Technology
Will your network let down your AI strategy?
Published
4 weeks agoon
By
admin
Rob Quickenden, CTO at Cisilion
As companies start to evaluate how they can use AI effectively, there is a clear need to ensure your network is up to the challenges of AI first. AI applications are going to require your data to be easily accessible and your network will need to be able to handle the huge compute needs of these new applications. It will also need to be secure enough at all points of access for the different applications to end users’ different devices. If your network isn’t reliable, readily available and secure it is likely going to fail.
In Cisco’s 2023 Networking Report 41% of networking professional across 2,500 global companies said that providing secure access to applications distributed across multiple cloud platforms is their key challenge, followed by gaining end-to-end visibility into network performance and security (37%).
So, what can you do to make your network AI ready?
First, you need to see AI as part of your digital transformation, then you need to look at where you need it and where you don’t. Jumping on the bandwagon and implementing AI for the sake of it isn’t the way forward. You need to have a clear strategy in place about where and how you are going to use AI. Setting up an AI taskforce to look at all aspects of your AI strategy is a good first step. They need to be able to identify how AI can help transform your business processes and free up time to focus on your core business. At the same time, they need to make sure your infrastructure can handle your AI needs.
Enterprise networks and IT landscapes are growing more intricate every day. The demand for seamless connectivity has skyrocketed as businesses expand their digital footprint and hybrid working continues. The rise of cloud services, the Internet of Things (IoT), and data-intensive applications have placed immense pressure on traditional network infrastructures and AI will only increase this burden. AI requires much higher levels of compute power too. The challenge lies in ensuring consistent performance, security, and reliability across a dispersed network environment.
Use hybrid and multi-cloud to de-silo operations
According to Gartner’s predictions, by 2025, 51% of IT spending will shift to the cloud. Underscoring the importance of having a robust and adaptable network infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate with cloud services. This is even more important with AI as it needs to access data from different locations and sources across your business to be successful. For example, AI often requires data from different sources to train models and make predictions. A company that wants to develop an AI system to predict customer churn may need to access data from multiple sources such as customer demographics, purchase history and social media activity.
IT teams need to make sure that they are using hybrid cloud and multi-cloud to de-silo operations to bring together network and security controls and visibility and allow for easy access to data. Where businesses use multiple cloud providers or have some data on-premise, they need to be reviewing how that data will be used and so how to access it across departments.
Install the best security and network monitoring
It’s clear that as we develop AI for good, there is also a darker side weaponizing AI to create more sophisticated cyber-attacks. Businesses need end-to-end visibility into their network performance and security and to be able to provide secure access to applications distributed across multiple cloud platforms. This means having effective monitoring tools in place and the right layers of security – not only at the end user level but also across your network at all access points.
Being able to review and test the performance of your SaaS based applications will also be key to the success of your AI solutions. AI requires apps to work harder and faster so tasting their speed, scalability and stability, and ensuring they are up to the job and can perform well under varying workloads is important.
Secure Access Service Edge
The best way to ensure your network security is as good as it can be is to simplify your tools and create consistency by using Secure Access Service Edge (SASE). This is an architecture that delivers converged network and security as service capabilities including SD-WAN and cloud native security functions such as secure web gateways, cloud access security brokers, firewall as-a-service, and zero-trust network access. SASE delivers wide area network and security controls as a cloud computing service directly to the source of connection rather than at the data centre which will protect your network and users more effectively.
SD-WAN connectivity
If you haven’t already, extending your SD-WAN connectivity consistently across multiple clouds to automate cloud-agnostic connectivity and optimise the application experience is a must. It will enable your organisation to securely connect users, applications and data across multiple locations while providing improved performance, reliability and scalability. SD-WAN also simplifies the management of WANs by providing centralised control and visibility over the entire network.
As we head towards the new era of AI, cloud is the new data centre, Internet is the new network, and cloud offerings will dominate applications. By making sure your network is AI ready, by adopting a cloud-centric operating model, having a view of global Internet health and the performance of top SaaS applications, IT teams will be able to implement their company’s AI strategy successfully.
Finance
In 2024, payments will evolve to broaden accessibility
Published
2 days agoon
December 1, 2023By
admin
Attributed to Roy Aston, COO at Paysafe.
As we look to 2024 and beyond, businesses will need to adapt experiences to changing consumer needs and demands, working with payments providers to increase accessibility, offer broader choice, and more.
We break down some the forces driving evolution in payments over the coming years.
Payments need to be available to everyone, everywhere
Regardless of their location or situation, consumers do not want to wait when it comes to payments. The proliferation of smart devices has given users access to everything, all at once, and this is also expected when making transactions.
In 2024, banks and financial institutions will continue to push ahead with this journey to offer smooth, secure payments to everyone, everywhere, delivering services at the lowest possible barrier to entry. This also means ensuring consumers, even those that are unbanked or underbanked, have access to remittances and cross-border payments.
The first step in achieving this goal will be to improve reliability, security and availability, which may see traditional payment methods like debit and credit cards – still the most popular payment methods – become less dominant, while alternative payment methods (APM) like eCash and digital wallets will grow.
This is because, with the right payment provider, merchants can ensure these APMs are available anywhere in the world – eCash, for example, does not require a bank account to use. In addition, digital wallets and online cash can offer swift, secure transactions, helping users overcome security issues by not requiring them to enter their financial details.
Financial companies will embrace collaboration in 2024
While businesses can address consumer payment concerns using APMs, they must also look to bolster their own defences as the threat landscape changes. Increasingly advanced technology, like AI models, are now accessible to far more people, including threat actors.
To combat this escalating threat, it’ll be no surprise to see more financial companies collaborate in 2024 as they seek to improve cyber risk mitigation. This makes perfect sense – and would be a positive step for the industry – though it is easier said than done.
Businesses must share data legally, while aimed toward a positive purpose, rather than for pure profit. For example, if a financial organisation gains intelligence on a cyber group, they could share this with other companies to protect against bad money movement.
Ideally, collaboration could help improve anti-fraud, anti-money laundering, and cyber security measures, and more broadly reduce risk for businesses and consumers alike. But first, thinking around data governance may need to change.
Existing trends will evolve
While exciting new trends will emerge in 2024, we’ll also see the evolution of some that have yet to reach their full potential.
Embedded payments, for example, will continue to develop, with more businesses bringing together financial products with features like loyalty schemes to offer more added value to consumers.
Decentralised finance, too, should continue to build momentum in 2024. While decentralised finance, and specifically NFTs, have faced challenges this past year, it will be no surprise to see companies get to grips with changing regulatory requirements and continue to build in this area.
Open banking could also see a big 2024, with more APIs becoming available, and companies starting to develop new solutions to enhance customer experience and reduce friction in the payment ecosystem.
And while evolution rather than revolution is a necessity in technology, it’s always exciting to look ahead to the big trends that could shape the future – perhaps not in the year ahead, but beyond.
The future is quantum
Quantum computing is a trend that is as exciting as it is potentially frightening. Able to perform computations that are exponentially faster than ever before, quantum computing represents a new frontier and it will be thrilling to see how it is used in the years ahead.
Combined with AI, for example, quantum computing could optimise processes at a speed and scale never seen before – with serious benefits passed onto consumers.
In the nearer term, however, ensuring payments are available and accessible for everyone must remain the focus in 2024.
Technology
How to protect your business from the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks
Published
2 days agoon
December 1, 2023By
admin
Suhaib Zaheer SVP, Managed Hosting at Digital Ocean & GM, Cloudways
In an age where technology drives business operations, the threat of sophisticated cyberattacks looms over organisations of all sizes. From stealthy ransomware attacks to intricately orchestrated phishing schemes, the arsenal of online adversaries is expanding. Cyberattacks were listed as one of the biggest threats to the UK in the 2023 risk register. Added to this, 97 people per hour fall victim to cyberattacks. The threat of a cyberattack not only jeopardises businesses and their valued employees but also poses a significant risk to their customers. A breach of security has the power to decimate an organisation’s hard-earned reputation and impose severe financial distress.
Today, safeguarding your business against the rising tide of sophisticated cyber threats is no longer a choice. This article explores actionable ways to fortify your business’s defences, empowering you to navigate threats with resilience.
Navigating the cybersecurity landscape
Over the past few of years, the widespread adoption of remote work practices surged, consequently exposing businesses, particularly SMBs to elevated cybersecurity risks.

Suhaib Zaheer
Before remote work, businesses could dictate strict rules governing the access points for critical documents. Company computers were tethered to office desks, seamlessly connected to in-house servers. The primary concern for management teams was fortifying the office server and upholding computer security.
Fast forward to today, and the workforce is no longer confined to office walls but spans cities, and even countries. This shift brings a twofold challenge—exposing vulnerabilities in servers and individual computers. Added to this, the intricacies of data protection laws differ in each country. Companies must equip teams with secure technology that provides enterprise-grade security to protect against hackers and sophisticated threats.
The challenge lies in not only supporting dispersed workforces but doing so without compromising the sanctity of sensitive information in a world where data security must align with international legal intricacies.
Fortifying small businesses
Small business owners find themselves particularly susceptible to security and privacy threats due to their limited resources, which often translates into inadequate cybersecurity measures compared to their larger counterparts. Even if resources are limited, business owners can safeguard against security pitfalls by implementing well-defined security procedures in collaboration with their employees – making it everybody’s responsibility.
Building customer trust hinges on the assurance that their information is secure when interacting with a company’s website. Recognising the pivotal role of customer trust in the sales process underscores the critical need for businesses to make cybersecurity a top priority.
Prepare for future threats
Outdated technology remains a vulnerability for businesses, as the repetitive and resource-intensive nature of updating website security opens avenues for human error. Solutions capable of automatically detecting updates, executing secure backups, and enhancing security procedures alleviate this burden, eliminating the need for manual maintenance.
AI is capable of handling laborious tasks as it analyses data for anomalies, swiftly detecting and flagging abnormalities for cybersecurity teams to address. AI-powered solutions also automate time-consuming processes, securely updating websites and backing up data, enhancing overall efficiency.
Critical features for website resilience also include the ability to manage traffic surges seamlessly. Optimising bandwidth capacity minimises friction during peak periods, ensuring responsive handling of heavy traffic loads. Crucially, automated technology that adjusts bandwidth capacity during traffic surges prevents system failures and unauthorised access.
Additionally, businesses can safeguard against security pitfalls by implementing well-defined emergency procedures in collaboration with their employees. The urgency instilled in employees when they receive seemingly urgent demands from their employers creates a vulnerable juncture that cyberattackers exploit, seizing the opportunity to pilfer information and gain access to sensitive data.
Furthermore, business owners must invest in robust security measures, implement secure payment gateways, and educate users on mobile security practices to build trust and safeguard information. Staying abreast of the evolving security landscape and adapting cybersecurity strategies to meet changing customer expectations are crucial for business success.
As we move towards a new year, it is clear that businesses need to ensure that security is a top priority. Cybercriminals will continue to use new technologies to launch ever more effective and creative cyberattacks, so businesses need to ensure that they are working to protect their data with a similar level of ferocity. This will be a key aspect of supporting business growth and success in the future.
Magazine
Trending


Revolutionizing Risk: Innovative Derivatives to Support the Evolution of Commercial Space
By Grant Gryska, Co-Founder and Director of Markets at Allocation.Space The space economy continues to expand rapidly, crossing $500bn...


How technology can help win the war on financial crime
By Andrew Doyle, CEO of AML compliance software, NorthRow Financial crime is on the rise and the stats are...


In 2024, payments will evolve to broaden accessibility
Attributed to Roy Aston, COO at Paysafe. As we look to 2024 and beyond, businesses will need to adapt...


2024 Payments Predictions
Alan Irwin, Vice President of Product & Solutions Europe, Global Payments: Open banking in 2024 will be all about the...


How to protect your business from the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks
Suhaib Zaheer SVP, Managed Hosting at Digital Ocean & GM, Cloudways In an age where technology drives business operations, the...


Increasing the visibility of assets: How will businesses track assets in 2024
Liam Reid, Technology and Innovation Director at The Barcode Warehouse There is a growing trend towards using device tracking...


Why asset management comms are samey and boring, and what you can do about it.
Tom Knox, Executive Partner at MullenLowe In asset management standardised communications seem to be a given. Our recent semiotic...


Unified ticketing: how can transport stakeholders ensure interoperability?
Arnaud Depaigne, Product Manager – Smart Mobility, and Taoufik Sakhi, VP Deputy – Technical Advisory at Fime Public Transport...


Is social housing at breaking point? How to tackle the social housing crisis in the UK
By Julie Thompson, Head of Tenant Liaison, Assisted Living Project The housing market is facing a huge upheaval with inflation rising...


Everybody wins with new Consumer Credit regulations as borrowing soars
By Mike Ward, Executive Chairman of Armalytix Why the FCA’s new regulations for the consumer credit sector are a...


CFOs: Want to reduce stock levels and improve margins in 2024?
Rob Shaw, SVP and General Manager EMEA, Fluent Commerce If any one word could encapsulate 2023, it would be...


Provenir and Trustfull Agree Global Partnership
Trustfull and Provenir to deliver innovative risk decisioning using digital footprints via new global partnership. Trustfull, the digital risk decisioning...


Driving Transformation in the Financial Sector: The Impact of AI in Finance
Wilson Chan, CEO of Permutable AI In the dynamic landscape of financial evolution, AI is a major disruptor, a...


Why financial brands should experiment to effectively innovate
by CJ Daniel-Nield, Co-Founder at digital product studio Planes The financial sector is experiencing a surge in innovation through product....


Consumers are ready to switch, are you ready to keep them?
Amanda Silcock, Senior Director, Client Success The current economic climate has meant that people across the UK have been...


Hype, Hysteria & Hope: AI’s Evolutionary Journey and What it Means for Financial Services
Written by Gabriel Hopkins, Chief Product Officer at Ripjar Almost a year to the day since ChatGPT launched, the...


Exploring the intricate link between commodity prices and forex markets
Many investors have dabbled in the world of commodities and/or forex trading. But few understand the intricate link between the...


Five predictions for digital service offerings in the UK in 2024
Mike Kiely, Regional Senior Director at IDnow With the rise of ChatGPT, the topics of fraud and deepfakes entered...


Non-bank financial intermediation: in turbulent times, how can incumbents manage risk?
By Muzammil Shabudin, UKI Risk CxP Advisory Lead at SAS UK & Ireland It’s safe to say the banking...


Rigby Capital unveils a new era of ESG-led IT financing
Simon Everidge, Managing Director of Rigby Capital UK A new collaboration between Rigby Capital, its sister company SCC, the...

Revolutionizing Risk: Innovative Derivatives to Support the Evolution of Commercial Space

How technology can help win the war on financial crime

In 2024, payments will evolve to broaden accessibility

2024 Payments Predictions

How to protect your business from the rise of sophisticated cyberattacks

Increasing the visibility of assets: How will businesses track assets in 2024

PCI DSS v.4.0 Latest Updates That You Need to Know

RBI’s MASTER DIRECTION ON DIGITAL PAYMENTS SECURITY CONTROLS

EMV® 3-D SECURE: ENABLING STRONG CUSTOMER AUTHENTICATION

HOW TO SIMPLIFY IDENTIFICATION IN THE GLOBAL DIGITAL ECONOMY WITH THE LEI

EXEGER – CHANGING THE PERCEPTION OF POWER

FUTURE FX PROMO
Trending
-
Business5 days ago
Consumers are ready to switch, are you ready to keep them?
-
Business3 days ago
CFOs: Want to reduce stock levels and improve margins in 2024?
-
News3 days ago
Provenir and Trustfull Agree Global Partnership
-
Finance3 days ago
Driving Transformation in the Financial Sector: The Impact of AI in Finance