Article 10 May 2024

Embracing Cybersecurity Challenges: Insights from Ivana Butorac

Ivana Butorac
With a rich background spanning seven years in the IT industry, Ivana Butorac has emerged as a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity. Having worked with industry leaders such as Cisco Systems and CGI Belgium, Butorac now focuses her expertise on compliance services within the Government Affairs domain at Sopra Steria. In this interview, she shares her journey and insights into navigating the complex world of cybersecurity compliance.

Current Trends: Regulatory Shifts and AI Threats

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Butorac identifies regulatory developments as a prominent trend. With recent enactments like the NIS2 Directive, Cyber Resilience Act, and the impending AI Act, compliance requirements are undergoing significant transformations. The AI Act, in particular, aims to establish transparent AI environments, encouraging secure and trustworthy product development. Butorac emphasizes the importance of these regulations in enhancing cybersecurity practices and protecting individuals’ data from misuse. She also highlights the challenges posed by the increasing sophistication of AI-powered cyberattacks, underscoring the need for proactive defense strategies.

Professional Insights: Collaborative Approaches to Cybersecurity

Butorac’s experience has shaped her perspective on cybersecurity, emphasizing the value of cross-team collaboration. Working closely with compliance, security, architecture, and business teams, she advocates for an end-to-end risk-based strategy that covers all aspects of cybersecurity. By integrating compliance practices seamlessly into technical architectures and emphasizing data classification and governance, Butorac believes organizations can establish robust cybersecurity frameworks.

Key Takeaways for the Audience: Integrating Compliance into Technical Architectures

In her keynote address, Butorac aims to shift the perception of compliance within the cybersecurity landscape. She stresses the importance of integrating compliance practices into technical architectures, rather than treating them as standalone tasks. By embedding compliance into solutions and navigating regulatory frameworks like the AI Act, organizations can advance innovation while ensuring alignment with legal standards.

Technological Advancements: Adapting to AI-Powered Threats

Looking ahead, Butorac predicts a continued reliance on AI in cybersecurity, accompanied by the need for adaptive defense strategies. As AI-powered cyberattacks become more sophisticated, organizations must evolve their methods and strategies to stay ahead of adversaries. While AI holds promise for societal advancements, Butorac emphasizes the importance of balancing innovation with safety and security.

Importance of Cybersecurity Events: Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Events like Cybersec Europe play a crucial role in bringing together cybersecurity professionals to exchange insights and best practices. Butorac highlights the importance of staying proactive and informed about emerging threats and regulatory trends. By actively participating in such events, professionals can strengthen collective resilience against evolving cyber threats.

In summary, Ivana Butorac’s insights underscore the importance of collaboration, innovation, and proactive defense strategies in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity compliance. As regulatory frameworks evolve and AI-powered threats continue to emerge, her guidance serves as a beacon for professionals seeking to embrace cybersecurity challenges head-on.

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