In a recent interview at the mWISE 2023 Cybersecurity Conference, Simone Petrella, CEO of cybersecurity company CyberVista, sat down with Monica Shokrai, a representative from tech giant Google, to discuss the challenges faced by the industry from Google’s perspective. The conversation also shed light on Google’s use of an actuarial team to assess and calculate the company’s own risk.
During the conference, Petrella and Shokrai delved into the various obstacles that companies in the cybersecurity industry encounter. They highlighted the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats and the need for organizations to continuously adapt and innovate to stay ahead. The discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing within the industry to effectively combat these threats.
One notable aspect of the conversation focused on Google’s approach to risk management. Shokrai revealed that Google maintains its own actuarial team tasked with calculating the company’s risk profile. This team utilizes a range of data and methodologies to assess the potential impact of various risks, both internal and external, on Google’s operations. By quantifying and understanding their risk exposure, Google can better prioritize resources and implement targeted mitigation strategies.
In addition to discussing industry challenges, Petrella, Shokrai, and other participants at the conference also examined the issue of privacy infringement using advanced facial recognition technology. One specific example cited during the discussion was a TikTok account that specifically targets ordinary individuals through the utilization of this technology. The account reportedly uses sophisticated algorithms to identify users’ facial features and create personalized content aimed at exploiting their vulnerabilities or manipulating their behaviors. This raises concerns about the potential misuse of facial recognition technology and the need for stricter regulations to protect individuals’ privacy rights.
Another topic of interest was the ongoing Google antitrust case and the information that has been publicly shared throughout the legal proceedings. Dave, one of the conference attendees, highlighted some of the key details that have emerged during the case. The antitrust allegations against Google focus on its allegedly anti-competitive practices, such as favoring its own products and services in search results. The case has attracted significant attention due to the potential impact it may have on the tech industry and competition regulations.
Importantly, it should be noted that the views expressed during this interview and conference do not constitute legal advice. While Ben, one of the conference participants, is a lawyer, it is recommended that individuals seeking legal guidance on the topics discussed consult their own attorneys for official advice.
To engage with their audience and encourage participation, the conference organizers have extended an invitation for questions to be submitted for consideration on future shows. Listeners can send their audio files to caveat@thecyberwire.com. This interactive approach aims to foster a sense of community and allows listeners to directly contribute to the podcast’s content.
In conclusion, the mWISE 2023 Cybersecurity Conference provided a platform for industry experts, such as Simone Petrella and Monica Shokrai from Google, to discuss the challenges faced by the cybersecurity industry from both a company perspective and broader industry viewpoint. By shedding light on the use of actuarial teams in risk calculation and sharing insights on concerns surrounding facial recognition technology and ongoing antitrust cases, the conference facilitated an informed and comprehensive discussion on these critical topics.