Companies increasingly adopt innovative technologies to help streamline operations, engage customers, and empower employees. Nonetheless, these technologies also introduce new cyber risks that require mitigation.
Automation Tools
Intelligent automation tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning to automate repetitive back-office tasks. For example, optical character recognition scans and extracts data from documents automatically, rather than employees entering data manually. Chatbots manage routine customer service inquiries, enabling staff to focus on complex issues. Robotic process automation performs defined actions across multiple IT systems far faster than staff.
Benefits:
- Increased efficiency – automated tools complete repetitive tasks exponentially faster.
- Cost savings – reduces the need for additional headcount.
- Improved data quality – reduces human errors.
- Enhanced customer service – chatbots provide 24/7 self-service.
Risks:
- Integration issues – automation tools may not integrate well with existing IT infrastructure.
- Tuning complexity – extensive tuning required for robots to function optimally.
- Overreliance – employees become overly dependent on automation.
To maximize automation benefits while controlling risks, use a structured approach for selecting, testing, and monitoring tools. The experts at ISG-one.com recommend conducting security risk assessments pre- and post-implementation to confirm controls work as intended.
Unified Communication Platforms
Unified communication platforms merge multiple collaboration tools into one interface. This includes video conferencing, team messaging, file sharing, shared calendars and more. Employees can seamlessly shift between communication modes using a single tool. Leading options are cloud-based for convenience and mobility.
Benefits:
- Boosts team productivity – easier shift between messaging, calls and video meetings.
- Supports remote/hybrid work – platform accessible from any device in any location.
- Streamlined workflows – all key tools incorporated into one platform.
- Enhanced security – integrated security versus multiple platforms.
Risks:
- Dependence on the internet – cloud platforms rely on consistent, fast internet.
- Privacy issues – employees may over-share sensitive data.
- Difficulty separating work/personal life – accessible from personal devices.
Conducting security risk assessments ensures appropriate data protection controls govern platform usage. Training employees on responsible use also helps to mitigate risks.
Additional Risks of Innovative Technologies
While innovative technologies offer manifold benefits, some additional risks merit discussion. Automation tools and analytics rely heavily on quality data inputs and algorithms. If the underlying data or algorithms have biases or flaws, it propagates outputs that negatively impact decisions and performance. Overreliance on automated tools also de-skills employees over time. With unified communications platforms, inconsistent internet connectivity hampers accessibility. And remote work enabled by these platforms can foster communication issues or isolation among teams.
Advanced Analytics
Sophisticated analytics harness massive datasets and AI algorithms to uncover deep insights for strategic decision making. Analytics reveal customer preferences, guide product development, and predict future trends. Peculiarity analytics also help strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
Benefits:
- Identifies business opportunities – insights uncover unmet customer needs.
- Informs innovation – guides decisions on new products and business initiatives.
- Strengthens security – advanced analytics detect emerging cyber threats.
Risks:
- Inaccurate predictions – reliance on flawed analytics and algorithms.
- Biased outputs – algorithms propagate biases present in original data.
- Faulty recommendations – analytics provide improper guidance for key decisions.
Conducting rigorous testing and risk assessments around analytics usage limits exposure to these vulnerabilities. Be transparent about data collection, model assumptions and real-world applicability.
Conclusion
The workplace is increasingly technology-driven, which propels efficiencies but also risk. Companies can leverage innovative innovations to drive productivity and security by fully understanding solutions prior to adoption; implementing pragmatic usage policies and access controls aligned to business needs; training employees on responsible, secure usage; and continuously evaluating technology risks via recurring security assessments. With this comprehensive approach, businesses harness technology’s benefits while proactively controlling its risks.
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