Companies are constantly pushing for innovation to stay competitive. Whether adopting new technologies or streamlining processes, innovation is key to growth. However, as businesses embrace digital transformation, they open themselves to new security vulnerabilities. These advancements can quickly become liabilities without proper protection, exposing companies to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other security threats.

Striking the right balance between innovation and security is essential for long-term success. Companies must prioritise cybersecurity alongside growth initiatives, ensuring that strong defences back every new technology or system. 

In this episode, Richard Stiennon, Chief Research Analyst at IT-Harvest, speaks to Adeel Ahmad, Director of Technical Field Strategy at HashiCorp, and Grant Webb, Cloud Technologist, about the innovation paradox.

Key Takeaways: 

• The balance between innovation and security
• How digital transformation introduces new vulnerabilities
• Strategies for prioritizing cybersecurity alongside growth
• Innovation is about change, while security is about safety.
• Security should not be seen as a hindrance to innovation.
• Embedding security in design can reduce friction.
• Regulatory compliance can complicate the innovation process.
• Shared objectives can align security and innovation efforts.
• Building relationships between security and development teams is crucial.
• CISOs should be integrated into the innovation process.

Chapters: 

00:00 - The Innovation Paradox: An Introduction

02:53 - Balancing Innovation and Security

05:49 - Regulatory Challenges in Innovation

09:14 - Embedding Security in Organizational Culture

12:07 - Lessons from HashiCorp's Experience

14:58 - Building Relationships Between Security and Development

17:52 - Creative Approaches to Security and Productivity