Typically, start-ups and fast-growing companies like those surveyed are so intent on the bottom line, said Lobel, that they don't focus on protecting their bottom line. Firms that do pay attention to security, he said, could reap competitive advantages.
But simply putting technology into place isn't the answer. "Security isn't just a technology problem," Lobel said. "Clearly, it's a component, but security is really a combination of technology, people, and processes."
One recommendation Lobel offered up to fast-growing companies is to assign personnel -- even if it's just one person, part-time -- to information security, who are responsible for monitoring policies and processes put into place to safeguard the network, customer data, and intellectual property.
The ongoing battle against hackers and other threats may not be glamorous, but it's absolutely necessary, Lobel concluded.
"Security is a daily grind," he said. "It's not supposed to be fun."
By combining resources and expertise, the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium will offer a blueprint for how industries can adapt to an AI-dominated future.
IT leaders should heed the guidance of cybersecurity insurance providers who think businesses should prioritize security education, incident preparedness, regular internal audits, and ongoing vulnerability scanning and patching.
There are many network courses that can address your present job's priorities and help you gain the needed skills to keep pace with industry changes and new technologies.
