The widespread use of the latest digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the internet of things (IoT), not only brings opportunities, but also nightmares. Why? On the one hand, the latest digital technologies can optimise productivity, enable new innovations, and cut operational processes in an organisation. But on the other hand, there are implications of being vulnerable to cyber-security issues if these technologies are not supported by a comprehensive system.
It is worth realising that the strength of the latest digital technologies is that these can allow a business to experience a high amount of growth in a short amount of time. The business’ reach can spread rapidly, connectivity is unlimited, and there is the potential to make progressive income. It is these factors that lure organisations into adopting the latest digital technology, without wanting to be left behind.
The multinational management consulting company, McKinsey & Company, in its research entitled “Unlocking Indonesia’s digital opportunity”[1] states that with the implementation of new digital technology, Indonesia could increase its economic growth to US$ 150 billion, or 10% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in 2025. Furthermore, a recent research report entitled “e-Conomy SEA 2019”, which was compiled by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Company, revealed that the level of digital economic growth in Indonesia had reached 49%, the highest in Southeast Asia.
The great opportunity for Indonesia’s digital economy going forward indeed presents positive prospects and golden opportunities. However, behind that golden opportunity, there are certainly still challenges that need to be faced. Without a good cyber-security system, this opportunity could turn into a nightmare.
Undeniably, along with the high growth of the digital economy, the demand for the need for cyber-security is also increasingly becoming of special concern. Especially when looking at the fact that in 2018 alone Indonesia was faced with more than 200 million cyber-attacks, which were mostly cases of hacking. This number is predicted to continue to rise along with the growth in digital connectedness in society, as seen from the increasing use of digital money, digital payments, and other digital business transactions. For this reason, as a business decision-maker, what must be done in order to anticipate cyber-security threats? The following three tips can be implemented by business decision-makers to assist in selecting the benefits of the latest digital technology and filtering out the challenges and threats that can arise:
Protection with Security Intelligence from the Outset
Business decision-makers or company executives need to implement security intelligence as early as possible, which can cover the entire operational cycle of the business. Security intelligence can be an innovative tool that enables new solutions to break down old walls. On the other hand, Security intelligence can also provide resources in terms of systems and experts to ensure that cyber-security is carried out properly. Often the implementation of advanced cyber protection just turns into a dream about a big project, without gradual implementation. Or conversely, security intelligence is only begun following a data breach. This must change and should be changed as soon as possible. The best cyber-security system lies with the right people.
The best cyber-security system lies with the right people
It can be said that pursuing the latest and greatest solutions to do with digital technology is the ambition of all business people today. However, what sort of cyber-security system should be adopted to support the latest digital technology? A cheap cyber-security system? Or should businesses be investing more money in these systems? Be it inexpensive cyber-security systems or investing hundreds of millions of dollars in cyber-security, one must realise that the majority of cyber-security problems stem from process issues related to people who are inadequate, whose competency has not been built up and people who have not been given supplementary education. Therefore, ensure that cyber-security protection in your business is implemented by considering the right people for the implementation of appropriate security processes and technologies.
Partnering with experts
Perhaps company policymakers think that they do not possess the expertise or internal resources that are qualified to implement new technology safely. In Indonesia alone, many companies offer managed security services to assist your company, but which one can be trusted? Only a small number of local managed security services in Indonesia use the most advanced technology, systems and security experts for customers. Therefore, as the best alternative, telkomtelstra, as a joint venture company between two telecommunications and technology solutions giants, Telkom and Telstra, is exploring a variety of advanced and trusted security solutions that will ensure the smooth adoption of emerging technologies for your business.
[1] McKinsey & Company research report entitled “Unlocking Indonesia’s digital opportunity”, which was released at the Mckinsey Indonesia Office, October 2016.