As we come to the end of 2014, it is time to reflect on the developments of the last 12 months and also look ahead at what improvements we can make in the year to come.
Personally, there were three major issues in technology that caught my eye in 2014 and they form the basis for my New Year’s Resolutions for 2015.
Cybersecurity and privacy
2014 was a watershed year for cybersecurity and privacy issues. With security breaches impacting many of our most trusted brands, retailers and banks (Sony, Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan Chase to name a few).
The good news is people are now more aware of online privacy. The bad news is that these attacks look to remain an issue for the foreseeable future.
In 2015, each of us has a responsibility to be the best digital citizens we can be, and do our part to protect ourselves, our privacy, our data and devices online. I’m getting involved through AVG’s Smart User Mission which aims to educate the next generation of connected people as they come online around the globe.
Photo Courtesy of Barbara Kinney, Clinton Global Initiative
As businesses, we have an ongoing responsibility to our customers to ensure their data is protected. That means upping our game in the increasingly changing and challenging cyber security environment.
Diversity in the tech industry
This important issue finally gained a much-deserved attention in 2014. Over the past year, we’ve seen Silicon Valley’s first major reporting on diversity in the workforce, after some high profile prodding by civil rights champion Rev. Jesse Jackson. Among others, a book released by Stanford scholar Vivek Wadhwa on Innovating Women and Babson College’s report on VC funding for women entrepreneurs drew further attention to the disparity issues women face in tech.
While the diversity numbers are not pretty, the good news is tackling the diversity issue in technology has gained momentum and has resulted in some positive actions; among them the Diversity 2.0 Summit and The National Venture Capital Association has taken steps to increase opportunities for women and minorities.
I am looking forward to doing my part, and I am delighted to have been selected as a speaker at the 2015 SXSW Interactive program with a Core Conversation on “Boardroom or Baby” on March 14th.
We’ve made good progress but, without doubt, there is much more to be done. I believe that in 2015 we should all make an effort to support diversity in technology. It can only bring benefits to everyone involved.
Boomers and technology
It’s hard to believe, but the last of the Baby Boomer generation (1946-1964) turned 50 this month. Last fall, the PBS series The Boomer List chronicled an amazing list of 50 people who represent the iconic generation and the impact they have had culture and our lives from arts and entertainment to science and technology, including Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak (below).
Though Boomers helped invent the digital age – and we get little credit for it – we are often viewed as neophytes and often marketed to by tech companies as novices (if, in fact, at all).
Image courtesy of technmarketing.com
My final resolution for 2015 is to do what I can to change the way that the technology talks to the older generations. I’ll start by sharing new AVG research along with my thoughts on the tech industry’s need to adapt to new and different needs of this audience during my talk on “The Fear Factor” at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show’s Lifelong Tech Summit on January 6 in Las Vegas. If you are attending CES, please come check it out.
Here’s to a very happy, healthy, fulfilling and safe 2015 for us all. Look forward to seeing you in the New Year!