“Technology is best when it brings people together.” – Matt Mullenweg, Founding Developer, WordPress
Now seems like a good time to reflect on the last eight months; though I am not referring specifically to the global pandemic nightmare that just keeps giving or the heartbreaking loss of so many lives. I can’t help but think about the heroes – some more obvious than others.
I pay homage to the frontline caregivers – doctors, nurses, EMTs – who have put their own lives at risk to save so many others. I am in awe of the herculean efforts of epidemiologists and vaccine developers that remind me of a time when we as a country moved mountains and sent astronauts to the moon. I am inspired by the teachers who have pivoted more than once to make sure our kids are getting an education. And I give a huge nod to employers and businesses who keep on keeping on, despite lockdowns, shutdowns and downturns.
Literally everyone has stepped up to the plate in some way, even if only by putting one foot in front of the other and in believing that tomorrow is another day closer to a healthier world. It is pretty remarkable stuff and, while weary, we all should be extraordinarily proud of humanity’s perseverance as a whole.
But I must say, as a cybersecurity expert, I have never been more proud of my industry, the technology and the innovations that have kept businesses running, kept people working and kept data safe.
In a lot of ways, I feel like technology is a bit of an unsung hero in our current pandemic predicament. The cumulative innovation and advancements of the last several decades are such that many businesses were able to send entire teams to work from home in their sweat pants and pajamas.
Online management tools kept projects on track. Video chat capabilities let employers, employees, vendors and customers meet face to face, albeit virtually. Online retailers made it easy for consumers to purchase the goods they needed.
And all this – all this – was made possible by cybersecurity technology. VPN has allowed organizations to transmit data safely. Next-Gen Antivirus and Endpoint Detection & Response has monitored and mitigated cyber threats targeting our workplaces every second of the day! Multifactor Authentication has kept out many bad actors from messing with our stuff. And a myriad of other cybersecurity solutions have kept most industries chugging along at a strong, albeit altered, pace.
So while we enter into the next phase of the unknown, I take solace in knowing that, from a technology standpoint, we have the cybersecurity infrastructure and safety nets in place that support businesses and commerce, while providing a little comfort in a dangerous world.
And when pushed to the brink, amazing minds will create new ways for us to persevere.
Stig Ravdal is the President & Founder of Ravdal, Inc., a leading cybersecurity strategy and solutions company. He is widely considered an expert in the field and is available for speaking engagements.