New and emerging technologies are transforming industries, pushing companies closer to becoming real-time enterprises capable of operating in ways that were once unimaginable. From artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G to blockchain and machine learning (ML), these next-generation technologies allow businesses to operate faster, smarter, and more efficiently than ever before.
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However, the pace of change is rapid, and even experienced IT professionals can find it challenging to stay on top of the latest developments. For business leaders outside of IT, all the technical jargon can feel like a foreign language, even if they are fluent in business matters.
This white paper is designed to clarify some of the newest and emerging technologies for individuals who do not work directly in IT or cybersecurity but who still influence requirements and strategic decisions. Specifically, it highlights the key cybersecurity considerations associated with these technologies, helping non-IT executives and security program influencers understand the potential risks alongside the benefits of next-generation innovations.
Security professionals can leverage this white paper to proactively educate and engage non-technical stakeholders within their organizations. When business leaders grasp both the opportunities and the security challenges of new technologies, organizations are less likely to let digital innovation outpace protective measures.
From buzzword to business necessity
Emerging technologies are set to dramatically impact businesses and industries in the near future. In many advanced organizations, this future is already underway. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain have quickly moved from being abstract buzzwords to essential business tools, driving digital transformation across every part of the enterprise. The following sections provide an overview of key technologies that non-IT business leaders are likely to encounter more frequently in the coming months.
5G
What it is and why it matters
The rollout of 5G wireless networks heralds a new era of connectivity and is often described as part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Like previous advances in mobile communications, moving from 3G and 4G to 5G will offer much higher bandwidth and faster upload/download speeds, along with drastically reduced latency. 5G is expected to enable innovative applications that were previously unimaginable—from autonomous vehicles to remote surgical systems—transforming industries across the board.
Cybersecurity implications and considerations
Although the business potential of 5G is enormous, its security implications have raised concerns. 5G networks are being designed with multiple layers of built-in security, including strict supply chain vetting to ensure only secure components are used, as well as sophisticated authentication and encryption methods for connected devices. However, even with a secure 5G network, vulnerabilities can arise if applications or business processes are implemented without proper security oversight. For instance, a poorly configured database or application still poses a risk despite a fast network connection.
The bottom line
Teams eager to take advantage of 5G-enabled technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) or network-connected autonomous devices, may rush deployments without realizing potential security weaknesses. In particular, outdated device firmware—which controls the device’s functions—can be exploited by cybercriminals, potentially compromising entire networks.
If your security program does not have a strong process to evaluate and approve new technologies or devices before connecting them to your network, it could leave your organization exposed to significant risks. Avoid letting your company’s “attack surface” expand uncontrollably in the rush to adopt 5G. Innovation should not outpace security oversight.
Blockchain
What it is and why it matters
Blockchain is a distributed database or public ledger used to record digital transactions, with each transaction secured through cryptography. Once recorded, transactions cannot be altered retroactively. When new information is added or existing data updated, the changes are verified, authorized, encrypted, and stored in a block that cannot be modified. Each new block is then cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a chain—a blockchain—that provides a complete, chronological record of all transactions. The most well-known example is Bitcoin, the digital cryptocurrency.
Blockchain technology is especially useful for security applications such as managing digital identities, protecting the configuration of critical IT systems, and securing supply chains.
Cybersecurity implications and considerations
Inspired by blockchain, a new approach called machine state integrity (MSI) helps ensure that the machines running your business are configured as expected. Unauthorized or unnoticed changes to system settings can result in data theft, fraud, or increased vulnerability to malware, viruses, and phishing attacks. MSI continuously monitors machines in an organization, identifies, analyzes, and flags changes to ensure system integrity. Traditionally, maintaining this level of oversight has been labor-intensive and tedious, but blockchain-inspired MSI solutions reduce the burden on staff. In addition, blockchain can also help control access to sensitive systems and data by managing digital identities.
The bottom line
Security solutions influenced by blockchain can significantly enhance an organization’s security posture, but the technology itself is often perceived as complex. When evaluating blockchain-based solutions, focus on the tangible, practical security benefits rather than the underlying technical complexity.
AI and ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
What it is and why it matters
No longer just science fiction, AI and ML are often mentioned together, though they are distinct concepts. Machine learning (ML) is a programming method that excels when an organization has large amounts of data but struggles to define decision-making criteria. Artificial intelligence (AI) generally refers to solutions built using ML techniques. When applied to cybersecurity, AI and ML move from being buzzwords to delivering real business value.
Cybersecurity implications and considerations
AI and ML underpin many advanced cybersecurity solutions. For example, ML automates aspects of threat hunting—a critical but time-consuming activity that identifies malicious actors in IT systems. Human-led threat hunting often produces many false positives, making it harder to focus on actual threats. ML-driven systems can reduce detection time from an average of over 200 days to just a few hours. Faster detection limits the potential damage caused by attackers. AI-powered solutions also allow organizations to accelerate and, in many cases, automate their response to security incidents.
The bottom line
Like blockchain, AI and ML may seem abstract to executives focused on business operations rather than IT. When considering AI/ML-based security solutions, concentrate on the measurable benefits and practical results, rather than the technical jargon or hype.
Although not a new concept, the Internet of Things (IoT) is projected to reach 25 billion connected devices by 2025. This growth will be fueled by the global deployment of 5G networks and organizations becoming more advanced in their use of IoT technologies. Devices such as sensors, cameras, smart lighting systems, and even internet-enabled medication-dispensing robots are examples of “things” that can transform factory floors, research labs, retail stores, and hospitals. Tasks that once required manual data collection from dispersed systems can now be automated, reducing the need for human intervention. Faster data collection enables organizations to act on information more quickly.
Cybersecurity implications and considerations
Many security teams already struggle to maintain visibility over the numerous devices connected to their networks. This challenge is often exacerbated by limited resources, including reliance on labor-intensive first-generation security tools and a global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. As the number of connected devices grows exponentially, organizations risk losing oversight of their IoT ecosystem.
IoT devices with weak security can create serious vulnerabilities. They can be hijacked by botnets for distributed denial-of-service attacks, act as gateways into core networks, or be exploited by malicious actors to compromise sensitive data. A notable example involved hackers gaining access to a smart HVAC system maintained by a third-party vendor, which they then used to steal payment card information from millions of customers at a major retailer. In addition, cyber-espionage can target IoT-collected data, potentially undermining research integrity or even posing physical safety risks.
The bottom line
IoT raises an important question for organizations: Who is responsible for the security of the technology powering the business—the business unit using it, the IT team managing the infrastructure, or the security team overseeing overall protection? Organizations must clearly define accountability for IoT security, covering everything from pre-deployment evaluation to installation, operation, and data management. While IoT offers numerous business advantages, strong governance is essential to ensure these benefits are realized safely.
Secure innovation requires collaboration
Successfully leveraging advanced technologies is a shared responsibility across all enterprise leaders, not just IT. Cultivating a learning culture—where team members from different functions understand both business needs and security implications of new technologies—is critical. Organizations that adopt emerging technologies hastily risk inadvertently triggering major cyber incidents. Security programs stuck in the past cannot support forward-looking innovation.
Emerging technologies are central to digital transformation, yet in many organizations, cybersecurity capabilities have lagged behind. Security programs often struggle with the impacts of the global cyber talent shortage and may focus only on core responsibilities such as vulnerability management, third-party risk evaluations, and incident response planning. When security teams cannot maintain foundational practices:
- They lack the time to fully assess the risks and benefits of new technologies
- They fail to proactively engage stakeholders or understand business objectives driving technology adoption
- Innovation suffers as security is added as an afterthought rather than being integrated during the design phase
For example, a recent Verizon/HIMSS survey of healthcare leaders across IT, security, and non-IT roles found that 74% report cybersecurity concerns frequently or occasionally slow down digital transformation initiatives.
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