In this episode, Jeff Baker, Chief Technology Officer at Socium Solutions, joined us as a guest speaker, bringing his expertise in small business coaching and advising. Jeff understands the challenges that come with running a startup or small business, and he delivered some invaluable advice for all aspiring entrepreneurs out there.
First and foremost, Jeff emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to streamline operations while maintaining a strong focus on cybersecurity. With the increasing number of devices and complex networks in organizations, Jeff highlighted the need for artificial intelligence (AI) to establish baseline behaviors and detect abnormal activities. While AI can bring attention to anomalies, Jeff stressed that human decision-making is crucial in dealing with these exceptions.
Jeff opened up about his experience in starting a cyber company (Socium Solutions), which offers outsourced managed IT services. This venture brought stability through recurring revenue, enabling him to reassess his next steps and expand his expertise further.
During our conversation, Jeff also touched on the fascinating topic of automation and its impact on various industries. We discussed the challenges of relying solely on automated systems and losing important manual backups. Jeff stressed the importance of leadership, problem-solving skills, and finding the right balance between technology and human expertise.
Additionally, we delved into the issues faced by the oil and gas industry in terms of cybersecurity. Outdated code bases and vulnerabilities in key applications were brought to light, raising concerns about potential breaches and the need for better security measures. Jeff shared some eye-opening stories from his experiences in this industry and how critical it is to prioritize protection against worst-case scenarios.
Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way. And remember, together we can conquer any challenge!