Huge potential in new technologies – "You should invest in digital security before you have to"

Digital security is no longer just a technical requirement, but an important strategic factor for businesses and organisations. It will ensure the continuity, growth and competitiveness of operations and strengthen the national security of supply and security. 

The successful people of the future know how to anticipate changes and dare to invest in new technologies, partnerships and expertise in time.

"New technologies are always both a threat and an opportunity. Currently, the focus is mainly on opportunities. Still, we do not pay the necessary attention to what kind of threats they bring with them and how they should be prepared," says Harri Suni, Digia´s Vice President, Defence & Security.

Suni sees opportunities in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can accelerate the development of new services and business models. These technologies free up resources for more complex and creative work and enable the automation of routines.

This means that, despite the financially challenging times, investing in new technologies can be very profitable very quickly.

"However, alongside the opportunities, the risks also increase. For example, AI systems can expose you to manipulation, data leaks and algorithm biases," Suni says. 

New technologies can strengthen digital security

Fortunately, new technologies offer effective ways to develop digital security.

For example, AI can analyse vast amounts of data in real time and identify patterns that may indicate a cyberattack even before the situation escalates. AI can react automatically to threats, such as isolating an infected device from the network, blocking malicious traffic, or updating firewall rules. 

This is particularly important for protecting critical digital infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of organisations' operations.

In addition, AI and other new technologies help to automatically identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in systems and applications, allowing them to be patched before attackers can exploit them.

This is particularly important for protecting critical digital infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of organisations' operations.

Technological disruption challenges us to think about digital security

The everyday functioning of society and citizens is increasingly dependent on digital systems and services. This increases reliance on technology and makes society more vulnerable to various disruptions.

AI can create more sophisticated cyberattacks and deepfakes and enhance social engineering.

In the future, quantum technology will be an even greater threat to current encryption methods. 

Disruptive technologies are not just tools; they significantly change how organisations think, act, and interact with their environment. 

"In the case of new systems, digital security and security of supply must be built into them from the very beginning," Suni says.

Disruptive technologies are not just tools; they significantly change how organisations think, act, and interact with their environment. They require strategic visionary thinking, the ability to lead change, and continuous learning.

"Every organisation needs a competent partner to ensure its own digital security. A partner who tells you how new technologies are the most useful and safest to use," Suni says.

The time to invest is now 

Our security environment is no longer changing in stages but continuously: geopolitical tensions, economic instability, cyber threats, technological disruptions, and rapid legislation updates are the new normal that affect organisations' operations.

Various disturbances and being attacked are now almost more likely than nothing happening.

Preparing for all of this today is a prerequisite for existence tomorrow.

Therefore, managing information security is no longer enough to ensure organisations' continuity and competitiveness; all areas of digital security must be considered: data, critical infrastructure, risk and disruption management, regulation, people, and ecosystems.

Suni estimates that Finnish companies could be at the forefront of technological development regarding preparedness and preparedness.

"We have the expertise and ability to prepare for potential threats. Organisations operating in sectors critical to the security of supply should set an example in investing in digital security," he says.

Suni emphasises the importance of continuous proactivity, monitoring technological development and cooperation.

"We are now talking about AI, machine learning and quantum computing. But what new technologies will we be using in three or five years, and what kind of threats they may pose?" he asks.

Operative management must make long-term plans and look beyond the next quarter.

"Preparing for all of this today is a prerequisite for existence tomorrow. Successful people invest in their digital security before they have to."