This month we teamed up with a new-to-EFBC member, Matt Kaseeska, CEO of Net Works Consulting, to hear his thoughts on cyber security.

In 2022, it is redundant to say technology has changed every aspect of how we run our businesses. So, what’s next you ask? Guest contributor and new EFBC member Matt Kaseeska of Net Works Consulting Services shares his thoughts on why the health of your business is tied to your adoption of emerging technology and the importance of cybersecurity.

Deploying innovative technology solutions, such as artificial intelligence is crucial to retaining a competitive edge. Technology has always been necessary on a functional level — for tasks, communications, security, and so on. But these days, it can make or break your business. The ready adoption of emerging technology is simply a necessity for business growth and success.

The implementation of new digital technology can help accelerate progress toward business goals, such as financials, workforce diversity, and environmental targets. Companies that incorporate three or more emerging technologies reported growing net income 80% faster than non-adopters, according to Oracle.

To ensure you are in a position to take full advantage of emerging applications it is important to assess your current technology stack.

Top 5 Things a Tech Check Catches

From outdated solutions to cybersecurity that’s not up to the task, there are plenty of convincing reasons to discover where improvements could be made to your IT. A technology assessment will reveal:

1. Aging Solutions: If you haven’t updated in 6-12 months, you’re probably using at least one outmoded solution.
2. Decision-Making Lags: 75% of companies that use AI experienced an improvement in decision-making.
3. Old Equipment: New technology improves productivity, enhancing workflows.
4. Weak Security: Strong security is a must to avert cyberattacks, which average costing a company about $200,000.
5. Technological Deficits: A technology audit can identify areas that hold your team back.

Agility Matters

When it comes to your IT infrastructure, ask yourself if your technology enhances your ability to make data-driven decisions and if it provides value for your clients. Is it scalable? Do your employees have all of the tools they need to do their jobs successfully?

Agility is how prepared you are to adopt available technology innovations. To attain optimal agility, Forbes suggests you have a strategy with objectives, broad agreement on the technology path, IT processes in place and adaptable personnel who appreciate what new technology brings to the table.

While most executive managers believe agility to be important to their success, less than a third of executive managers believe their companies fit the profile, according to Project Management Institute.

Stay Ahead of the Cybersecurity Threat

The United States, Ukraine, the UK, and several other western nations have been the target of brazen Russian cyber operations in recent years. Hacking activity is anticipated to increase with the current unrest.

Cybersecurity is the protection of Internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from cyberattacks. Ensuring cybersecurity requires the coordination of efforts throughout the information system, which includes email, infrastructure, and network security as well disaster recovery/business continuity and operational security.

Russian hackers deploy many of the common types of cyberattacks used by domestic hackers. Cybersecurity threats you might have heard of before or perhaps encountered in the past include backdoors, phishing emails, ransomware, etc.

If you have yet to run a cybersecurity audit, now is a great time to do so.

About Matt:

Matt’s parent’s instilled in him the importance of hard work, honesty and delivering on what you promise. These principles have been carried over to his business. He created Net Works Consulting Resources based on transparency, simplicity and results. Over the past 25 years, Matt has led major companies forward with strategic IT leadership and transformed clients from a chaotic environment to a streamlined one that allowed for stability and growth.

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