AI/ML

MSSP Alert Live: Are Humans Really the Weakest Security Link?

Gen AI impact on awareness training

We've been told for years -- even decades -- that humans are the "weakest link" in any organization's cybersecurity defenses. We've also been told that artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer in cybersecurity, and that technological solutions (including AI) are needed to finally fix the flaws, fill the gaps, identify and mitigate the vulnerabilities that threaten today's digital landscape.

[Register here to attend the full MSSP Alert Live event and explore the full agenda.]

But while there might be elements of truth in both of these assertions, they aren't entirely true, nor are they mutually exclusive. In fact, organizations need to leverage humans and AI to develop, build and maintain a comprehensive security strategy.

Ken Fanger, founder and president of Cleveland, Ohio-based On Technology Partners, will address this topic in his session, Humanizing Security: AI is Not Enough, at this year's MSSP Alert Live event, held October 14-16 in Austin, Texas.

Losing the Cybersecurity War

Are we losing our cybersecurity war? The answer is "Yes!" Every year, the number of cybersecurity breaches continues to increase and the cost of those breaches grows exponentially. This is not a sign of a winning strategy, Fanger explains.

"We are losing the cyber war. Each year, the number of attacks and financial and personal loss increase. We need to change!” he said. In his session, Fanger will explore how the digital landscape has changed, and how we have created an adversarial environment that is hindering our ability to protect our clients and increase engagement.

Humans Aren't the Weak Link

He'll also be talking about how the hype around AI and the belief that "users are the weakest link" is actually counterproductive and how it's hurting your business and your customers.

In addition, attendees will learn:

  • How increased user engagement helps to protect and recover from cyberattacks
  • Why AI and “users are the weakest link” are actually hurting you and your customers
  • What the SpocInator is and how it is disrupting your cybersecurity

If the relationship between AI and cybersecurity is on your mind, then you’ll want to register here to attend MSSP Alert Live, and don't miss Fanger's speaker session, Humanizing Security: AI is Not Enough.

“If we think, ‘we can’t patch stupid,’ we have already lost our users," Fanger said. “Humans are not the weakest link, they are the reason we exist. Learn how we should treat them will determine how successful we will be.”

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Sharon Florentine

Sharon is a master technology storyteller and editor with omnichannel experience: books and print magazines, digital, webcast, blogging, podcast, live events and video and associated brand-specific social media content. From 1999 to 2003, she acquired and edited technology books and certification exam prep guides.

After a year spent in publicity and editorial at mass-market book publishers, she returned to tech publishing and, since 2004, explored B2C and B2B news, issues and trends in consumer, lifestyle, software, software development, AI, ML, networks, big data, hardware, security, storage, cloud, equity, inclusion, diversity, women in tech, career development, IT management, H-1B visa issues and immigration, education, training and learning.

Her previous role was as the managing editor at Techstrong Group in charge of Cloud Native Now, DevOps.com, Security Boulevard and Techstrong ITSM and their brand-specific social media. She currently serves as editorial director for CyberRisk Alliance’s channel brands, ChannelE2E and MSSP Alert and acting editorial director for SC Media UK. Drop me a note and let’s talk!

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