Q&A with Lisa Ventura

Exclusive Trusted Magazine Q&A with Lisa Ventura ,MBE, Founder @Cyber Security Unity

How could you describe your career path in a few words?

I transitioned into cyber security in 2009 from the entertainment industry and since then I have been undertaking cyber security awareness training and cyber security consultancy work. I’m the Founder Cyber Security Unity, formerly the UK Cyber Security Association, a global community organisation that is dedicated to bringing individuals and organisations together who actively work in cyber security to help combat the growing cyber threat. In addition, I am a speaker, writer and mindset and mental health coach with my expertise being sought to help and support to those who are neurodiverse and affected by stress, burnout, bullying/abuse and mental health issues in the cyber security and Infosec industries. In June 2023 I was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list for services to cyber security and diversity and inclusion.

What are the highlights of the key digital innovation trends for 2023? Can you give us some major examples?

I’ve seen several key innovation trends shaping the way businesses and individuals interact with technology. These trends are revolutionizing various industries and transforming the digital experience. Some of these include the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) which has been a significant driving force behind many technological breakthroughs. This year AI applications have come to the forefront like never before and are impacting sectors such as healthcare, finance, customer service and manufacturing. AI-powered virtual assistants, chatbots, and image recognition systems are becoming more accurate and intuitive.

Extended Reality, which includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR), reached new heights of maturity in 2023. Businesses harnessed XR technologies for employee training, virtual meetings, product visualization, and entertainment purposes. The increased adoption of XR devices and platforms enhanced user experiences and blurred the lines between physical and digital realms.

With the deployment of 5G networks in many regions, the digital landscape witnessed a massive transformation. 5G's ultra-fast and low-latency connectivity paved the way for new applications and services. This technology facilitated advancements in areas like autonomous vehicles, remote healthcare, and smart infrastructure.

And finally, while still in its early stages, quantum computing showed remarkable progress in 2023. Organizations invested heavily in quantum research, aiming to solve complex problems that were previously infeasible for classical computers. Quantum computing's potential breakthroughs could significantly impact fields like drug discovery, cryptography, and optimization.

With all these key advances, as the digital landscape expanded, so did the importance of cyber security. In 2023, there were significant advancements in cyber security measures including AI-driven threat detection, improved encryption techniques, and decentralized identity management solutions. These innovations aimed to safeguard sensitive data and protect against emerging cyber threats.

Based on your experiences, what are the impactful trends in digital innovation that are becoming more important in the context of 2023?

There are a few impactful trends this year in digital innovation that are becoming increasingly important across various sectors.

As previously mentioned, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly one of the most impactful trends in 2023, but there is also the Internet of Things (IoT) which has also taken centre stage this year. Privacy and data security have become increasingly significant in the digital world, and with the growing volume of data that is collected and processed, concerns about data breaches and misuse of data have escalated. As a result, innovations in cyber security have gained traction this year as well. Companies are investing in advanced encryption methods, multi-factor authentication, and AI-driven threat detection systems to safeguard sensitive information from cyber-attacks.

The push for sustainability and green technology has also become a prominent trend in 2023. With a greater focus on environmental responsibility, businesses are adopting eco-friendly practices and technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. Renewable energy solutions, energy-efficient data centers, and sustainable product design are some of the ways companies are aligning with global sustainability goals.

In your opinion, how can they create high value for organizations?

These key digital trends observed so far this year offer immense potential for organizations to create high value and gain a competitive advantage. By harnessing the power of AI for data-driven decision-making and personalized experiences, leveraging IoT for real-time insights and improved efficiency, investing in robust cyber security to protect sensitive data, and adopting sustainable practices to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, businesses can use these to position themselves for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.