The Indispensable Use of AI and the Future of IT Security
On October 23, 2024, numerous industry experts and executives gathered at the impressive Schloss Herrenhausen in Hanover to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Industrie Digital. The event, which attracted numerous high-profile speakers and many participants, was a complete success. One of the forums was moderated by Ron Kneffel, Head of IT Security at BREDEX, who led an exciting discussion on the topic of IT security with Martin Henhappel (Head of IT, Public Insurance Company of Braunschweig), Christoph Seffner (Managing Director, Avacon Data Center GmbH), and Sven Philipp Kalweit (Managing Director, KALWEIT IST GmbH).
Visionary Speeches and New Insights
A highlight of the program was the speech by Olaf Lies, Minister for Economic Affairs of Lower Saxony. Lies addressed the enormous changes that have taken place over the last ten years and emphasized the increasing speed at which this change is progressing. In his speech, he outlined the five key issues for the future: decarbonization, demographic change, digitalization, democracy, and cyber security. Lies called for more guidance and reliability in order to successfully exploit the opportunities presented by these changes and encouraged the use of AI. Dr. Volker Schmidt from Niedersachsen Metall praised the high level of willingness to embrace change in Lower Saxony, but emphasized that this must also lead to concrete implementation. In his speech, Jens Redmer from Google highlighted the enormous potential of AI. According to a study by the Cologne Institute for Economic Research, the effective use of AI in Germany could generate 330 billion euros in additional value.
IT Security as a Key Topic of Discussion
The importance of cybersecurity was particularly emphasized, as the number and complexity of cyberattacks is constantly increasing. A lack of understanding of security causes €178 billion in damage, which could often be easily avoided. Jens Redmer from Google pointed out that his company has to fend off over 200,000 cyberattacks every day and emphasized the need for robust security measures. Sven Philipp Kalweit, a renowned expert in the field of IT security, highlighted the risks that threaten small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular, and urged caution and the development of comprehensive emergency plans.
Ron Kneffel, moderator of the IT Security Forum, emphasized that effective IT security requires much more than just technical solutions. It is also important to raise awareness of the issue among both management and staff and to conduct regular emergency drills so that everyone is prepared in the event of an emergency. IT security can only be achieved as a team. He also emphasized that security does not have to be expensive; rather, the right knowledge about one’s own processes and the willingness to implement them is sufficient to take the first step. His central message at this point was “Doing is more powerful than wanting, and practice, practice, practice. You should know your risks in order to take appropriate measures to address them.
Opportunities and Risks of Outsourcing
The panel discussion focused in particular on the topic of outsourcing. The trend toward outsourcing offers many opportunities, but also risks. Outsourcing can save costs and increase efficiency, as well as enable 24/7 service, for example. However, it also shifts the risk, as the service provider can become a gateway for attacks.
Ron Kneffel, Head of IT Security at BREDEX, said: “60% of SMEs do not survive a cyberattack. Take advantage of the opportunities offered by outsourcing – but don’t do so haphazardly; do it consciously and with an exit strategy. Keep core competencies within the company and remain capable of acting!”
Practical Security Measures
With regard to IT security, Ron Kneffel argued that establishing an effective security system does not necessarily require high costs. Rather, it is a matter of understanding one’s own structures and risks and taking proportionate measures accordingly. Regular security drills, similar to fire drills, should be scheduled to increase crisis management skills.
Innovation and the Courage to Apply It
In an increasingly digitalized world, Germany is often seen as a “first follower.” But more courage is needed when it comes to innovation. This credo was a recurring theme in many of the day’s discussions and presentations.
Conclusion and Outlook
The anniversary of Industrie Digital not only provided a review of impressive technological developments, but also an outlook on the challenges of the next decade. By sharing valuable insights and practical strategies, especially in the field of IT security, we hope to pave the way for a safer and more innovative future.
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Maira Hübner
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