CIOs should always be on the lookout for the latest technology, but sometimes that poses a security risk. AI is often a culprit. It collects and stores huge amounts of data leaving it vulnerable. The technology can also use data to create personalized profiles putting customers at risk.

And AI isn’t the only point of contention. Any additional system requires special attention to ensure it doesn’t increase an organization’s risk. However, with the right strategy, you will find the perfect balance between security and innovation.

Protect Your Data

Ensure your data protection policy aligns with regulations like the GDPR, CCPA, and AI Act. Be familiar with each regulation and what it outlines to keep information safe and avoid fines and penalties.

Be especially vigilant on data collection, storage, usage, and disposal. Data should be encrypted to protect it from threats. Have systems in place to ensure no data is used without permission.

Research every tool before you bring it into your technology suite. Determine how effective it is in protecting data. Beware of tools that don’t offer transparent data practices.

Restrict Access

Restricting access ensures that only authorized personnel can access your data. Many organizations implement role-based access controls (RBAC) which restrict access based on the employee’s position in the company. These workers only have access to the information they need keeping systems safe from internal threats and human error.

RBAC also makes it easier to trace threats back to specific individuals so organizations can determine why they occurred.

Regular Updates

Organizations should continue to update their systems to ensure they are in line with the latest cybersecurity regulations. However, this should not be a set-it-and-forget-it process. We only need to remember CrowdStrike to understand why we need to pay greater attention to updates.

CIOs can avoid disruptions when implementing updates with slower rollouts. Monitor systems carefully after every update. Avoid setting systems for automated updates that can cause security and functional issues.

Train Your Workforce

Organizations concerned about cybersecurity (and which aren’t?) should train their workforce to ensure they implement safe practices throughout departments and at every stage of business. Safety training should be scheduled regularly to ensure workers are up to date on the latest threats and policies. Teams should also establish a protocol to follow if threats arise so the organization can pivot, remain functional, and reduce threat impact.

Create Guidelines

Beyond training, organizations may consider creating guidelines employees can follow when using high-threat systems. This process can be especially effective for AI, but it may also apply to other technologies. Guidelines should be created with input from all departments and should be updated regularly.

Assess Risks and Prioritize Innovation

CIOs should assess risks when adopting new systems. They must weigh the pros and cons, specifically in terms of cybersecurity and innovation. Consider how much of a risk the new system will pose vs how much it will contribute to the organization.

These metrics will help you determine the best systems for your company.

Budget Accordingly

Balancing innovation and cybersecurity can come down to budgeting. How much does your company spend on new technology, and how much does it spend on cybersecurity? Organizations have different needs and it’s not necessary to dedicate equal budgets to innovation and cybersecurity. However, budgeting for each will help you achieve a well-balanced system.

Consider Cloud Technology

Cloud technology is becoming more popular in the modern business world. Unlike AI, it supports cybersecurity. It allows companies to try out new technologies without significant financial investments. The cloud also offers secure features like updates and backups.

Build an Agile Culture

Be aware that some technologies may not be right for your company based on risk and other factors. Organizations that remain agile will not feel a substantial impact when discovering that newly integrated technology does not deliver the results they hoped for. They will have backups in place so they can easily adapt and pivot.

Continuous Monitoring

CIOs can never be too careful when adopting new systems. Risk can raise its head at any time due to new threats and evolving technologies. Teams must monitor systems carefully throughout their lifetimes to ensure risk is addressed at every stage.

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