Founder’s Story: AI Is Both the Problem and the Solution—This Cyber CEO Explains Why | Ep. 224 with Scott Alldridge, President and CEO of IP Services

In episode 224 of "Founder’s Story" hosted by IBH Media, Scott Alldridge, President and CEO of IP Services, delves into the intricate relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. This in-depth conversation explores the challenges and strategies essential for sustaining a business in the fast-evolving tech landscape, the dual role of AI in cybersecurity, and the creation of a pivotal resource for businesses aiming to bolster their security measures.

1. Sustaining a Business Beyond Two Decades

[00:01 - 00:30]

The episode kicks off with host Daniel highlighting the daunting statistics surrounding business longevity, noting that "most companies fail within two years, five years, and it's like 90 something percent of companies do not exist after 10 years." He turns to Scott to uncover the secrets behind his company's impressive 20-year tenure.

Scott Alldridge responds by emphasizing the importance of reinvention:

“The big key there is, is basically being able to reinvent yourself. And I think that's one of the challenges that's really hard to do... we are constantly evolving and figuring out how to deliver the next... generation of services.”
[00:30]

Scott attributes his company's enduring success to the ability to adapt and innovate continuously, avoiding the pitfalls of stagnation that often lead to business failure.

2. Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Tech Landscape

[01:22 - 02:49]

Daniel raises a pertinent question about keeping pace with the relentless advancements in technology, especially from the dot-com era to the present day. Scott outlines a multifaceted approach to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

He highlights the role of continuous research and strategic partnerships, particularly through his sister division, the IT Process Institute:

“We use a methodology called zero trust and there's multiple layers as how we deploy zero trust to protect organization.”
[01:41 - 02:49]

Scott explains that being deeply entrenched in the tech industry facilitates the assimilation of new information, further bolstered by proactive research and collaboration with organizations that drive technological advancements.

3. AI and Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword

[03:15 - 05:16]

The conversation shifts to the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, a critical area where AI serves both as a tool for defense and a weapon for cyber threats. Scott draws an analogy to the traditional antivirus arms race:

“AI is, can be used both for the good and the bad... we have to utilize the latest technologies to keep up with the bad actors, but also understand that there are foundational layers of security.”
[03:15 - 05:16]

He elaborates on how malicious actors leverage AI to execute sophisticated, multi-tiered attacks, creating a complex "cat and mouse game." Conversely, cybersecurity professionals deploy proactive AI solutions to defend against these evolving threats. Scott underscores the necessity of foundational security layers, such as the zero trust methodology, to ensure robust protection.

4. Crafting a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Resource: The Visible Ops Series

[06:04 - 08:33]

Daniel segues into discussing Scott’s foray into authorship, particularly focusing on his acclaimed Visible Ops book series. Scott shares the inspiration behind his extensive research and subsequent publication efforts:

“If they can glean something to book... our research and the backdrop to promote the type of services that those vendors actually provide.”
[06:04 - 08:33]

The Visible Ops series, now spanning over 350,000 copies, aims to disseminate best practices in IT management and cybersecurity. Scott’s latest installment, "Visible Ops Cybersecurity," offers practical methodologies, including zero trust, tailored to enhance the cybersecurity posture of both small and large enterprises. The book distills complex cybersecurity concepts into actionable strategies, adhering to the 80/20 principle—where 20% of efforts yield 80% of the benefits.

5. Achieving Remarkable Book Sales Through Strategic Partnerships

[08:33 - 09:06]

Addressing the impressive sales figures of his book series, Scott attributes this success to a combination of altruistic goals, integrative business strategies, and strategic vendor partnerships. Collaborations with industry giants like HP and Red Hat facilitated widespread promotion through conferences and bulk purchases, significantly boosting the book’s visibility and reach.

“My book just became an Amazon bestseller... we are seeing that activity kick up like we've seen with the other books and hopefully start to really take off over the next few months.”
[08:33 - 09:06]

These partnerships not only enhanced book sales but also reinforced the practical applications of the book’s content within Scott’s business services.

6. Current Cybersecurity Threats and Essential Best Practices

[11:31 - 13:36]

Scott delves into the pressing cybersecurity threats that businesses face today, emphasizing that no organization is too small to be a target. He discusses the alarming rise of sophisticated ransomware attacks, including ransomware franchises that operate with professional toolsets and payment processes designed to evade detection.

“No business is too small... every business should have tried. And true immutable, separated backups that are tested regularly.”
[11:31 - 13:36]

Key takeaways from Scott’s insights include:

• Assume Breach Mentality: Organizations should operate under the assumption that breaches will occur, necessitating robust backup and disaster recovery plans.

• Immutable Backups: Implementing backups that are disconnected (air-gapped) and encrypted to prevent attackers from accessing them even if they infiltrate the network.

• Zero Trust Architecture: Employing multiple security layers to protect organizational assets, ensuring that trust is never implicitly granted and always verified.

7. Accessing the Visible Ops Cybersecurity Book and Final Thoughts

[14:37 - 15:06]

As the conversation wraps up, Scott provides listeners with guidance on how to obtain his book, directing them to his personal website and Amazon:

“You can order the book right there through an Amazon link that's there. You can go to Amazon and just type invisible off cybersecurity.”
[14:43 - 15:06]

Host Daniel encourages industry professionals and business owners alike to read Scott’s book to enhance their cybersecurity measures, fostering a safer business environment.

Episode Takeaways:

• Adaptability is Crucial: Continuous reinvention is essential for business longevity, especially in the tech industry.

• AI's Dual Role: While AI enhances cybersecurity defenses, it also empowers cybercriminals, necessitating a balanced and strategic approach.

• Practical Resources Matter: Comprehensive guides like the Visible Ops series provide invaluable strategies for businesses to bolster their cybersecurity posture.

• No Business is Too Small: Every organization, regardless of size, must prioritize cybersecurity to protect against evolving threats.

Scott Alldridge's insights offer a compelling perspective on navigating the complexities of modern cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and continuous learning in safeguarding organizational assets.