London, 25th June 2024 – The ALSO UK Cloud Summit 2024 brought together leading security experts and industry professionals to discuss the transformative impact of generative AI (GenAI) on British small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As GenAI continues to revolutionise the tech landscape, it presents both significant security challenges and immense opportunities for growth.
The GenAI Revolution
This year has marked a pivotal moment for GenAI, with the introduction of Microsoft Copilot tailored for the SMB market. This innovation underscores the necessity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and cloud resellers to stay ahead of technological advancements. David Bowen, Global Business Development Director for Microsoft, and Robert Pritchard, founder of The Cyber Security Expert, were among the keynote speakers who highlighted the dual nature of GenAI’s impact.
Security Challenges and Opportunities
Mark Appleton, Chief Customer Officer for ALSO Cloud UK, emphasised the dual-edged sword that GenAI represents. “Generative AI is not only the biggest security challenge but also a crucial growth driver for British MSPs and SMEs. As GenAI tools become more accessible, they lower the entry barrier for cyberattacks, making it easier for malicious actors to deploy sophisticated ransomware,” Appleton stated.
A staggering 87% of organisations see AI as providing a competitive edge. However, the rapid evolution of AI-driven cyber threats necessitates a robust and unified security strategy. The summit provided a platform for discussing best practices and collaborative approaches to bolster cybersecurity efforts.
Key Insights from Industry Leaders
David Bowen’s keynote address highlighted the long-standing partnership between ALSO and Microsoft. “Our 25-year collaboration with ALSO aims to empower organisations through technology. With Copilot, we are enhancing productivity and security, ensuring that AI implementation is both effective and secure,” Bowen said.
He cited the recent Work Trends Index, which found that while 79% of organisations view AI as a business imperative, 60% lack a clear implementation strategy. This gap presents a significant opportunity for the ALSO partner ecosystem to support businesses in developing effective AI strategies.
The Workforce and AI Skills
Bowen also underscored the importance of AI skills in the workforce. “The study revealed that 75% of workers are already using AI, often bringing their own tools, which can pose security risks. It’s crucial for employees to develop AI skills, as 66% of leaders are reluctant to hire staff without them. The ALSO AI Academy is an excellent resource for upskilling employees,” he noted.
Security and Business Expansion
Robert Pritchard highlighted the shift towards cloud-first solutions and the accompanying security challenges. “The traditional ‘on-prem’ model is obsolete. As critical infrastructure relies more on modern technology services, robust legislation and security measures for service providers are imperative,” Pritchard remarked.
Summit Highlights
The summit featured several noteworthy presentations:
- Acronis showcased the escalating threat of AI-enhanced ransomware and the latest AI tools designed to counteract these threats.
- LastPass addressed the crisis of compromised credentials and the need to improve cyber hygiene.
- Vade demonstrated the ease with which GenAI can be used for hacking, underscoring the importance of security awareness.
- CrowdStrike highlighted the positive potential of GenAI tools in enhancing cybersecurity.
- AvePoint discussed the business growth potential of tools like Copilot for MS365.
A Unified Security Strategy
Appleton concluded the event by reflecting on ALSO’s strategic partnerships. “Since our UK launch last year, we have strengthened ties with our security vendor partners. These alliances are essential for providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions. This summit not only celebrates these partnerships but also sets the stage for the future of enterprise security,” he said.
ALSO’s commitment to collaboration ensures that modern businesses receive tailored security solutions, safeguarding their operations and enabling growth in an increasingly digital world. As GenAI continues to evolve, the insights and strategies shared at the ALSO UK Cloud Summit 2024 will be crucial in navigating the complexities of this new era.