skills, says Dr Manimuthu.
He says, ‘Young people entering the workforce with a passion for technology and a willingness to adapt to the evolving digital landscape can find exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in helping organisations navigate their digital transformation journeys.
Dr Manimuthu recommends that young people pursue relevant academic qualifications in cybersecurity, business analytics or related fields, and build skills further with online courses.
Dr Manimuthu says that in tomorrow’s world, the ability to ‘bridge the gap’ between business and technology will increasingly be in demand – so it helps to build on skills such as n cybersecurity tools and techniques, data analysis, programming, and business acumen.
Why transformation works
Digital transformation can work for small companies as well as large, and companies in ‘non-tech’ areas are just as likely to benefit, says Dr Manimuthu – suggesting that a bakery can ‘digitally transform’ starting with creating a website.
Dr Manimuthu says, ‘Digital transformation goes deeper. You introduce a loyalty program that tracks customer preferences, allowing you to offer personalised recommendations. You integrate a streamlined payment system, making transactions swift and secure.’
Business owners can move rapidly to having a full understanding of their customers – what they buy, when they buy, why they buy – and building customer satisfaction by offering the option to scan a QR code for a menu, or pay via an app. Suddenly, the bakery goes from a business that is located in one place, reliant on footfall, to something that can scale and even go worldwide.
Rewards and risks
For businesses, digital transformation is increasingly a case of ‘adapt or die’, with retail businesses shifting to e-commerce or traditional media outlets moving to digital. There is a very real risk of becoming the next Kodak or Blockbuster for many businesses.
But the rewards are great: having data on customers not only helps business leaders understand them, but offers business leaders a way to make more informed decisions, and can even spark innovations in a way a company works.
In cybersecurity terms, digital transformation carries risks – moving data to digital platforms or cloud services can increase the risks of data breaches, or inadequate cybersecurity practices such as insufficient access controls can leave systems vulnerable.
Connecting old legacy systems can sometimes lead to vulnerabilities, as can working with third-party vendors on cloud services. As a company switches to digital, there’s also a risk of employees not being trained so they might fall for phishing attacks – or use unapproved devices (this is known as ‘shadow IT’).
Why cybersecurity must be considered from day one
Cybersecurity cannot be an afterthought and must be considered at every stage of the digital transformation journey – and the growing number of transformations will drive the ever-increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Dr Manimuthu says that ‘baking in’ (to continue the bakery theme) cybersecurity is a ‘huge YES’, and that security has to be a fundamental consideration from the moment a business begins planning a digital transformation initiative.
He says that moving early on security allows organisations to address risks, and compliance standards around data security and privacy.
It can also be significantly cheaper than doing so ‘after the fact’ he says. Dr Manimuthu says, ‘It’s generally less expensive to build security into the design and architecture of systems from the beginning rather than trying to patch security flaws after implementation.’
Customers trust businesses with their data, so it’s also vital to think about how user data will be safeguarded. By doing so visibly, businesses can build trust with their consumers.
It’s also vital to have employees on board, too. Business leaders should foster a ‘ security-conscious culture’ from the beginning, educating staff on the rights and wrongs of cybersecurity.
Dr Manimuthu says, ‘Secure digital transformation is fundamentally both a people thing and a tech thing. The synergy between people and technology is where the strength of secure digital transformation lies. Even the most advanced technological solutions can be compromised if individuals within the organisation are not vigilant or if security awareness is lacking.’
Feeling inspired to pursue higher or further education to land yourself a career helping to drive secure digital transformations? Reach out to me to discuss further.