Flaw Surge Fuels Need for CISOs to Rethink Vulnerability Management

By / Blog /

The surge in AI-assisted vulnerability discovery is accelerating exploitation rates, prompting security experts to call for a shift from traditional scheduled patching to risk-based, continuous vulnerability management tied to real-time exploitation intelligence. Enterprises are encouraged to adopt just-in-time patching and mitigation-first strategies, including compensating controls and virtual patching, to address gaps left by delayed fixes and expanding attack surfaces. Effective vulnerability management now requires comprehensive asset visibility, prioritization based on exposure and exploitability, and dynamic defenses to reduce risk between discovery and remediation.

https://www.csoonline.com/article/4196435/flaw-surge-fuels-need-for-cisos-to-rethink-vulnerability-management.html

CISOs No Longer Get to Choose Because AI Is Redefining the SOC

By / Blog / ,

AI is rapidly transforming security operations centers (SOCs) by enabling automation that addresses the increasing speed and complexity of cyber threats, making AI adoption a necessity rather than a choice for CISOs. Trust in AI is established through controlled rollout, continuous validation, and human oversight, with explainability and transparency being essential to ensure accountability and avoid over-reliance on automated outputs. As AI becomes integrated into core SOC infrastructure, it shifts analyst roles toward higher-level investigations and requires CISOs to carefully balance operational pressures and regulatory demands while leading deliberate, iterative AI adoption strategies.

https://www.scworld.com/perspective/cisos-no-longer-get-to-choose-because-ai-is-redefining-the-soc

What Next-Generation IT Leadership Looks Like

By / Blog / , , ,

Former Verizon CIO Jane Connell emphasizes that next-generation IT leadership requires balancing operational excellence with innovation, fostering curiosity to navigate AI-driven change, and cultivating human connection to build trust and followership beyond traditional hierarchies. She highlights the importance of blending deep technical expertise with strong business acumen to leverage data and technology effectively, while advocating for honest, succinct communication and resilience in taking calculated risks for growth. Connell believes the future success of IT leaders will depend on their ability to inspire collaboration, humility, and continuous learning amidst evolving organizational and technological landscapes.

https://www.cio.com/article/4195784/what-next-generation-it-leadership-looks-like.html

When Developing an AI Strategy, Beware the Urgency Trap

By / Blog / , ,

Despite substantial investments in AI, many companies fail to realize significant productivity gains because leaders often approach AI strategy by focusing narrowly on urgent operational problems. This “urgency trap” leads to limited returns since it overlooks the broader, strategic integration of AI capabilities. Effective AI strategy requires a shift from reactive problem-solving to thoughtful, long-term planning that aligns AI deployment with overall organizational goals.

https://hbr.org/2026/07/when-developing-an-ai-strategy-beware-the-urgency-trap

From Hype to Results: Real Productivity Gains with Microsoft 365 Copilot

By / Blog / , , ,

Microsoft 365 Copilot has transitioned from AI hype to delivering tangible productivity improvements in UK law firms by integrating directly into familiar tools like Outlook, Word, and Teams. Firms that adopt it with a focus on practical workflows, user support, and measurable outcomes report faster routine tasks, clearer communication, reduced cognitive load, and improved wellbeing, enabling lawyers to concentrate on higher-value work. This structured, people-centered approach to AI adoption fosters smoother workflows, boosts confidence among junior lawyers, and reduces after-hours work, demonstrating real operational benefits beyond initial experimentation.

https://www.legalfutures.co.uk/associate-news/from-hype-to-results-real-productivity-gains-with-microsoft-365-copilot

From 50 to 1,300 Users: BPM’s M365 Copilot Journey

By / Blog / , , , ,

BPM successfully scaled Microsoft 365 Copilot from a 50-user pilot to a firmwide deployment reaching 1,300 employees by partnering with Valorem Reply to develop scalable training, executive sponsorship, and governance frameworks. This approach enabled rapid adoption—currently at 78%—while ensuring security, compliance, and sustainable AI innovation through structured agent management and data hygiene practices. The initiative has transformed workflows across BPM, improving efficiency and supporting ongoing AI-driven business value.

https://www.reply.com/valorem-reply/en/resources/work/2025/mw/from-50-to-1300-users-bpm-m365-copilot-journey

5 Ways for CIOs to Avoid AI Bill Shock

By / Blog / , , ,

CIOs face new FinOps challenges as AI spending shifts to a usage-driven, non-linear model tied to business workflows rather than user seats. To control costs, they should forecast AI expenses by workflow, model failure scenarios realistically, embed cost controls architecturally, route tasks to appropriately sized models, and tie AI consumption directly to business value through comprehensive governance and prioritization processes. These practices help prevent unexpected AI bill shock by aligning spending with measurable operational improvements and value creation.

https://www.cio.com/article/4190605/5-ways-for-cios-to-avoid-ai-bill-shock.html

Microsoft Entra ID Gets Passkeys Default Authentication Starting September

By / Blog / ,

Microsoft will make passkeys the default authentication method for its Entra ID enterprise identity service starting September 2026, automatically enabling passkeys for users currently relying on phone-based SMS and voice authentication, which Microsoft plans to retire by February 2027. Organizations are advised to transition to phishing-resistant methods before the retirement deadline to avoid sign-in disruptions, as Microsoft aims to reduce reliance on phishable authentication and improve account security against increasing credential theft and phishing attacks.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-entra-id-gets-passkeys-default-authentication-starting-september/

7 Skills and Traits of Elite Security Engineers

By / Blog / ,

Elite security engineers excel by combining deep technical skills with a broad systems mindset and adaptability to evolving threats, especially AI-driven ones. They proficiently use AI tools for predictive threat detection, understand emerging AI-related risks, integrate security with business goals, manage third-party and non-human risks, and continuously update their knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape. Their ability to communicate risks across technical and business teams makes them vital for effective enterprise security strategy and operations.

https://www.csoonline.com/article/4196428/7-skills-and-traits-of-elite-security-engineers.html

Your Service Vendors Are Being Rebuilt Around AI

By / Blog / , ,

Venture-backed firms are acquiring traditional service vendors and replatforming them around AI agents, shifting contracts to outcome-based pricing that transfers risk to buyers unless effectively governed. This development raises governance and continuity risks due to complex vendor structures and immature AI reliability, necessitating rigorous contract terms on definitions, auditability, accountability, and exit clauses to maintain control and ensure true value. CIOs should pilot AI-driven workflows with clear baselines and metrics they own to secure leverage and avoid paying for vendors' ambiguous performance claims.

https://www.cio.com/article/4196348/your-service-vendors-are-being-rebuilt-around-ai.html

Scroll to Top