Tech Talks Daily

Neil C. Hughes
Tech Talks Daily

The speed of technological change continues to race ahead at breakneck speed, but it will never move this slowly again. In 2024, businesses and their employees will be expected to get to grips with AI, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Extended Reality, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Sustainable Tech, Green Computing, Cybersecurity, 5G, Blockchain, Crypto, IoT, Autonomous Everything, Human Augmentation, Data Sovereignty, Privacy, AI ethics and the Digital Transformation of everything. Navigating these uncharted digital waters can feel daunting and overwhelming for business leaders, IT teams, and employees in every sector. Especially when scrolling down newsfeeds full of hype, buzzwords, and confusing technical jargon/acronyms. Does this sound familiar? Welcome to Tech Talks Daily, a podcast uniting business and technology. Tech Journalist Neil C. Hughes brings you the latest insights into business technology, digital transformation, and the evolving business landscape and IT. This technology podcast focuses on real-world applications and business strategies around digital transformation. From AI's impact on business operations to navigating the complexities of cloud computing and cybersecurity, Neil explores how technology reshapes industries and redefines personal and business success in 2024. The lineup of guests includes tech leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and even the occasional celebrity who has walked the path of tech innovation. High-profile guests share their startup stories, their journey through digital transformation, and how technology has revolutionized their businesses and lives. Whether you want to understand how to harness technology for business growth or stay informed, Tech Talks Daily is your daily dose of inspiration and insight. Join the conversation and be part of a community shaping the future of business and technology.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Imperva Bad Bot Report Reveals 50% of Internet Traffic Is Non-Human

    The internet is evolving, but so are the threats that come with it. The latest Bad Bot Report from Imperva, a Thales company, reveals a staggering statistic: nearly 50% of internet traffic now comes from non-human sources, with bad bots making up almost one-third of all online activity. These bots are no longer just simple scripts running in the background; they have become more advanced, leveraging AI to mimic human behavior and evade traditional detection methods. The consequences? A surge in transaction fraud, web scraping, data harvesting, and account takeovers, affecting industries across the board. In this episode, I'm joined by Lynn Marks, Senior Product Manager at Imperva, who returns to the podcast to break down the key findings of the 2024 Bad Bot Report. We explore how bot activity is evolving, why businesses need to rethink their approach to security, and what proactive steps can be taken to mitigate these threats. Lynn explains how attackers are shifting their focus from technical vulnerabilities to exploiting business logic, making it increasingly difficult for companies to detect and prevent malicious activity. We also discuss the growing security challenges surrounding APIs, which have become prime targets for cybercriminals. With half of all account takeover attacks now targeting APIs directly, organizations need better visibility and stronger protections in place to defend against automated threats. Lynn shares insights on why industries like gaming and travel are seeing disproportionate bot activity and how businesses can better secure their platforms. As AI legislation gains momentum worldwide, the conversation around bot management is becoming increasingly complex. How can companies stay ahead of evolving threats while ensuring compliance with emerging regulations? What lessons can be learned from past security failures? And more importantly, how can organizations take a proactive stance in the fight against automated cyber threats? Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that sheds light on the hidden dangers lurking beneath internet traffic and learn how to better protect your business from the growing wave of automated attacks.

    33 min
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Navigating AI Regulations and Compliance with Insight’s Juan Orlandini

    Are businesses truly prepared for the evolving world of AI regulations? As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, organizations face mounting challenges in managing data integrity, balancing compliance with innovation, and ensuring ethical implementation. In this episode, I welcome Juan Orlandini, CTO North America at Insight, to explore the shifting AI regulatory landscape and how companies can navigate the road ahead. With so much hype surrounding AI over the last two years, many businesses rushed to adopt new technologies, eager to stay ahead of the curve. But as the dust settles, a new focus emerges—responsibility, regulation, and long-term strategy. Juan breaks down AI into three broad categories: creators, adapters, and consumers. Each faces distinct challenges, particularly as global policymakers attempt to establish clear frameworks for responsible AI use. The conversation dives into why businesses should begin by focusing on internal AI applications, where the risks are lower, and the immediate value is more tangible before expanding into customer-facing solutions. With AI regulations in the US still developing, California is leading the charge at the state level, much like it did with past privacy laws. Juan shares his thoughts on how these early policies could evolve into broader federal frameworks and what lessons the US can take from the European Union’s approach with the AI Act. While regulation may seem like an obstacle, Juan argues that it also presents an opportunity for businesses to refine their AI strategies, ensuring their data assets are leveraged effectively while remaining compliant. Looking ahead, AI’s role in business will only continue to expand, but how can organizations avoid the pitfalls of past technology trends? Juan offers insights into how companies can take a structured, methodical approach to AI adoption, ensuring they don’t fall into the trap of following trends without a clear purpose. Whether it’s identifying high-value, quick-win AI projects or integrating AI into existing enterprise systems without adding unnecessary complexity, Juan emphasizes the importance of measured, strategic implementation. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of AI on the workforce, the regulatory challenges that different AI categories face, and how organizations can foster innovation while mitigating risks. As AI becomes more ingrained in daily business operations, understanding the nuances of responsible AI adoption will be critical for companies looking to gain a competitive edge. Are organizations ready for the realities of AI regulation, or are they still in the hype cycle? And how can businesses strike the right balance between innovation and compliance? Tune in to hear Juan’s expert insights and strategies for navigating the AI-powered future.

    29 min
  3. 3 DAYS AGO

    Fortinet and the Future of Cyber Resilience

    In today’s episode, I welcome Ricardo Ferreira, EMEA Field CISO at Fortinet, to discuss how the UK's proposed Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill compares to the EU's NIS2 directive. Ricardo brings a wealth of experience in cybersecurity strategy and regulation, and he shares why he believes the UK's bill is missing key components that could make it truly effective. With Brexit allowing the UK to take an independent approach, Ricardo argues that there is a unique opportunity to cherry-pick the most effective elements from NIS2 while avoiding its potential pitfalls. But is the current bill providing enough clarity?  Ricardo highlights how the legislation introduces buzzwords like "digital supply chain" without actually outlining a clear path for addressing cyber threats. In contrast, NIS2 lays out a prescriptive approach that includes risk profiling, supply chain security frameworks, and post-breach recovery strategies. We also explore the growing need for board-level accountability in cybersecurity. Should executives and directors be held personally responsible for cyber resilience within their organizations? And how can governments ensure that businesses have both the guidance and incentives to proactively address security risks rather than reactively scramble to contain breaches? With cyber threats only growing more sophisticated, the role of regulation in mitigating risk has never been more important. But does the UK's current legislative approach go far enough? And what lessons can be learned from international frameworks like NIS2? Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of cybersecurity policy, where it’s headed, and what needs to change to create truly resilient digital infrastructures. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—how should governments balance regulation with innovation in cybersecurity?

    23 min
  4. 4 DAYS AGO

    Connecting 175 Million Devices: The Innovation Behind PeerPoint by Vodafone

    At the intersection of Web3, IoT, and AI, we're witnessing a technological shift that promises to redefine business, connectivity, and the metaverse itself.  In today’s episode, I’m joined by David Palmer, Chief Product Officer of PeerPoint by Vodafone, to explore the convergence of these technologies and what it means for the future of enterprise and digital interactions. David brings a wealth of experience in emerging technologies, and his new book, The Business of Metaverse, provides a roadmap for organizations looking to navigate and capitalize on the opportunities within this evolving digital landscape. He shares insights into how Web3 and AI are revolutionizing industries, enabling device-to-device transactions, and fueling new AI-driven business models. One of the most intriguing developments is Vodafone’s PeerPoint platform, the world’s first Web3 IoT platform, designed to give digital identities to IoT devices, allowing them to transact autonomously. Imagine in-car payments that don’t require additional hardware, smart contracts securing enterprise AI interactions, and an IoT ecosystem that is no longer siloed by technical barriers. With an estimated 26 billion connected devices by 2025, the ability to securely exchange data and conduct business at scale will be a game-changer. We also discuss the three stages of metaverse evolution—from embedded experiences to full interoperability and convergence. AI is accelerating this transition, with generative AI and intelligent agents opening new possibilities for businesses. But while the opportunities are immense, many organizations are still grappling with how to translate these concepts into real business value.  David shares practical examples of how industries like finance, education, and real estate are already leveraging these technologies to remove geographic barriers and unlock new economic models. As we look ahead, who will be the winners in this new digital era? How will businesses need to adapt to harness Web3, AI, and IoT effectively? And what role will AI-powered digital agents play in shaping the metaverse’s next phase? Join us as we explore how the future of business is being rewritten in real-time—and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.

    32 min
  5. 5 DAYS AGO

    Revolutionizing Quantum Computing with High-Precision Fiber Optics

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Marco Fattori, CTO and co-founder of MicroAlign, to explore a groundbreaking innovation in fiber optics that could reshape quantum computing, data centers, AI, and space communication. The foundation of MicroAlign’s technology was laid during Marco’s Ph.D. research at Eindhoven University of Technology, where he tackled one of the biggest challenges in photonics—achieving ultra-efficient fiber-to-chip connectivity. With quantum computing advancing rapidly, every photon counts. Traditional fiber alignment methods struggle with precision, but MicroAlign’s micro-actuator technology achieves 100-nanometer accuracy, vastly improving photon transmission efficiency. This advancement is critical for quantum computers, where precise photon management directly impacts computational power and scalability. But the implications go far beyond quantum computing. We discuss how this technology can revolutionize data centers by supporting co-packaged optics, improve AI processing efficiency, and enable high-speed, low-loss communication in space applications. Marco also shares the challenges of scaling production to meet industry demands and what the future holds for fiber connectivity in photonics. Could this innovation set a new standard for fiber optic connections across multiple industries? And what are the next big breakthroughs we can expect in photonic computing? Join us as we explore the cutting-edge world of photonics and its transformative potential. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think fiber optic precision will be a game-changer for quantum computing and AI?

    28 min
  6. 6 DAYS AGO

    3179: How AI is Transforming Compliance in Manufacturing

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Kristina Hloptsidis, Chief Innovation Officer at Signify, to explore how AI is streamlining compliance workflows in the manufacturing sector. With regulatory requirements constantly evolving and global supply chains growing more complex, companies are under increasing pressure to ensure compliance without sacrificing efficiency. Kristina and her team at Signify are tackling this challenge head-on by using AI to automate compliance checks, reduce manual effort, and provide real-time insights for manufacturers. Signify, a startup that recently spun out of the AI2 Incubator, has raised $2.1 million to develop its AI-powered platform designed to analyze regulatory documentation and reduce risk across the product lifecycle. But while AI holds immense promise, integrating it into legacy systems and established workflows isn’t always straightforward. Kristina shares the common challenges manufacturers face when adopting AI-driven compliance solutions, the strategies for overcoming resistance to change, and the practical steps businesses can take to implement AI without disrupting existing operations. We also discuss the broader implications of AI in manufacturing, from optimizing supply chains to leveraging robotics and computer vision for defect detection. As AI continues to reshape industries, how can manufacturers strike the right balance between automation and human expertise? And what does the future hold for AI-powered compliance management? Join us for this fascinating conversation on the intersection of AI, compliance, and manufacturing innovation. And as always, I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you think AI can fully replace traditional compliance processes, or will human oversight always be essential?     Useful Links   Signify - www.getsignify.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinahloptsidis/   Book Recommendation (Amazon Link)

    20 min
  7. FEB 12

    Is AI Infrastructure Broken? How DIaaS is Changing the Game

    AI is everywhere, yet scaling it remains a serious challenge for many enterprises. Organizations are eager to move beyond pilot projects, but they quickly run into obstacles—cloud costs spiral out of control, GPUs sit idle due to inefficiencies, and infrastructure bottlenecks slow down innovation. If AI is supposed to be the future, why is the underlying infrastructure still holding it back? In this episode, I’m joined by John Blumenthal, Chief Product Officer at Volumez, and Diane Gonzalez, Senior Director of Business Development and Product, to unpack the hidden inefficiencies of AI infrastructure and explore whether Data Infrastructure as a Service (DIaaS) is the answer. They explain why traditional AI infrastructure models are failing and why manual optimization simply can’t keep up with modern AI workloads. John argues that the problem is beyond human management, stating, “No human being is going to be able to answer that question—to actually arrive at that optimization. So you have to turn it over to a machine.” We explore why cloud spending is so difficult to control, how businesses are struggling to achieve a return on their AI investments, and what it will take to make AI infrastructure more cost-effective and scalable. Diane shares real-world examples of how AI teams are losing valuable time and resources trying to work around infrastructure constraints. She explains how DIaaS dynamically composes infrastructure on demand, eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring businesses can run AI workloads at full speed without overspending. With AI adoption accelerating, organizations are rethinking their approach to cloud infrastructure. But is DIaaS the missing piece that will finally make AI truly scalable? And are businesses ready to let automation take the lead in optimizing their cloud environments? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

    39 min

Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
197 Ratings

About

The speed of technological change continues to race ahead at breakneck speed, but it will never move this slowly again. In 2024, businesses and their employees will be expected to get to grips with AI, Machine Learning, Quantum Computing, Extended Reality, Cloud Computing, Edge Computing, Sustainable Tech, Green Computing, Cybersecurity, 5G, Blockchain, Crypto, IoT, Autonomous Everything, Human Augmentation, Data Sovereignty, Privacy, AI ethics and the Digital Transformation of everything. Navigating these uncharted digital waters can feel daunting and overwhelming for business leaders, IT teams, and employees in every sector. Especially when scrolling down newsfeeds full of hype, buzzwords, and confusing technical jargon/acronyms. Does this sound familiar? Welcome to Tech Talks Daily, a podcast uniting business and technology. Tech Journalist Neil C. Hughes brings you the latest insights into business technology, digital transformation, and the evolving business landscape and IT. This technology podcast focuses on real-world applications and business strategies around digital transformation. From AI's impact on business operations to navigating the complexities of cloud computing and cybersecurity, Neil explores how technology reshapes industries and redefines personal and business success in 2024. The lineup of guests includes tech leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, visionaries, and even the occasional celebrity who has walked the path of tech innovation. High-profile guests share their startup stories, their journey through digital transformation, and how technology has revolutionized their businesses and lives. Whether you want to understand how to harness technology for business growth or stay informed, Tech Talks Daily is your daily dose of inspiration and insight. Join the conversation and be part of a community shaping the future of business and technology.

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