Harnessing innovations brought about by artificial intelligence poses new challenges for companies in managing the associated cyber risks. Thus, according to the specialists present at Cluj Connecting Day, the most important cybersecurity event in Transylvania, it is essential for all organisations to take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of cloud-hosted solutions, while maintaining a high level of enhanced security.
"Alarming statistics indicate that 85% of companies are not prepared to deal with a cyber attack. We face potentially serious consequences such as significant financial loss, theft of intellectual property, disruption of operations and loss of customer trust in the brands they buy from.
In this semi-hazardous landscape, the crucial role of IT managers and cyber security officers stands out. Data shows that 85% of IT executives are willing to invest in cybersecurity solutions in 2024.
Recent experiences, such as cyber attacks in areas such as healthcare, airlines, finance and banking or public institutions, remind us of the importance of robust cyber security. Only through education and expertise can we prevent such incidents and minimise their impact.
As an IT service provider, the BRINEL team has been involved in resolving critical situations generated by cyber attacks. A notable example is the case of a major distribution group in Romania, with over 50 warehouses and more than 1,000 employees, which fell victim to a ransomware attack. Through long efforts and an integrated approach, we managed to restore the company's operations, highlighting our ability to provide reliable and effective solutions. We can confidently assert ourselves as a solid alternative in such situations, but it is always wiser to prevent than to fix.
In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, it is imperative that we strengthen our protection capabilities and promote a culture of cyber security on a daily basis. In conclusion, investing in education and security technologies are the most effective weapons against cyber attacks", explained Andrei Savin, General Manager BRINEL.
"We can no longer live without technology, but it is important that it can be used in a safe way"
The need to focus on cybersecurity in the dynamic landscape of a multi-cloud world was also highlighted by Dorin Pena, Managing Director of Cisco Romania & CIS.
"Despite the fact that we have gone through periods of pandemic, of war, we have avoided, in Romania, entering a crisis. Although we are in a period of uncertainty and volatility, we cannot fail to notice a positive trend in our country. We have adapted to remote work, we have been able to access the medical system, we have a functioning education system.
It is certain that we can no longer live without technology, but it is important that it can be used in a safe way. Last but not least, let's move towards sustainability, towards what we leave to future generations," Pena said.
Innovation, the key to success in IT
Among the speakers at Cluj Connecting Day was Cătălina Niculiță, System Engineering Manager at Cisco, who spoke about the company's latest innovations. "High-performance software needs equivalent hardware, and the equipment we provide also saves electricity and heat.
Our Cisco Silicon One chipset is an AI network infrastructure that is revolutionising networking capabilities. The hardware can be changed from software, with speed, flexibility and great functionality. We haven't yet reached the level in the movie The Matrix, but we're trying to automate everything we can. New innovations will help us make the networks of the future a reality.
Răzvan Atimariti, Collaboration Lead Romania & CIS at Cisco, stressed the importance of connectivity in the hybrid work environment. "78% of people in the room say they work in this system, 70% use at least three online conferencing platforms.
90% of business meetings include at least one remote participant. That's why we provide meeting room booking systems, contact centric headsets, complex remote conferencing systems. All this equipment is made from recyclable materials, including the packaging in which it is delivered."
Over 100 specialists present at the event
The 5th edition of CLUJ CONNECTING DAY, organised by BRINEL and CISCO, managed to attract over 100 participants, presenting technology trends in AI and cyber security, solutions for infrastructure modernisation and easy adaptation to the new hybrid way of working, as well as ways to ensure NIS 2 compliance and news related to data protection and digital transformation.
The agenda included both debates on the latest industry trends as well as demo sessions and discussion meetings.
Speakers included Claudiu Boar - Networking Manager and Horațiu Cacovean - Chief Innovation Officer (BRINEL), Ovidiu Neghină - Cybersecurity Sales Specialist, Andrei Dorilă - Meraki Sales Specialist, Șerban Cozma - Systems Engineer, Ștefan Radu - Associate Systems Engineer (Cisco).
Article published in Transilvania Business.