Episode 5 in our CyberRes security awareness series turns to Cyber Innovation and Security. This episode looks at how security teams can support companies in their drive to innovate whilst continuing to protect against outside threats. Edison Mazibuko is passionate about cybersecurity, the environment and emerging technologies. He serves as Chairperson on the 4th Industrial Revolution Committee of an NGO which aims to unlock the Green Economy in Southern Africa. This committee is tasked with advising the Board on the disruptive technologies shaping digitalization. As a director of DRS, a Cyber1 company, Mazibuko is exposed to a large base of implementation partners and end customers. His insights into the market come from seeing the good and bad that is happening in South Africa and he seems very positive about the state of innovation. This episode touches on why people don’t want to innovate, how it can be done well and where security teams can lessen the anxiety for management when innovation is a matter of survival. As Mazibuko says “Often business wants to move but security is seen as a blocker when in actual fact security teams are often the most innovative teams in the business. There are always skills shortages and more work than most can cope with which means that a ‘can do’ attitude is critical.” Mazibuko suggests that business teams would benefit from visiting the security centers to understand how far they have innovated and perhaps take back ideas for the traditional lines of business. When asked what changes he would make to streamline an innovation initiative Mazibuko suggests the following: Leverage partners; Simplify concepts; Experiment. Mazibuko also emphasizes that user awareness is a key part of ensuring security is baked into the culture of the organization, which will pay dividends when done consistently. Enjoy the discussion and remember to leave comments in the section below.