Tech Talks Daily

I sat down with Simon Taylor, founder and CEO of HYCU Inc., to discuss the rapidly escalating challenge of SaaS data protection. As SaaS applications become increasingly integral to IT infrastructure, their vulnerabilities are more exposed than ever. Simon Taylor, with his book "Averting the SaaS Data Apocalypse," offers a timely and critical insight into this growing issue.

The episode begins with Simon Taylor introducing HYCU, the world's fastest-growing SaaS data backup and security business. He lays the groundwork by highlighting the vulnerability of SaaS data, noting that 52% of ransomware attacks occur through these applications. Despite the widespread use of SaaS apps across departments like finance, marketing, and HR, a staggering majority lack enterprise-grade data protection.

We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding SaaS data protection. They discuss the prevalent belief that SaaS data is automatically protected, a dangerous assumption given that most vendors only protect infrastructure, not customer data. This leads to a vast gap in security, with less than 10 major SaaS apps protected by legacy vendors.

The conversation shifts to HYCU's innovative approach to this challenge. Their platform allows for quick integration building to protect a wide array of SaaS apps, a significant advancement compared to the limited options available from other vendors. Simon shares insights from his book, including in-depth HYCU customer case studies from organizations like Bain Capital and the Boston Red Sox. These examples shed light on how companies navigate the complexities of multi-cloud experiences and cybersecurity challenges.

We also explore the legal and compliance aspects of SaaS data protection, anticipating that it will soon become a significant legal issue. They discuss the potential for CEOs to be held liable for unprotected SaaS data and the necessity for organizations to audit their SaaS apps and develop robust recovery plans.

Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in SaaS data protection, equipped with the knowledge to navigate the evolving landscape of SaaS security effectively.

I sat down with Gal Elbaz, the co-founder and CTO of Oligo Security, to discuss the vulnerabilities and challenges within open-source software.

Gal Elbaz, renowned for his pivotal discovery of a critical vulnerability in an open source library used by Instagram, brings his extensive experience and knowledge to the forefront. He will discuss his journey from being a security researcher at Check Point to founding Oligo Security. This transition marks a significant shift from identifying vulnerabilities to developing robust solutions for open source security.

The episode also highlights Oligo Security's innovative approach to tackling the vulnerabilities in open source software. Special attention is given to their recent discovery, 'ShellTorch', a critical vulnerability within TorchServe, a component of the PyTorch ecosystem. This discovery is particularly noteworthy considering TorchServe's widespread use across major global corporations.

I learn how Oligo Security leverages eBPF-powered platforms to enable security teams to efficiently identify, prioritize, and respond to real and relevant threats in pre-deployment and post-deployment environments. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional methods that often overwhelm security teams with theoretical threats.

In this episode of Tech Talks Daily, I welcome Nathan Leung, co-founder and host of Cryptonauts, a platform renowned for its insightful crypto and blockchain content. Nathan joins us to explore the vital role of education in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Nathan's journey into the crypto world is as fascinating as inspiring. Having transitioned from a career in Hollywood production, where he worked on commercials for renowned brands, to cryptocurrency, Nathan brings a unique perspective. His foray into crypto began in 2016, sparked by a neighbor's belief in Ethereum's potential. This encounter led to Cryptonauts, a YouTube channel dedicated to demystifying the complexities of the crypto world for a global audience.

With over 3 million channel views and nearly 100k subscribers, Cryptonauts is a testament to Nathan's commitment to making crypto education accessible and engaging. The channel is known for its high-quality explainer videos, humanizing documentaries, and comprehensive conference coverage. Nathan and his team strive to educate the world about developments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and everything related to crypto and Web3.

In our conversation, Nathan sheds light on the current state of crypto education, discussing the challenges and opportunities ahead. He delves into the varied attitudes towards crypto in different regions, highlighting how Asia's supportive stance contrasts with the more cautious approach in the US. Nathan also touches upon the biggest barriers for new users in the crypto space, emphasizing the need for usability and practical applications.

We also explore the creative methods Nathan employs to enhance crypto education, such as original soundtracks and community-focused events. He shares insights into Cryptonauts' self-funded business model and its focus on giving back to the community.

Looking ahead, Nathan expresses excitement for 2024, anticipating it to be a pivotal year for crypto adoption, akin to the early days of the internet. He predicts that institutional money and new regulatory frameworks will significantly make crypto more accessible to a broader audience.

Join us in this enlightening episode as Nathan Leung from Cryptonauts shares his invaluable insights on crypto education, digital currencies' evolving landscape, and blockchain technology's future. This is an episode you want to experience if you're curious about the world of crypto or looking to deepen your understanding of this rapidly evolving space.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, I had the privilege of hosting Todd Olson, CEO of Pendo, for a fascinating discussion that traverses the realms of product analytics, AI adoption, and digital customer experiences. Todd's insights offer a deep dive into the evolving landscape where traditional companies increasingly identify as tech entities, requiring significant shifts in mindset and strategy.

Todd elaborates on how enterprises are undergoing a paradigm shift, moving from project-based work to embracing the agility and continuous iteration technology enables. This transition necessitates shorter cycle times in software development, allowing rapid user feedback and influencing subsequent releases. Todd underscores the importance of transitioning from a 'project' to a 'product' mentality, highlighting that software demands ongoing care and nurturing.

A critical aspect of our conversation revolves around the differing attitudes towards AI adoption in Europe and the United States. Todd points out that Europe tends to be more regulatory and cautious, particularly concerning privacy issues and AI accuracy, while the US often prioritizes innovation. He advises a measured approach to AI implementation, advocating for thorough testing and a gradual build-up of comfort based on proven results.

Integrating new technological roles into existing structures is another challenge that Todd addresses. He emphasizes the importance of blending internal and external hires for effective knowledge transfer, highlighting that internal employees understand the company and product while external hires bring specialized role knowledge.

Leadership communication around AI also emerges as a critical theme. Todd speaks to leaders' need to clearly articulate the 'why' behind AI to ensure middle management buy-in, a group often focused on executing current plans.

Todd also touches on the crucial aspect of upskilling existing teams. He discusses the need to assess teams' willingness to embrace failure and change, acknowledging that some level of attrition can be healthy for company transformation.

Lastly, we delve into the realm of digital customer experiences. Todd shares his belief in the power of empathy, achieved through self-use and observation, to ensure exceptional digital interactions. He provides insights into how observing user sessions can reveal critical pain points and drop-offs, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.

Today, we're delving into a topic quietly shaping the environmental discourse in the tech world – the ecological impact of data storage. Matt Watts, the Chief Technology Evangelist at NetApp, joins me and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this vital discussion.

As businesses continue to expand their digital footprints, the need for sustainable data storage practices has become increasingly critical. With his decade-long tenure at NetApp, Matt has closely observed and participated in technological shifts and strategic evolutions within the industry. He brings to the table his experience and insights into the recent push towards sustainability in data management.

In our conversation, Matt delves into how organizations can navigate the green data blind spot. He highlights the importance of understanding the environmental footprint of data storage and how businesses can leverage this knowledge to drive sustainable practices. Matt's perspective is not just about reducing carbon footprints; it's about unlocking the full potential of green data storage.

We also discuss new research conducted by NTT Data and NetApp. This research sheds light on various aspects of green data storage, including measurement and reporting mechanisms that reveal the environmental implications of data storage and expansion. Matt emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of responsible data usage and proactive data estate management actions that can eradicate waste and improve sustainability.

A particularly compelling part of our discussion focuses on the reality that most data created by companies is never used again but continues to consume electricity and add to the carbon footprint in data centers. Matt points out that while there has been a focus on hardware efficiency, the real opportunity lies in using data analytics to understand and manage data more effectively.

As we explore these topics, Matt also touches upon the challenges in the current landscape, such as the lack of data ownership and the need for sustainability metrics to be translated into efficiency metrics that IT professionals can understand and act upon. He also brings to light how AI and large language models are poised to create massive amounts of new data, thereby intensifying the sustainability issues in data management.

This episode is an eye-opener for anyone interested in understanding the often-overlooked environmental aspects of data storage and management. Matt Watts' insights provide a roadmap for organizations looking to make significant strides toward sustainable data practices.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we embark on an enlightening journey into the complex yet crucial world of designer-developer relationships. Our special guests, Lauren Andres, a Designer Advocate, and Jenny Lea, a Software Engineer from Figma, join us to unravel the intricacies of this dynamic through the lens of Figma's groundbreaking innovation, DevMode.

The conversation opens with exploring the traditional challenges that have long defined the designer-developer dynamic. With their rich backgrounds in design and development, Lauren and Jenny shed light on the often fraught nature of this relationship. They emphasize how differing perspectives and languages can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies in the collaborative process.

This is where DevMode comes into play. Lauren and Jenny delve into how this new tool from Figma revolutionizes how designers and developers interact and collaborate. DevMode, they explain, is not just a technological solution but a transformative approach to aligning language and objectives. It facilitates a shared understanding and a cohesive workflow, enabling designers and developers to work harmoniously while keeping their audience's needs at the forefront.

The conversation takes a deeper dive into our guests' personal experiences and learning journeys. Jenny shares her insights on the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the fast-paced tech industry. She talks about her journey of self-education and growth, providing valuable takeaways for our listeners navigating similar paths.

We also touch upon the practical implications of using DevMode in the real world. Lauren and Jenny provide examples from companies like Decathlon and Linear, showing how DevMode has positively impacted their design and development processes. These stories highlight the tangible benefits of improved collaboration, efficiency, and productivity that DevMode brings to teams.

As we explore the human aspect of technology, our guests remind us of the importance of not just relying on tools but also fostering genuine conversations and understanding from the user's perspective. This approach, they argue, is crucial in creating impactful and accessible designs that resonate with users.

This episode is not just a discussion about a tool but a deep dive into the evolving design and development landscape. It's a testament to how technology like DevMode can bridge gaps, enhance collaboration, and lead to more user-centric and practical solutions in the tech world.

Please tune in to this insightful episode for a comprehensive understanding of the transformative impact of Figma's DevMode on the designer-developer relationship and discover how it sets a new standard in collaborative technology.

In this episode of the Tech Talks Daily Podcast, I sit down with Roshmond "Sum" Patten, the innovative Creative Director at GLOW, to delve into a topic that is becoming increasingly crucial in the creative industry: the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and creativity. Sum, a specialist in AI with a rich background in music, copywriting, and creative direction, brings a unique perspective to this discussion.

Sum's journey is as diverse as it is impressive. He has worked with tech giants like Microsoft, Fox, and Disney in research and community management, and his expertise extends to music streaming, where he trained music discovery algorithms for some of today's biggest platforms. His creative flair is not just confined to technology; he's also a celebrated musician and a two-time Independent Music Award nominee, featuring his work in major TV shows and video games.

Sum emphasized the critical need for creatives to discuss AI in our conversation. AI continues to play a pivotal role in our industry, and there's a growing concern among creatives about embracing this technology. Many fear it might render their roles obsolete or drastically alter their work. Sum addresses these concerns, advocating for a safe space where creatives can openly discuss the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Sum's passion for this subject is evident as he talks about the necessity for leadership to involve creatives in conversations about AI. He believes that doing so ensures that their voices are heard, and their roles are preserved and adapted in a way that benefits from AI advancements rather than being overshadowed by them.

Beyond his professional accolades, Sum is also an activist, serving as Creative Director in Residence for the Stop LAPD Spying Coalition since 2020. His work in this area has helped to raise awareness about the expanding police surveillance state and the potential harms of artificial intelligence in predictive policing. This work earned a nomination for a Mozilla Foundation Creative Leadership Award in 2021.

Sum's insights are not just limited to his professional experiences. As the Founding Principal and Creative Director at The Kizmet Experience Studio, he brings an interdisciplinary approach to creative direction, blending his extensive knowledge of AI with his creative expertise to forge new paths in the industry.

Join us in this compelling episode as Sum Patten shares his invaluable insights on the role of AI in creativity, the importance of inclusive discussions in the tech industry, and the future of AI in shaping creative roles. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving landscape of technology and creativity, offering a nuanced understanding of how AI can be a

I sit down with Dima Kats, the visionary CEO behind Clear Junction, a company on a mission to reshape the landscape of global payments. Founded in 2016, Clear Junction emerged from a need identified by Kats and his financial experts: a gap in the market for efficient, cost-effective cross-border payment solutions for businesses and financial institutions.

With a background rich in fintech and a keen eye for the challenges faced by the industry, Kats set out to revolutionize how financial institutions engage with banking partners and handle international transactions.

Clear Junction's journey involves innovation, perseverance, and strategic foresight. The company, leveraging its proprietary technology, has successfully addressed some of the most pressing issues in global payments, such as high foreign exchange fees, prolonged settlement times, and limited access to multi-country payment options. These solutions have propelled Clear Junction's growth and provided a lifeline to many businesses and financial institutions previously marginalized in the realm of international finance.

Much of our conversation delves into the unique challenges of the "severely underbanked" financial institutions, a sector Kats has been passionately committed to serving. The lack of corresponding banking accounts and the barriers this creates in the financial world are crucial areas Clear Junction aims to dismantle. The company has effectively tackled issues such as unpredictability in transfer times and fees by providing access to local instant payment systems for international transfers, thus enhancing competition and service quality.

Beyond the technicalities, Kats shares insights into the strategic decision-making that has guided Clear Junction's growth and independence. Eschewing external investment, the company has maintained a focus on serving regulated financial institutions, a decision that has been instrumental in its sustainable scaling. This approach and meticulous risk management and compliance adherence have allowed Clear Junction to venture into innovative territories, such as introducing an escrow service in digital asset trading.

In today's episode of Tech Talks Daily, we delve into a crucial and timely topic at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. Our guest is Arshan Dabirsiaghi, a renowned security researcher turned entrepreneur, whose unique journey from the helm of a successful software security unicorn to the founder of Pixee is as fascinating as it is inspiring.

Arshan's story is not just about technological innovation; it's also a testament to the resilience and dreams of immigrants, as his father's immigration story vividly illustrates.

The core of our discussion revolves around a burgeoning issue in the tech world: the increasing reliance on Large Language Models (LLMs) like GitHub's Copilot in software development. With an estimated 46% of code on GitHub now generated by LLMs, we're witnessing a seismic shift in how software is created.

However, this shift brings with it a host of security challenges. Historically, developers have not been primarily focused on security, a gap that has led to numerous vulnerabilities and high-profile hacks. The integration of LLMs into the coding process is exacerbating this issue, creating a vast expanse of code that needs to be secured, far outpacing our current capabilities.

Arshan discusses his latest venture, Pixee, and its flagship product, pixeebot. Pixeebot is not just another security tool; it represents a revolutionary step forward in the fight against software vulnerabilities. This free GitHub App acts like a virtual security engineer, not only identifying but also fixing code vulnerabilities. More than a mere band-aid solution, Pixeebot offers an educational component that could be vital for training both new programmers and, potentially, LLMs themselves.

This episode is not just about Pixee or pixeebot, though. It's a broader conversation about the urgent need for solutions in a world where the ratio of code developed to code secured is becoming astronomically unmanageable. We explore the landscape of software development, the primary security concerns in this AI-augmented era, and the critical role of "virtual security engineers."

We explore how AI and automation can scale secure code efforts across the software development lifecycle, from planning and threat modeling to code creation and production monitoring. As we navigate these discussions, we also touch on the broader implications for the industry and steps that companies and developers should take to adapt to this rapidly evolving landscape.

Join us on this enlightening journey as we unravel the complexities and explore the innovative solutions at the forefront of AI and cybersecurity with Arshan Dabirsiaghi.

Michael Lemashov, a seasoned SAP expert and Head of SAP Business Platform at JDC Group, joins me on Tech Talks Daily. Bringing over two decades of experience in various SAP roles, Michael's insights illuminate the path for businesses navigating the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the significance of 2027 for SAP ECC customers, marking a critical deadline for migration to S/4HANA or extending maintenance. Michael will explore the nuances of this deadline and its far-reaching implications for enterprises around the globe. He also tackles the typical challenges encountered in cloud migration, such as the lack of a clear strategy and the increased complexity of IT landscapes, which collectively contribute to the difficulties organizations face in this transition.

A focal point of our conversation will be SAP Clean Core, a methodology designed to enhance flexibility and stability by reducing technical debt before cloud migrations. Michael will elaborate on how this approach, governed by four fundamental principles, is instrumental in preparing enterprises for a smoother transition to the cloud.

We will also venture into a comprehensive overview of SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP), where Michael will detail its suite of tools that amalgamate data, analytics, AI, automation, and more. He'll underscore how SAP BTP's integrated features can expedite innovation and streamline business processes, marking a significant leap in enterprise technology capabilities.

Moreover, the role of JDC Group in this transformative era forms an essential part of our dialogue. Michael will discuss how JDC Group's BTP Development Services are aiding clients in navigating the complexities of cloud migration. He will shed light on their approach to reducing technical debt, making effective customization decisions, and guiding innovation initiatives, all while ensuring a seamless transition to the cloud.