Materials.Business Newsletter ⚙️October 10th, 2024
Podcast Guest: Rajiv Seeras
Video in English you can add subtitles in any language - see below to learn how!
In this episode of Material Business, host Monica Hernandez welcomes Rajiv Seeras, a cybersecurity expert with over 20 years of experience. Rajiv shares his journey from Mauritius to Canada and offers deep insights into how the cybersecurity landscape has evolved. He emphasizes the importance of protecting businesses with little or no cybersecurity maturity through a focus on people, processes, and technology. The discussion highlights both emerging and traditional threats, the staggering financial toll of cybercrime, and practical solutions for safeguarding digital assets.
Rajiv shows a lot of amazing graphics in the podcast which you can vision on our YouTube channel.
Key Discussion Points:
Cybersecurity's Evolving Threats: Rajiv highlights how cybercriminals are no longer just targeting systems but are focusing on people, often the weakest link in cybersecurity. With techniques like phishing emails, voice cloning, and the exploitation of IoT devices, individuals are increasingly becoming the point of vulnerability.
"Cybersecurity isn't just about protecting technology; it's about securing the people behind the systems."
The Financial Toll of Cybercrime: Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This staggering figure underscores the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the increasing number of targets, from individuals to enterprises.
"Businesses must take cybersecurity seriously—one breach can lead to catastrophic losses."
Emerging Threats: AI, IoT, and Blockchain: As AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies rise, so do the vulnerabilities associated with them. IoT devices, in particular, often come with weak or no security features, creating new risks. Rajiv explains how these technologies, while revolutionary, introduce novel attack vectors that companies must be prepared for. The convenience of IoT comes at a price—security must be part of every technological innovation.
The Shift from Perimeter-Based to Perimeter-less Networks: Traditional security models focused on protecting the physical office perimeter. However, with remote work, data is now dispersed across devices and cloud platforms. This shift requires a new approach, where data security must follow employees wherever they are. With remote work here to stay, we need to rethink security—it’s no longer just about protecting the office.
Mitigating Human Error in Cybersecurity: Human error accounts for roughly 95% of cyber attacks, with mistakes like clicking on malicious links or using weak passwords being common. Rajiv emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and training, coupled with practical tools like password managers and two-factor authentication (2FA), to reduce this risk.
"No matter how advanced our systems become, human error remains the greatest threat to cybersecurity."
Real-Time Cyber Threats and the Importance of Awareness: Rajiv shares a live cyber threat map during the episode, demonstrating how quickly and frequently cyber attacks happen. He reinforces the importance of real-time awareness and multi-layered security strategies that integrate people, processes, and technology. Seeing the live threat map is a wake-up call—cybersecurity needs to be proactive, not reactive.
The conversation between Monica Hernandez and Rajiv Seeras sheds light on the complex world of cybersecurity in today's technology-driven world. From the human element to the challenges posed by new technologies like AI and IoT, Rajiv emphasizes that cybersecurity is not just a technical issue but a human one. Protecting people, creating strong processes, and leveraging the right technology are all crucial for businesses to stay ahead of evolving threats.
#CyberSecurity #AI #InternetOfThings #CyberAwareness #TechTrends #CyberThreats #DigitalSafety #BusinessProtection #RemoteWorkSecurity #SecurityBestPractices #Cybercrime #CyberProtection
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With over 15 years in cybersecurity, Rajiv Seeras is a leading expert known for his exceptional cybersecurity awareness training across finance, banking, and retail sectors. Certified in CISSP and CISM, he has collaborated with over 100 international clients to address diverse cybersecurity challenges. Rajiv’s practical approach equips participants with essential skills to counter evolving threats. He is also the author of "Last Words of the Magnate," sharing his visionary insights into leadership.
October 10th - Mental Health Day
On this Mental Health Day, we want you to know that you are not alone. If you need someone to talk to, we’re here to listen. Reach out to someone (yes, you can call us anytime)!
Even if you are a client, a supplier, a friend, a coworker... no judgement. Please don't feel you need to do this alone!
Here are some important mental health support resources in Canada:
Talk Suicide Canada: Call 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645.
Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
Hope for Wellness Help Line (for Indigenous Peoples): Call 1-855-242-3310 or use the online chat at Hope for Wellness.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for immediate support12.
These resources are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
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If you are watching the episode on YouTube, you can translate to almost ANY language, here is how:
- Open any video on YouTube.
- Click the CC button so it is underlined in red.
- Click the Settings (Gear) Button.
- Click Subtitles.
- Click Auto-translate.
- Choose a Language.
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Partnerships!
Our partnership with three like-minded organizations dedicated to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in STEM is a big part of our daily work at Infinity Growth and Materials.Business. These organizations, located in the UK, Germany, and Edmonton, empower and equip minorities to excel in STEM fields. We are proud supporters of their mission and initiatives, take a look at their profiles! #EquityInSTEM #DiversityAndInclusion #STEMEducation #GlobalPartnerships #Empowerment
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