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About
Mark has more than 30 years of expertise in cybersecurity, data privacy and business resilience consultancy. He has previously held global leadership roles across industry and professional services, including tenures as Global CISO at SABMiller plc, and Global CIO/CTO at Spectris plc, as well as leadership roles as a Partner at Wipro Ltd., and Ernst & Young (EY) LLP and most recently as the Global Managing Director, Digital Trust Consulting at the British Standards Institution (BSI). Mark brings a wealth of knowledge including extensive proficiency on Operational Technology (OT) and the Internet of Things (IoT) and the expanding cybersecurity marketplace as organizations grapple with digital transformation and addressing new technology that brings new business risks. Through his independent consulting business Mark is focused on supporting businesses globally by ensuring that digital risk management topics are not solely seen as an inhibitor to business progression, but that they form a positive enablement to business strategies. As the Global Chief Information Security Officer at SABMiller plc, Mark played a significant role in many of their business transformation programmes (ERP centralization and integration, centralized Procurement hub and establishment of global and regional shared service centres), IT outsourcing and vendor management and the role of IT/Information in acquisitions. During his tenure Mark was recognized internationally by his industry peers and was awarded SC Magazine’s Information Security Person of the Year in 2011. Mark is internationally recognized as a leading authority on information resilience with a focus on cybersecurity and data privacy, presenting a focus on the way IT can enable business strategies, empowering not replacing employees. In recent years, he has spoken at central US and UK government events, interviewed on global and national TV and radio and has had a significant number of thought leadership articles published on his experiences.
Mark Brown
Published content
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As global e-waste continues to grow, businesses are under increasing pressure to manage technology more responsibly while balancing costs, performance and operational needs. In response, many may turn to new equipment, expensive initiatives or high-profile sustainability campaigns. However, organizations can often make meaningful progress by improving how they manage the technology they already own. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share practical ways companies can reduce e-waste—and reap business benefits—through smarter operational decisions and more intentional technology management.
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Small development teams are often praised for their speed, agility and ability to deliver meaningful results with limited resources. Larger engineering organizations face different pressures, including added complexity, broader coordination needs and higher stakes, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from the way smaller teams work.For bigger teams, the challenge isn’t to copy small-team practices wholesale but to adapt the underlying habits that make them effective. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share lessons larger engineering organizations can take from small development teams and why doing so can make a meaningful positive difference.
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Many IT support tickets begin with what appears to be a single-user issue: a slow application, a failed login or a missing file. But these seemingly isolated complaints can be the first visible signs of deeper problems involving networks, identity systems, integrations, security controls or infrastructure.Finding the real cause means looking beyond the individual instance and checking for patterns across users, systems and environments. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share commonly misdiagnosed IT issues and explain the diagnostic steps that can help teams uncover broader problems before they spread.
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Thousands of new apps appear in app stores every year, and it’s getting harder to tell which ones are legitimate and which could put personal or business data at risk. A polished interface, strong rating or confident privacy claim can make an app look trustworthy, but those signals don’t always tell the full story.Before downloading a new tool—or giving it access to sensitive information—it’s worth taking a closer look at what the app is asking for and who’s behind it. Members of Forbes Technology Council share red flags that can help users make smarter decisions about which apps deserve their trust.
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Zero-day vulnerabilities are among the toughest cybersecurity threats to defend against because attackers can exploit them before developers have had a chance to create and release a fix. As organizations and individuals rely more heavily on interconnected systems, cloud platforms and AI-powered tools, these hidden flaws can create risks that extend well beyond a single breach.Over time, repeated zero-day attacks can weaken trust in digital systems, strain business continuity and reshape how security teams think about prevention, response and resilience. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share potential zero-day vulnerabilities, their long-term consequences and practical ways businesses and individuals can better protect themselves.
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Remote work became a popular—often necessary—arrangement during the Covid-19 pandemic. What was at first undertaken as a temporary measure has been continued by many businesses after leaders saw its benefits, including better employee engagement and satisfaction, steady (sometimes improved) productivity, and more. However, the expanded convenience and options of remote work come with an expanded cyberattack surface, which requires organizations to rethink and revamp defensive strategies originally designed for in-person work. Here, members of Forbes Technology Council share essential steps for protecting digital assets in a remote workplace. Follow these tips to ensure your company’s devices and data are secure, no matter where your team members are located.
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Enhancing efficiency is an ongoing goal for every business. For sectors where day-to-day work involves a lot of machinery and/or automation—such as manufacturing, utilities, transportation and logistics, healthcare, agriculture, and others—the Industrial Internet of Things can play a big role in streamlining operations and saving time and money. By connecting machines and vehicles to the internet, organizations can easily collect and analyze essential data to optimize operations and maximize resources. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council detail some of the specific ways IIoT can yield big benefits not only for businesses, but also for the people they serve.
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Sep 27, 2024
A successful AI strategy will be built by developing and then maintaining digital trust throughout the full adoption life cycle.
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It can be frustrating for a leader to assemble a team of top talents, only to see them move on one by one to new opportunities and organizations. For a tech leader, this can be particularly vexing, as it can be especially difficult to find professionals with the skills and training needed to build and maintain leading-edge technology systems. If a tech leader is seeing rapid turnover among their team members, it’s essential to get to the bottom of the problem—fast—because it’s likely a sign of workplace issues that won’t correct themselves but that will lead to even more staff departures. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council identify some of the common reasons tech teams see high levels of turnover and share practical and effective fixes for these issues.
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What is digital trust, who are the stakeholders, and what routes exist to achieving digital trust in today’s intelligent world?
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Cybersecurity and its associated best practices change quickly as technology continues to evolve. To keep up with these changes, organizations need to be able to conduct thorough and effective digital forensics—recovering and analyzing data from devices and networks—so they can effectively respond to incidents and protect their digital assets. From enabling enhanced and faster incident response to monitoring for fraud to proactively improving security, strong digital forensics capabilities help an organization manage risk, stay in compliance, and control costs (and more). Below, industry experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss effective practices that can help leaders establish or improve their digital forensics strategies.
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Tech companies often face the challenge of protecting their intellectual property while sharing innovative ideas with prospective clients or partners. Without guardrails in place, organizations risk the operational disruptions, financial losses and legal battles that come with stolen IP. Implementing smart initiatives, such as using nondisclosure agreements, sharing only essential information and securing patents, can significantly mitigate these risks. Below, industry experts from Forbes Technology Council discuss these and other strategies for safeguarding your valuable IP when collaborating with clients and partners.
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It’s often said that knowledge is power, and that’s never been more true for businesses than in today’s digital age. Technology tools enable businesses to collect a wealth of information from customers, and each of those data points is a valuable asset. Getting the biggest ROI from that data, however, requires strategic, updated data management strategies. From how data is processed to who has access to it to tapping into advanced technologies to power analysis, the data management landscape is changing quickly. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council reveal some new and emerging trends in data management and why these practices are so impactful.
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With both AI and the age-diverse workforce, we are facing an unknown. We don’t yet know how these changes will shape our future.
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Members of underrepresented groups often encounter hurdles when entering the technology industry. These challenges range from fewer opportunities to systemic biases to underrepresentation among tech company leadership. However, the industry is striving to broaden its perspective and reach by bringing in more diverse talent, and tech leaders are working to implement practical strategies to overcome long-standing barriers. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share specific obstacles underrepresented groups face when entering and progressing within the tech industry, as well as actions tech companies can take to encourage diversity and inclusivity.
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Tech industry insiders and the companies that follow their advice cite many benefits in shifting to the cloud, including cost savings, smoother collaboration in a remote work world, scalability and flexibility, and enhanced security. However, while these pluses are genuine and impactful, they’re not necessarily comprehensive; cybersecurity, in particular, can continue to prove problematic. While it’s true that cloud service providers have expertise and invest in security measures, it’s a huge mistake for a company’s leaders to assume that their business and data enjoy full and foolproof protection after a move to the cloud. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss the top security threats enterprises in the cloud face and how they can be addressed.
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In December 2023, it was widely reported that the Federal Trade Commission was investigating Adobe for its allegedly complex and costly subscription cancellation policies. In a marketplace flooded with software as a service companies that operate on a subscription basis, this development was a clear signal that regulatory agencies are paying closer attention to how tech product and service companies treat their customers. But it’s not only software subscription services that are under the microscope. Evolving regulations for handling personal data and responding to cybersecurity breaches impact every company that collects and utilizes data, and more scrutiny is being given to the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council detail common technology-related missteps that could land a business in reputational hot water—or even legal trouble.
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In a man-in-the-middle attack, a message intended for a specific receiver is secretly intercepted by a third party. This allows the attacker to access confidential information (hence the alternate name of “eavesdropping attack”), impersonate one of the parties to the message or even alter the message itself. Successfully countering MITM attacks has never been a simple effort, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult as hackers turn ever-evolving and expanding technologies to nefarious ends. Below, 19 members of Forbes Technology Council share expert strategies organizations should review and implement to better protect themselves and their stakeholders from MITM attacks.
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Partnering with a popular technology or brand can simplify the creation and maintenance of a technology stack for a business, but it can also be limiting. You and your team may not always be using the freshest technology on the market, and long-term vendors may grow complacent. Further, you may get locked into a contract that limits your resources to try something new. Many companies are considering going tech-agnostic—instead of committing to a particular technology tool or brand, they instead opt to use the technology tools that currently best fit their unique needs and goals. But as with any business philosophy, the tech-agnostic approach has both upsides and potential downsides. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert insights to ensure business leaders who are considering adopting tech agnosticism know exactly what benefits and challenges they might be in for.
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Many companies these days are focused on building “communities”—loyal customers who not only regularly and/or repeatedly purchase a company’s products, but also engage with the company and each other across platforms. A community can generate ongoing enthusiasm for a brand, help its leaders identify areas for expansion and improvement, boost word-of-mouth marketing and more. Tech companies aren’t strangers to the community concept—we’ve all seen the photos of Apple fans queueing up when the latest iPhone is released. But how can other technology product or service companies drive that level of engagement? Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their tips to help tech companies build enthusiastic communities that genuinely contribute to the improvement and growth of their brands.
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Leveraging software as a service options provides an easy way to ensure your team has proven digital tools to effectively and efficiently do their work. With feedback provided by a broad pool of users and maintenance, security and updates being primarily managed by the provider, company leaders can be confident their internal software is on par with their competitors’. However, the ease and convenience of adopting SaaS tools can be a double-edged sword: Without careful oversight, it’s easy to lose track of how many apps are in use, whether they’re really the optimal options for your team, and whether you’re spending more than you think (or need to). Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips to help leaders ensure their companies are achieving maximum efficiency and value through their SaaS usage.
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To further address trust in and awareness of AI technology, there is a growing demand for guidelines to ensure its safe and responsible use.
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These days, businesses and industries are using artificial intelligence to improve operations across a broad spectrum, from marketing and content generation to talent recruitment and human resources. Unsurprisingly, business leaders are starting to think about ways AI can help them with what is increasingly becoming a critical consideration for organizations of all stripes: reducing their carbon footprint. Doing as much as possible to improve the sustainability of their operations isn’t just the right thing for businesses to do; it’s also an initiative that’s drawing increased regulatory oversight from governments around the globe. Further, engaged consumers keep an eye on environmental, social and governance efforts when deciding which companies to patronize (or avoid). Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways AI can help business and industry boost sustainability and, thereby, the bottom line.
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In today’s digital marketplace, businesses are working to find ways to leverage third-party data, which is information collected about companies and individuals by another source. Paired with the customer information businesses collect themselves, third-party data can be valuable for everything from learning important details about a target audience to refining products and services—if it’s managed and used wisely and well. Achieving maximum ROI from third-party data involves not only knowing both its potential and possible limitations, but also how best to apply it. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share their tips to help businesses verify, prep and leverage third-party data to see real, effective results.
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With the rise of digital workspaces and marketplaces, having a firm grip on identity and access management is a must for every business. Simply put, IAM comprises the processes and technologies used to monitor and control access to a company’s digital resources, including networks, applications, and organizational and user data. Without a robust IAM system to verify users’ identities, manage role- and permission-based access, and secure sensitive data, a business leaves itself open to unauthorized access, data breaches and even legal penalties, so it’s essential for leadership teams to be aware of rising trends and emerging threats. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council detail important new trends and growing concerns businesses need to stay on top of as they develop and maintain effective IAM systems.
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When business leaders are in the market for a new software as a service solution, it can be tempting to quickly sign up with a provider that looks promising so they can start leveraging the benefits. But it’s essential to first ask a series of important questions—and it’s also essential that the potential SaaS vendor can give satisfactory answers. From data privacy standards and practices to service level agreements, there are many details you need to know about a SaaS vendor, and the right time to ask about them is before you become a paying client. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council share important questions to ask a potential SaaS vendor and what to listen for in their replies.
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Most businesses today use technology tools for most or all of their processes—which means most businesses simply can’t function without fast, reliable internet. While choosing the right internet service provider is an essential piece of the puzzle, there are also steps companies can take in-house to ensure their team members have uninterrupted access to the connection they need to do their work. Fortunately, there are several strategies—both tech-focused and surprisingly simple—that can help companies ensure dependable in-office internet service and optimal upload and download speeds. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways businesses can maximize the quality of their internet service.
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Businesses across industries are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and adopt more sustainable practices. While technology can help with these efforts, globally, increased technology use is leading to higher energy consumption, so it’s especially important for tech teams to look for ways to be more energy-efficient. To make a real and lasting positive impact, businesses need to not only look for ways in which technology can streamline processes and reduce resource usage, but also ensure their tech solutions are as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible. Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some smart practices to help businesses and tech teams “go green.”
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It can be tempting to think of technology solely in terms of the answer to the question, “Does it work?” But a tech product or initiative can’t just “work”; it must work well, and across multiple fronts, from cutting costs or achieving ROI to being the ongoing go-to choice for the target audience (and more). Tech leaders must develop and monitor effective metrics to ensure that what their teams are producing is helping to achieve the overall business strategy. Below, 17 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the metrics they use to evaluate the success of a tech project or initiative and its impact on their organizations.
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With heavy workloads and essential responsibilities in the modern workplace, it’s important for an IT team to be a cooperative, well-oiled machine. If bad habits and practices creep into the day-to-day culture, it can throw a wrench in the works, leading to serious issues that can impact the whole business. So what are the early (and not so early) warning signs that an IT team is developing a problematic culture? Below, 20 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss signs that a toxic culture has taken root in an IT team and share how a leader can turn it around.
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The mood music about AI is starting to fundamentally shift.
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For many consumers, 5G equates to the power behind the latest generation of smartphones—devices with better connectivity and performance. And 5G has certainly made an impact in mobile communications—but its reach extends much farther. 5G technology is poised to transform multiple industrial and consumer applications, opening up new capabilities (and new risks). Ushering in advancements in speed, latency, capacity and reliability, 5G is revolutionizing everything from marketing and manufacturing to medicine and the metaverse. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss ways the rise of 5G is changing both business processes and everyday living.
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We all know that technology plays a major role in most businesses today, but that doesn’t mean every business has undertaken effective digital transformation. Incorporating technology throughout a business’ processes in the most impactful, cost-effective way can be complicated, but like all journeys, it starts with taking the right first step. When it comes to digital transformation, smart early strategies that get the team engaged and enthused can improve the odds of long-term success. Below, 18 members of Forbes Technology Council share both important foundational strategies for digital transformation as well as early project suggestions for companies that are ready to get started.
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The Covid-19 pandemic saw an explosion in online shopping, and retailers that didn’t already have an online presence had to scramble to catch up. Further, consumers expect a lot from retail brands these days—including curated inventories and customized experiences—whether they’re browsing in a brick-and-mortar store or on a website. Navigating the retail industry isn’t easy, and recently, even large, household-name brands have struggled to adapt (and some have failed). To keep up with the competition in a global, digital marketplace, retailers may soon be exploring more tools to help them do everything from better leveraging social media marketing to powering last-mile delivery. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss tech trends they see impacting the retail industry within the next five years and offer tips to help retail businesses prepare.
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The Internet of Things—both business-focused and consumer-focused—continues to grow. Simply put, the IoT is a network of devices embedded with sensors and software that allow them to collect and exchange data. These devices can include everything from home appliances to automobiles to entire buildings. Many of us already enjoy the benefits of the IoT in our home and work lives through such everyday tools as our smartphones and fitness trackers. But the IoT is poised to broadly expand into applications that could revolutionize the ways we live and work. Here, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss their choices for the most exciting new and potential IoT devices and why they may make such a big impact.
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Advancements in automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the world of work, with businesses increasingly turning to tech tools to handle everything from testing software to generating content. However, recent events have highlighted the potential risks associated with relying too heavily or uncritically on these tools. For example, several AI-generated stories posted on CNET’s site were flagged for factual inaccuracies by subject matter experts. While AI and automation are undoubtedly poised to make a huge difference in productivity and efficiency for businesses, such cautionary tales serve as a reminder that it’s essential to carefully build and constantly monitor tech tools to ensure they perform as intended. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some strategies to help businesses build and use AI tools effectively and well.
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Joining a new team can be a daunting experience for anyone, but for those entering the fast-paced world of tech, the challenge can be even greater. In this high-pressure environment, it's essential for team leaders to provide their new members with the support they need to succeed. Fortunately, there are specific strategies that leaders can use to help their new tech team members hit the ground running. Below, 15 Forbes Technology Council members share some of the most effective ways that leaders can support new tech team members and why these methods are so successful.
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Companies are always looking for ways to cut costs, and tech-related expenses aren’t immune to being trimmed. But in today’s tech-first world, some investments are simply too important to be placed on the chopping block. The members of Forbes Technology Council know and understand the tech equipment and functions that no company can afford to do without these days. Below, 15 of them discuss tech-related expenses that companies are often too quick to cut and why it’s so important to maintain these investments.
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When creating an IT budget, it’s critical to look beyond immediate team needs to determine the resources required to meet the company’s overall objectives. An IT budget must stretch to cover many bases, including the cost of new software and hardware, necessary upgrades or maintenance, the ongoing training and development needs of the IT team, and more. It can feel like an overwhelming task, but knowing what experienced tech leaders keep in mind when budgeting can be a good place to start. Below, 12 Forbes Technology Council members share essential checkboxes to tick when building an IT budget. By carefully reviewing these details and asking the right questions, you can ensure your organization has the resources needed to reach its goals.
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Feb 14, 2023
What happens when those with personal Wi-Fi connections and corporate passwords leave the company?
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It’s been said that every company is a tech company today—which means there’s a widespread need for skilled tech professionals across industries. With an ongoing shortage of available tech talent, competition to bring on qualified full-time staff is fierce, so many tech leaders turn to independent contractors to meet one-time and short-term needs. Even though a partnership with a freelancer may only last a few days or weeks, it’s still important to carefully vet anyone you bring in to work with your team. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council each share one must-have quality they look for in an independent contractor and why it’s so important.
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Recent years have seen many businesses shift to cloud-based services and solutions. With the potential to provide cost savings, streamline operations, give remote workers easy access to files and software and promote better cooperation and communication among teams—and more—cloud-based services can be game-changing tools for many organizations. There are myriad cloud-based services available that can help companies cover everything from project management to customer service, as well as tools and strategies to maximize the benefit of cloud services while minimizing their costs. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss cloud-based services and strategies every organization should consider, including some specific tools they rely on themselves.
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Technology is interwoven with the majority of business processes these days, and while that comes with big benefits, it also adds big risks. Whether a business produces or simply uses tech tools, risks ranging from poor cyber hygiene habits and shadow IT to hoarding sensitive data and failing to plan for outages can stop a business in its tracks—and do lasting damage to the brand. While tech can simplify processes, it can also complicate a business’ risk status and vulnerability. Tech leaders and all higher executives must be aware of what can go wrong and have systems in place to head off preventable problems and quickly address inevitable ones. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some tech-related risks executives frequently overlook or underestimate, and why they should be a priority.
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Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has seemed that business technology has evolved and expanded at an astounding rate. While the direct impacts of the pandemic are beginning to fade, business tech is poised to continue to evolve, with both new tools and focuses that will change the ways businesses make decisions, interact with customers, manage data and more. Knowing what’s to come can help business leaders pinpoint the trends that could influence their industries and, potentially, boost their bottom lines. Below, 13 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share their predictions for the business tech trends that will dominate headlines and C-suite meetings in 2023.
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Each year, companies across industries as well as savvy tech watchers look forward to the Consumer Technology Association’s CES event (previously known as the Consumer Electronics Show). Many tech companies that minimized their participation in CES in 2021 and 2022 in light of ongoing Covid-19 concerns may be planning to have a bigger footprint at CES 2023. If your company is planning a major product announcement and/or demo in 2023, you’ll want to ensure you’re thoroughly prepared to make a big impact. But even if your team isn’t planning to present, it’s still wise to have a well-thought-out plan for maximizing the time you’ll have for scoping out competitors and networking with colleagues. Among the members of Forbes Technology Council are industry leaders who have seen major success at (and because of) CES. Below, 16 of them share their tips to help tech leaders and their teams make the most of CES 2023.
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In today’s business world, having a website is essential. Many customers prefer to shop online, and having a robust website ensures that they have access not only to important information about your business but also to your products or services—all at the click of a button. But Web hosting can be expensive, especially for businesses just starting out. Fortunately, there are several strategic steps and solutions—some of them surprisingly simple—that businesses can leverage to make the expense more manageable. Below, 15 Forbes Technology Council members share smart ways a business can decrease its Web hosting costs.
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With the variety of tech careers available these days—several of them well-paying—many parents would love to encourage their children to view technology not just as a tool for convenience and entertainment but also as a potential career. And businesses scrambling to secure tech talent in a tight market would love to see the incoming talent tide grow. When a child expresses an interest in technology, providing them with the resources to explore that interest can launch them on a path of learning and discovery that will lead to a rewarding, lifelong career. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share some easily accessible, inexpensive resources parents and schools can leverage to support kids who are interested in learning more about technology.
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When Covid-19 gripped the globe in 2020, industries relied on technology to keep moving forward—and the healthcare industry relied on technology to more quickly develop life-saving therapeutics and provide routine care during lockdowns. Soon, technology may be helping doctors, surgeons and researchers deliver higher levels of care and develop new treatments faster than ever before. While there’s much that’s yet to come from the partnership of medicine and technology, there’s also much that has emerged in very recent years that is already improving the quality of care and patient outcomes. Here, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share some exciting ways technology has impacted the healthcare industry in the last three years.
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The end-of-year holiday season—traditionally the busiest time of year for shopping—brings both excitement and stress for retailers, especially in the age of e-commerce. Whether some or all of your sales come from online shopping, there are many steps that it’s essential to get right if your business is going to stand out and compete in a very crowded, very competitive online marketplace. And it’s important to ensure nothing disrupts the ease, convenience and security of shopping on your e-commerce site—or your customers will head to someone else’s. Fortunately, with some smart prep work, e-commerce companies can leverage technology tools to ensure their customers have an exceptional, worry-free experience. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share tips to help e-commerce companies prepare for the holiday season sales rush.
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Every business that uses technology needs the help of all its employees on two important tech fronts. First, every company wants to prolong the life of its tech equipment, both for budgetary reasons and, nowadays, supply chain reasons. Second, of course, is the need to maintain a strong cybersecurity posture. Unfortunately, many professionals fall prey to bad habits that can shorten the life of their tech equipment or compromise the company’s cybersecurity. From being careless with food and drink around equipment to neglecting regular system updates, many everyday habits that seem minor may actually be shortening equipment life and exposing companies to serious security breaches. Here, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council discuss some of the bad tech-related habits they really want their teammates to break.
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In one of his many chronicled adventures, famed fictional detective Sherlock Holmes exclaims, “Data! Data! Data! I can’t make bricks without clay.” It’s a quote every business leader can identify with, as today’s enterprises run, thrive and grow on data. Business intelligence collects data and puts it in formats that make it easier to explore, while machine learning uses data and algorithms to mimic (and improve on) the human capability to learn and adapt. Together, BI and ML can take the “clay” of collected data and turn it into the “bricks” of a stronger business—enhanced customer service, stronger cybersecurity, smarter risk analysis and more. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share impactful, creative business use cases that leverage the combination of business intelligence and machine learning.
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By continuing to understand and identify cyber threats, organizations can reevaluate their supply chain and management of suppliers to ensure transparency, flexibility and adaptability.
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The world of software development is constantly changing with the introduction of new technology or the rise of a new trend. It has also become much more accessible, even to those with limited coding and engineering experience. This simultaneous increase in innovation and accessibility has created new trends and philosophies that will govern software development in the years to come. Below, 15 Forbes Technology Council experts share the next "big story" in software development and how it will impact the industry.
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Consumers and businesses looking to boost their cybersecurity postures may consider opting for a virtual private network service—especially in this era of remote and hybrid work. Whether you’re in the market as a business leader looking to protect your company’s digital assets or a consumer seeking better security for personal data, it’s important to understand that all VPN services are not created equal. From data storage to download speeds, there are plenty of factors that should be carefully reviewed and considered before settling on a VPN service, whether for enterprise or personal use. Here, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share their expert tips for making a wise choice.
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Just as DevOps has brought software development and IT operations closer together, new and emerging changes in enterprise technology are refining DevOps. Tools such as low-code and no-code software are bridging the gap between tech teams and their non-tech colleagues, and enhanced tools for DevOps professionals are freeing their time for higher-level design and solutions architecture work. Also, as with every aspect of business, global economic conditions are necessitating creative thinking and budget management to ensure companies’ tech and cybersecurity needs are fully met. In short, the world of DevOps is changing—quickly—and businesses would do well to tap into the expertise of tech industry leaders to see what’s coming. Below, 16 members of Forbes Technology Council share recent and upcoming changes to DevOps they believe will play a big role in IT departments.
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Software as a service has become big business: According to one industry study, 99% of companies were using one or more SaaS solutions by the end of 2021. Tapping into the wide range of SaaS products can certainly save companies money and time and boost their productivity. However, it’s essential for companies to think about more than the budget when shopping for SaaS solutions. An equally important consideration is whether your chosen SaaS vendor(s) can protect your and your customers’ sensitive data. Any company’s security posture is only as strong as its weakest link, so it’s essential for companies to carefully vet any SaaS vendors they’re considering partnering with. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council share security questions business owners should ask all potential SaaS partners and why their answers are so important.
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Organizations should understand the impact of digitalization on their people and ensure they are trained to protect and secure the integrity of digital systems, platforms and hardware.
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In today’s workplace, even companies that produce tech products and services themselves often need to outsource one or more of their tech functions. When it comes to obtaining tech services from a vendor, being a good customer is about more than just paying on time (although that’s important). Through thoughtful, regular communication and mutual respect, companies and their vendors can move beyond a buyer-supplier relationship to develop a true partnership. This way, leaders of the client business can take full advantage of everything their vendor partner can do for them and ensure that the services provided continue to meet the business’ evolving needs. Here, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council share strategies they’d recommend for IT leaders to develop strong and productive relationships with vendors.
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The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act may be the “gold standards” when it comes to data privacy laws, but they aren’t the only sets of data privacy regulations in effect. Across the globe, countries and regions are (or certainly will be) developing their own regulations—further, existing laws are likely to evolve as technology changes. Complying with ever-evolving data privacy regulations can be a challenge, especially if a tech business conducts operations in more than one state or country. It’s essential for leaders of tech companies to constantly monitor data privacy news and events both to stay up to date with current laws and to assure customers that their privacy is protected. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share resources they rely on to stay in the know and ensure their organizations can quickly adapt to changing compliance laws.
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If you want a successful outcome from a tech project, you need someone to lead it to the finish line. That’s why it’s essential to ask the right questions of a prospective project manager candidate before you hire. These candidates must have technical skills and detailed knowledge of your project’s foundations as well as strong leadership skills to guide your team members in their day-to-day tasks. To help you in your hiring process, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council each shared one essential question companies must ask of a prospective project manager candidate. Keep these queries in your rotation of interview questions to help you find the right fit for the job.
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In today’s digital world, there are many thought leaders and innovators who have had a hand in shaping the technologies that have made our daily lives easier and more connected. Inventions such as the smartphone and social media apps give us the ability to immediately and easily reach out to others. Developments in industries such as healthcare and home security have introduced multiple life-saving products. And myriad hardware and software innovations enable many professionals to work from anywhere at any time. While there are many great leaders pioneering change across industries, there are a few who stand out for their achievements and creations. Below, 13 Forbes Technology Council experts share their picks for the most influential tech leaders of our era and why their work has been so important.
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Consumers share their personal data with companies all the time—whenever they sign up for a newsletter, make a purchase online or create a customer loyalty or rewards account, for example. However, as more companies request contact info, online users are becoming more attuned to the potential hazards that can come with sharing their personal information. If something doesn’t seem right about such a transaction, it may not be, but many consumers aren’t aware of the warning signs. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council share red flags that users should be aware of before sharing their personal information and tips on how to avoid sharing personal data with a company that should not be trusted with it.
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From home automation to wearable tech, the Internet of Things (IoT) is continuing to expand. These interconnected devices have the ability to absorb and respond to each other's data using embedded sensors, opening up a network of potential possibilities for everyday life and business operations. While larger businesses may already be on top of their game in terms of the IoT, small businesses may believe that leveraging this technology is out of their reach. Below, 13 members of Forbes Technology Council offer some ways that a business of any stripe can leverage the rapid growth of IoT.
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In the technology industry, competition remains fierce for tech talent. As companies struggle to usher in top talent, some turn to outsourced tech firms and independent contractors to get work completed. However, it can be difficult to measure the productivity and performance of outsourced developers in comparison to an internal team. Below, 14 members of Forbes Technology Council each detail one method for measuring the performance of outsourced developers. Follow their recommendations to help you better gauge the output of and return on your investment in contractors.
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In late 2021, Amazon Web Services experienced extended outages three times within a matter of weeks, affecting services and vendors ranging from Zoom and Quickbooks Online to Xbox Live and Hulu. Businesses across industries—and their customers—were frustrated, and many companies vowed to rethink their heavy reliance on AWS services. But apart from hoping there’s no “next time” (hardly a viable strategy), what can businesses do to better ensure they and their customers enjoy reliable, always-on service? Below, 15 tech industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share the actions they recommend businesses strongly consider to better position themselves if (or more likely, when) their cloud services provider experiences an outage.
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Tech is by nature a “hot topic” industry, and there are plenty of resources offering advice to tech leaders. However, it’s not wise to trust every suggestion or trending topic that pops up in articles or your email inbox. Some regularly shared suggestions are based on outdated technology or methods, and even some “good” advice needs to be weighed against your and your organization’s unique needs. From general platitudes to specific “solutions,” there is plenty for a tech leader to be wary of when they’re reading the latest industry headlines. Below, 16 industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share “hot” or popular pieces of advice that may in fact lead tech leaders in the wrong direction.
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Aug 12, 2021
Those considering a career in tech often seek advice on the right path or specialty to consider. That's a wise decision—the tech industry evolves rapidly, so knowing what the industry needs right now and what's on the horizon improves a budding tech professional's options when the job hunt begins. While there are many articles and news stories about tech specialties that are facing a current or future shortage of qualified candidates, there's less information out there about specialties that may soon be obsolete. The experts of Forbes Technology Council have their fingers on the pulse of the tech industry and know which tech skills and knowledge businesses and organizations are seeking now and in the near future—and which are being phased out. Below, 14 of them share tech specialties that may soon go by the wayside.
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As technology plays a more and more significant role in how businesses, governments and consumers go about everyday work and life, increased regulation is sure to follow. Any such regulation is likely to be complex by nature. The expert input of tech leaders—who have a unique insight into both technology’s benefits and its potential pitfalls—is not only a valuable addition but often a necessary one. When a tech leader has a strong opinion about tech legislation under consideration, they may wonder how they can share their thoughts with both the public and lawmakers. Below, 15 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council suggest practical ways tech experts can share their knowledge to help both the public and legislators come to informed decisions about a proposed tech regulation.
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Innovations in technology have dominated the headlines for years, and it hasn't only been industry experts following the news. For years, the public has watched for regular stories on such topics as the latest iPhones, new fitness gadgets and developments in industrial technology. And with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, technology took on an even more dominant role in our professional and personal lives as we relied on it for everything from working from home to having a variety of needs and wants delivered right to our doors. Knowing what we all know now, who among us wouldn’t like to have been in on the ground floor of any of the companies that have brought us the technology that’s enabled telecommuting, telemedicine and e-commerce over the last year? While the experts of Forbes Technology Council can’t know which current tech startups are destined to become household names, they do know which industry focuses are likely to see growth. Below, eight of them share what tech focus they’d look for in a promising startup investment.
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In recent years, tech developers have introduced plenty of tools and products that make our professional and personal lives easier. But this only happens when developers focus on the real needs of end-users — a proviso tech leaders must always keep in mind. A new tech product may excite you and your developers, but all that’s for nothing if the target users don’t find it meaningful. Creating a tech solution that’s not only cutting-edge but also solves a genuine problem for the target audience requires careful thought. To ensure you and your team are creating tech that’s truly focused on the end-user, follow the advice below from the industry leaders of Forbes Technology Council.
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Nearly every company requires tech hardware and software to handle some or all of its operations, creating a global, industry-spanning demand for skilled tech professionals. This intense competition creates a particularly difficult situation for smaller businesses, which can have all (or more) of the tech needs as the big players but may believe they lack the cachet or name recognition to capture the interest of the best tech talent. However, there are several ways smaller businesses can set themselves apart as attractive destinations for skilled tech professionals. Below, 13 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council share strategies a smaller business can leverage to entice skilled tech professionals to join the team.
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The proliferation of technology in almost every industry—particularly over the past year—has brought with it fierce competition for top tech talent. In today's economy, if skilled tech pros aren't happy with the company they're at, there are plenty of other options out there. If leaders want to keep the tech team members they've worked so hard to recruit on board, it's vital to understand not only what tech professionals value in the workplace but also what frustrates them. Below, 15 members of Forbes Technology Council shed some light on policies and practices that can lead to high turnover among a tech team.
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During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses might have had to come to a complete halt if not for cutting-edge solutions from the tech industry. Although the work done by every tech team to enable remote work, e-commerce and connectivity has been valuable, the pandemic has seen its share of definite tech winners—there’s no doubt, for instance, that video conferencing now has a secure place in both the business and consumer worlds. So which technologies that emerged during the pandemic will have a lasting impact on how we live and work? Below, 14 industry leaders from Forbes Technology Council discuss the tech innovations that are likely to stick around a long time after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
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The online marketplace never closes. These days, if your business is to succeed at engaging and keeping customers, it's essential that the public be able to shop with, learn about and interact with your company 24/7. And since more consumers than ever are using their phones as their primary devices, a well-designed mobile app is a must. Designing an effective mobile app isn't an easy feat, though. A well-designed app not only enables consumers to complete transactions, gather information and contact your business but also has an easy-to-navigate interface that doesn't frustrate users and features that assure them their personal information is protected. Developing a mobile app that allows users to easily accomplish what they want to do will keep them coming back to the app—and your business—for more. Below, 16 tech industry experts from Forbes Technology Council share must-have features of a successful, user-friendly mobile app.
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When it comes to developing new software, your coworkers may become your customers. And in those cases, tech teams need to treat their teammates the way they would any other customer—which means paying attention to providing the best user experience possible. As the creators and maintainers of inward-facing software, tech team members are by default expert users, which may make it difficult for them to take a step back and get a realistic view of how well other team members understand and use the tech they’ve developed. So how can tech teams ensure their inward-facing tech offers a good user interface and user experience? The industry leaders of Forbes Technology Council have overseen their share of tech projects and know what it takes to make their customers happy—whether they’re members of the public or their teammates down the hall. Below, they share helpful strategies to help tech teams perfect the UX when developing inward-facing tech.
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Apr 20, 2021
Voice assistants such as Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant have become significant parts of many consumers' lives. This tech can help with everything from adjusting the thermostat to researching term papers to ordering takeout. It's also making inroads into the business world, particularly in industries that require hands-on work. Users definitely understand the convenience factor, but they may not know all the ins and outs. There are important ways to improve the performance of voice-activated tech, as well as privacy and security factors that some users may not have considered. Below, 12 members of Forbes Technology Council share essential facts voice-activated tech users (and skeptics) should be aware of.