The Technology Whisperers: Season 3, Episode 5 - "Current Events for April 2024"

Episode Summary:

Join Alistair Ross and Sean Muller in this informative episode as they delve into the latest happenings in the IT space, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and AI. The hosts provide expert insights into recent security breaches, developments in AI, and the implications of new technologies on business and security practices.

Key Takeaways:

1. Recent Security Breaches: An in-depth discussion on the significant security issues faced by Microsoft, including a major data breach by the hacking group Nobilium.
2. AI Developments and Concerns: Examination of the AI hype cycle, comparisons to the dot-com bubble, and practical implications for businesses in leveraging AI technologies.
3. Quantum Computing and Cryptography: Exploration of the advancements in quantum computing and the essential move towards post-quantum cryptography.
4. Green Computing: The ongoing challenges and strategies related to reducing the carbon footprint in tech, especially concerning AI's power consumption.
5. The Role of Open Source in Cybersecurity: A critical look at how open-source software underpins much of the internet and the risks associated with its widespread use.

Episode Highlights:

• Analysis of AI's market impact, drawing parallels with historical tech booms and potential future trends.
• Discussion on the strategic national and corporate moves towards securing data against future quantum decryption capabilities.
• Insights into the potential environmental impact of expanding AI technologies and the necessary innovations to counteract these issues.
• A cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities inherent in the widespread use of open-source software and the potential global implications of security oversights.

Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences and thoughts on how current IT developments affect their work or personal security practices. Questions for Sean or suggestions for future topics can be submitted via social media or the podcast's website.

Closing Thoughts: As technology continues to evolve rapidly, staying informed about the latest developments and security practices is crucial for everyone, from IT professionals to casual users. Join us next time as we continue to explore the fascinating world of technology, providing clarity and insights into the complex digital landscape.

• Contact Details

  Alistair Ross

  alistair@revolutioninfosec.com

  Web: https://revolutioninfosec.com

  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairjross https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolutioninfosec

  Sean G Muller

  seangmuller@technologyleader.co.nz

  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgmuller/

Support the Technology Whisperers by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite podcast app and leaving a review. Share this episode with anyone interested in the intersection of technology and diversity.

On Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-technology-whisperers-a-technology/id1609516270 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Hk3B5ftWt8DQEKZpkTSwA?si=9983d5ad421d4509 Google Play https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL3RoZXRlY2hub2xvZ3l3aGlzcGVyZXJzL2ZlZWQueG1s And remember to demystify the technology world with Sean and Alistair. Subscribe and listen to every episode.

Hosts: Sean Muller and Alistair Ross Guests: Hilary Walton, Kat Lennox Steele, Sasha Mullins Release Date: Originally aired 12 Sept 2023

In this Reload of our most downloaded episode ever of Technology Whisperers, hosts Sean and Alistair are joined by three remarkable guests: Hilary Walton, Kat Lennox Steele, and Sasha Mullins, for an in-depth discussion on women's unique pathways into the cybersecurity field. Dubbed "The Spicy Brain Episode," this conversation sheds light on the diverse backgrounds, challenges, and triumphs these women have experienced in the tech industry.

• Introduction to Cybersecurity: Each guest shares their unique journey into the cybersecurity world, highlighting the diverse paths one can take to enter this dynamic field.
• Overcoming Barriers: The guests discuss the various challenges they faced, including imposter syndrome, gender biases, and finding their voice in a male-dominated industry.
• The Role of Mentorship: Insights into the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and building supportive networks in personal and professional growth within cybersecurity.
• Neurodiversity in Tech: A candid conversation about neurodiversity, including ADHD, and how it influences work styles, creativity, and problem-solving in cybersecurity.
• Empowerment and Inclusion: Strategies for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in tech for women and underrepresented groups.

• "It's about leaning into the fact that you're different... cybersecurity allows you to work with your brain rather than against it." - Sasha Mullins
• "You need to put your own oxygen mask on first... I had to do those things so that when I got out the other side, I still had a career worth leaving my baby for." - Hilary Walton
• "Seeing somebody who has got a few similarities to yourself, like the fact that she's female and she's a mom, doing amazing work... that stuff's pretty inspiring." - Kat Lennox Steele

• Hilary Walton hilarywalton@microsoft.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilswalton/

  Kat Lennox-Steele

  kat.lennoxsteele@defend.co.nz

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/klennox-steele/

  Sasha Mullins

  sasha.mullins@cybercx.co.nz

  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-mullins-335325a3/

  Contact Details

  Alistair Ross

  alistair@revolutioninfosec.com

  Web: https://revolutioninfosec.com

  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairjross https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolutioninfosec

  Sean G Muller

  seangmuller@technologyleader.co.nz

  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgmuller/

Support the Technology Whisperers by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite podcast app and leaving a review. Share this episode with anyone interested in the intersection of technology and diversity.

On Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-technology-whisperers-a-technology/id1609516270 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0Hk3B5ftWt8DQEKZpkTSwA?si=9983d5ad421d4509 Google Play https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL3RoZXRlY2hub2xvZ3l3aGlzcGVyZXJzL2ZlZWQueG1s And remember to demystify the technology world with Sean and Alistair subscribe and listen to every episode

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of The Technology Whisperers, hosts Alistair Ross and Sean Muller are joined by David McDonald, a serial entrepreneur, futurist, and expert in Artificial Intelligence. Together, they dive deep into the current state and future potential of AI technologies, debunking myths, exploring opportunities, and addressing some of the most pressing concerns surrounding AI's impact on society and business.

Guest Bio: David McDonald: With decades of experience in the tech industry, David has been at the forefront of leading-edge technologies, especially in AI and blockchain. His career includes significant roles such as CEO of Centrality Japan and leading various ventures and startups to success. David is passionate about the transformative power of AI and its application across different sectors.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of a Futurist: David shares his insights into what it means to be a futurist in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, emphasising the importance of anticipating technology trends and their practical applications.

2. AI Transforming Businesses: Discussion on how AI is revolutionizing industries, with a focus on its application in enhancing efficiency, creating new opportunities, and the challenges of integrating AI into existing business models.

3. Ethical and Security Concerns: The episode delves into the ethical considerations and security implications of AI, including data privacy, the potential for bias in AI models, and the importance of open-source models for transparency.

4. Future of Work: David and the hosts explore the impact of AI on the job market, discussing the potential for AI to replace certain jobs while also creating new opportunities and industries that we can't yet imagine.

5. The Next Big Thing in AI: Predictions for the near future of AI technology, including the rise of generative AI, code abstraction, and the potential for AI to develop applications on demand for personalized user needs.

Episode Highlights:

• David's journey from a geospatial software engineer to an AI and blockchain innovator.
• The potential for AI to disrupt industries from within, challenging traditional business models.
• Discussion on the importance of ethical AI development and the role of regulation.
• Speculation on the arrival of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and its implications.
• Addressing public fears and misconceptions about AI through education and transparency.

Listener Engagement: Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on AI's impact on society and their own industries. Questions for David or suggestions for future topics can be submitted via social media or the podcast's website.

Connect with David McDonald:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-m-7526b712/

Closing Thoughts: AI is not just shaping the future; it's actively transforming the present. As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, staying informed and open to change will be crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Join us next time as we continue to demystify the world of technology, one episode at a time.

Contact Details for Alistair and Sean:

Alistair Ross

alistair@revolutioninfosec.com

Web:

https://revolutioninfosec.com

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistairjross

https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolutioninfosec

Sean G Muller

seangmuller@technologyleader.co.nz

Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgmuller/

X 'Formerly Twitter': @seangmuller