Cybersecurity and compliance take centre stage at IT Directors’ Dinner in London

What is playing on the minds of senior IT executives confronted with the multiple challenges of cybersecurity and compliance?

At a recent supper roundtable in London, convened by the endpoint and IT management vendor NinjaOne, attendees discussed some of the industry’s most complex issues. Yet throughout the evening, the common denominator was the need to reduce uncertainty and manage risk.

Here are five main takeaways from the event.

1) The complexities of cybersecurity and compliance

 In general, attendees stressed that robust cybersecurity frameworks are essential to protect against ever-evolving threats and ensure organizational resilience. One attendee, a global head of cybersecurity, shared insights into navigating ISO and SOC certifications – referring to it the “certification jungle”. Participants agreed that the need for stringent compliance measures in the context of a dynamic and rapidly evolving threat landscape means that continuous learning – alongside swift adaptation to new standards and regulations – is essential.

2) Device management and certifications

The references to certification continued, as the director of infrastructure and engineering underlined the importance of comprehensive certification programs and detailed documentation. This sparked a conversation around the potential of training academies as a way to enhance IT professionals’ skills. There was agreement that well-structured and accessible certification programs are crucial for keeping IT teams updated with the latest technologies and best practices.

3) The role of UEM in IT operations

Unified endpoint management (UEM) also featured prominently in the discussions. Attendees highlighted the growing importance of integrated management solutions that can efficiently handle diverse IT environments. They noted that UEM is increasingly essential for providing a seamless and secure user experience. An IT director from a large manufacturing company expressed a keen interest in exploring UEM solutions to streamline IT operations and enhance security across endpoints.

4) The challenge of evaluating new solutions

Constructive feedback on industry trends and potential collaboration opportunities also surfaced. Participants addressed specific technical issues, highlighting the need for continuous updates and improvements in IT solutions. A CTO talked about the need for advanced lab environments and collaborative efforts to tackle common challenges. The discussion also touched on the strategic considerations that IT leaders must weigh when evaluating different IT solutions.

5) Cybersecurity and compliance: the key to sustainability and reputation

The evening concluded by circling back to the importance of cybersecurity and compliance. As the IT landscape continues to evolve, these topics remain critical for decision makers. Attendees agreed that robust cybersecurity and adherence to compliance standards don’t only protect data. A proactive approach also contributes to long-term organizational sustainability and reputation. Continuous improvement and excellence in these areas are imperative.

Conclusion

The inaugural IT Directors’ Dinner underlined the importance of bringing together IT leaders to share knowledge and experience. The event highlighted the critical issues facing IT directors today, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and compliance. As industry leaders navigate the challenges ahead, gatherings such as this remain crucial in shaping the future of IT management and fostering community among IT professionals.

NinjaOne is hosting the next edition of the IT Directors’ Dinner on July 18th 2024 at the NoMad Restaurant in Covent Garden, London. To secure a place alongside your peers at this next event, visit: www.ninjaone.com/it-directors-dinner/