review

Featured, Security

The Top 2024 Cybersecurity Priorities for CISOs and Security Leaders Revealed in New Report by Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech’s Security Priorities 2024 report delves into the pressing issues that IT and security leaders must prioritize over the coming year, including the cybersecurity talent shortage, the rise of AI-driven threats, the integration of security risks with business risks, the adoption of zero-trust frameworks, and the increasing significance of automating security operations. The global IT research and advisory firm explains in the report that by addressing these priorities, organizations can better prepare themselves to face the evolving threat landscape. TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations are facing unprecedented challenges in safeguarding their digital assets. Recognizing the urgent need for robust and dynamic security strategies, Info-Tech Research Group has published its Security Priorities 2024 report. The report underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their security measures in response to the constant changes in cyber threats in 2024 and beyond. The firm’s research highlights the importance of a strategic approach, emphasizing the need for clear oversight and effective implementation strategies to develop, deploy, and monitor security initiatives that enhance an organization’s resilience against threats “The threat landscape has been exacerbated by the various emerging attack vectors, such as credential-compromise attacks and cloud exploitation. The increase in supply chain risks and rise in deepfakes also showcase the shift of threat actors to improve the sophistication of their attacks,” says Ahmad Jowhar, research analyst and lead author of the report. “The rising costs of ransomware and cyber insurance premiums coupled with the continuous talent shortage depicts the challenges of efficiently fighting against these threats.” The Security Priorities 2024 report reveals the pressing issues that IT and security leaders must prioritize and advocates for a pivot from traditional, reactive security postures to proactive, predictive security strategies. The annual report emphasizes the importance of fostering a security-centric culture across the organization, enhancing collaboration between security teams and other business units, and developing agile security frameworks that can adapt to new threats and business needs. “The emergence of advanced technologies has created opportunities for organizations and security leaders to explore unique approaches to these challenges while also enhancing existing capabilities to better equip themselves with the right people, process, and technology this year,” says Jowhar. “These approaches include assessing the ability to address the talent shortage through upskilling, establishing a foundation to implement AI technologies, and evaluating an organization’s security risk management with respect to integrating with the enterprise.” Info-Tech’s latest report is based on comprehensive research, including insights from the firm’s Future of IT survey and in-depth interviews with IT and security professionals across various industries and regions. The diverse approach ensured that the experiences of leaders from both small and large organizations were incorporated into the report and covered a broad spectrum of security budgets. The insights collected and analyzed by the firm reflect the realities of managing cybersecurity in different organizational contexts, from multinational corporations to nimble startups, providing a well-rounded view of the challenges and strategies at play in the current security landscape. Leveraging the firm’s research findings and data, the Security Priorities 2024 report outlines the following five high-priority initiatives security leaders and their organizations should implement to confidently address security risks for 2024 and the years to come: The 2024 report also includes customizable templates that security leaders can utilize to effectively communicate their organization’s key security priorities to stakeholders and executives, ensuring a clear understanding of the required security measures. In the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, the Security Priorities 2024 report provides security leaders with a blueprint for safeguarding their digital environment. By implementing the priorities based on their unique organizational goals and needs, security leaders can enhance their security posture, proactively address and mitigate vulnerabilities, and build a culture of resilience against the cyber threats of the future. Those interested in exploring the specific 2024 security priorities recommended by Info-Tech Research Group are invited to register for the firm’s webinar on Wednesday, February 28, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For more than 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to view the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

Featured, Fintech

Swoop and Sage Unveil Global Partnership to Revolutionize Business Funding and Cost-Savings Solutions

Key details:  Access to finance is one of the main barriers to growth for small to medium sized businesses globally as highlighted by The Sage Foundation. This partnership aims to overcome this barrier and provide access to funding for businesses globally. Sage accountants benefit immediately with a discounted price of the Swoop for Advisors platform, which allows accountants and business advisors easy access to grants, equity investment, traditional and alternative loans, and business savings for their clients to help them grow. Swoop users can also integrate their Sage Intacct and Sage Business Cloud Accounting software to uncover financial insights, unlock business savings, and access financial tools such as cash flow forecasting. TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Swoop, a fintech company specializing in funding solutions and Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology, are excited to announce their global partnership aimed at helping businesses and accountants access a wide range of funding opportunities. The partnership will also help identify opportunities to reduce business costs in areas such as energy, banking and foreign exchange, providing a significant impact on the bottom line. By integrating their Sage accounting software once, businesses can identify more accurate funding opportunities, streamline the funding process, unlock business savings, and benefit from tools such as cash flow forecasting. In today’s dynamic economic landscape, businesses often face challenges in securing the financial capital they need to grow and thrive. Research conducted by the Sage Foundation has highlighted that the lack of financial resources remains one of the most significant obstacles businesses encounter on their journey to success. Recognizing the importance of overcoming this challenge, Swoop and Sage have joined forces to simplify and expedite the process of accessing vital funding for businesses and their trusted advisors. This innovative partnership will enable advisors and businesses around the world to effortlessly explore and tap into various funding options that suit their unique needs. In a groundbreaking first step, underserved, black female founders in Atlanta are among the first to benefit from the partnership with Swoop and Sage’s involvement in the BOSS Network. This comes in response to a Sage report revealing systemic barriers hindering their access to capital and resources essential for achieving sustainable growth. Enabling financial success: funding solutions for businesses and accountants Navigating the complex landscape of funding opportunities can be daunting for businesses. The partnership aims to bridge this gap by providing a user-friendly platform that connects businesses and accountants with the financial resources they require. The global partnership brings a wide range of funding opportunities for businesses, including grants, loans, and equity investments, whilst streamlining the application and approval process. Trusted advisors, such as accountants and financial professionals, will also benefit from this partnership, gaining the tools and resources to guide their clients effectively through their funding journeys. “In a world full of fluctuations, with inflation and interest rates on the rise, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, so it is important to make business finance more accessible and less daunting,” said Chip Mahan, Global Commercial Head, Fintech, Payments & Banking at Sage. “This partnership with Swoop aligns perfectly with our mission and will make accessing essential financial capital quick and easy, ensuring businesses have the support they need to succeed.” Andrea Reynolds, CEO of Swoop, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Sage to bring our funding expertise to businesses and advisors worldwide. Together, we will simplify the path to financial empowerment for businesses of all sizes.” Micheál Martin, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ireland, said: “I am delighted to acknowledge both Swoop and Sage in the development of an effective funding platform for the small and medium enterprise sector. The innovative combination of the advanced technology platform of Swoop combined with Sage’s globally recognized cloud-based accounting software will provide great assistance to company leaders as they look to funding options.” The partnership marks a significant step towards levelling the playing field for businesses and underscores their importance in driving global economic growth. With this collaboration, the future looks brighter for entrepreneurs and businesses worldwide. About Swoop: Swoop is a global fintech company specializing in funding solutions for businesses. Swoop’s platform connects businesses and advisors with the right funding options, streamlining the application process and saving them time and money. Swoop is committed to helping businesses thrive by making funding accessible and hassle-free. About Sage: Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of Small and Mid-Sized Businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis.

Scroll to Top