Page 50 - SAMENA Trends - September-October 2022

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

becoming the new normal, we had to create new techniques employee. This includes a new polling and Q&A tool for feedback
where employees are not overworked or drained out at the end and questions anonymously, as well as Personal Insights, which
of each workday. We believe that the best technology is also the gives every employee an easy method to assess how they spend
most intuitive, which is why our Webex platform is using new their work hours. Cisco Webex also uses devices, like Webex
technology-enabled solutions to constantly improve and reduce Desk, Webex Desk Mini and Room Bar solutions with dedicated
fatigue and stress.” Cisco has been tackling these pain points with software to reduce stressors commonly seen during extended
its Webex platform that is continuously innovating to limit video- meetings. This includes advanced noise cancelation feature to
meeting fatigue by introducing targeted solutions and software. filter out distracting noises from the environment specially during
Cisco’s Webex platform now uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the calls in shared spaces or home office. The cognitive Webex
translate people’s natural and nonverbal gestures into animated devices also provide dynamic framing which allows people to get
images, allowing users to make simple actions like raising hands or up and stretch their legs while remaining on screen. The cameras
giving a thumbs up without clicking a button. Accessibility is also in these devices also enhance the view of the conference rooms
taken into consideration, with Webex featuring real-time closed for remote participants, by automatically detecting them and
caption and translation capabilities in over 100 languages, tackling providing individual streams, ensuring everyone is equally present
auditory and language challenges in meetings. The platform has on the screen and allowing participants to understand what every
also integrated new options to improve the experience for every attendee is saying.

Cisco and BCIT Partner to Skill the Next Generation of Cybersecurity

Leaders

As more Canadian organizations face risk from the rise of cyber productive, while building toward a more resilient future.” Cisco
threats and attacks, a recent study from Cisco and Angus Reid Canada invested in the INC Lab by providing Networking Academy
shows that over a third (36%) of Canadian organizations say they curriculum and technology that simulates control systems found
lack the talent to properly invest in cybersecurity infrastructure. in industrial settings like manufacturing plants and facilities. The
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Cisco investment was made through Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration
Canada have partnered on the Industrial Network Cybersecurity program, which forms strategic partnerships with governments to
(INC) Lab to address the global demand for cybersecurity talent. help build digitally inclusive societies, more resilient economies,
The INC Lab is a state-of-the-art facility for students in BCIT’s and the workforce of the future. The INC program is already helping
INC diploma program that merges cybersecurity and industrial to close the security skills gap, with a second cohort graduated
network skills with game-based learning and real-world scenarios. this past June. The program’s popularity has resulted in 100% of
Taught alongside Cisco Networking Academy, students learn to graduates securing roles in relevant industries or pursuing further
defend against cyberthreats to industrial, manufacturing, and education. Overall student intake has doubled to 40 students, from
critical infrastructure organizations. “The INC program is a direct the initial cohort of 20. “Our customers in the energy, resources and
response to the industry’s growing need for cybersecurity skills to industries sectors are facing increased business complexity. They
protect critical infrastructure and keep our communities running,” require highly trained support to ensure the safety and security
said David Leversage, Program Champion, BCIT. “The INC Lab of their operations, both digital and otherwise,” said Kelly Michell,
gives students an edge – they hone their skills using the same president, Charter. “Graduates from the INC program provide
industrial controls and latest Cisco technology found in the real- Charter with a pipeline of skilled cybersecurity talent to meet the
world. There is no other institution in North America that offers growing needs of Canadian businesses. We train, grow and mentor
this type of immersive experience, and our in-demand graduates INC grads to set them up for a successful career in cybersecurity.”
can pursue high-paying jobs in one of the hottest job markets.” The
INC program addresses the ongoing digital and cybersecurity skills
gap facing Canada. Nearly two-thirds of Canadian businesses are
struggling to find and hire the necessary talent with digital skills for
their organizations. Of the 69% of respondents planning to hire more
staff, 24% ranked cyber security as the top skill they’re looking to
fill. In B.C. alone, 8 in 10 job vacancies require skill training or post-
secondary education. “The financial impact of cybercrime is set to
cost the world $10.5 trillion by 2025. As more of our infrastructure
is digitized – utilities, petroleum, food supply systems and more – it
is critical that we have the talent to protect our industrial networks
from threats and attacks,” said Shannon Leininger, president,
Cisco Canada. “Cisco is investing its resources and expertise to
help governments and the public sector fuel digital skills training
and secure a pipeline of cybersecurity leaders. Canada relies on
these skilled professionals to keep our communities safe and

50 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022