Technology is an essential part of our daily lives, from banking apps to entertainment platforms. However, a recent report published by Kyndryl, a global technology services company, reveals a concerning reality: while companies are confident in their current infrastructures, most are not ready for the technological challenges of the future. According to the Kyndryl Readiness Report 2024, 90% of business leaders believe their technology is robust, but only 39% think it is prepared to face upcoming challenges.
This data has implications beyond the business realm and directly impacts consumers, as outdated technological infrastructure can affect the quality of the digital services we use daily. From cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in today’s era… issues to a limited user experience, the consequences of not modernizing technology are wide-reaching.
Cybersecurity: A Growing Risk for Businesses and Consumers
One of the most concerning findings of the report is the lack of preparedness for cyberattacks. Although cybersecurity remains a top concern for business leaders, 70% of companies admit they are not fully prepared to manage these risks. In a digital environment where personal information flows continuously through the network, this raises serious doubts about companies’ ability to protect user data.
For consumers, this scenario demands a more proactive approach to protecting their personal data. Using secure passwords and activating two-step verification systems are simple yet effective steps that can help safeguard their information against potential cyber attacks.
Artificial Intelligence: Unfulfilled Promises
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become one of the most prominent technologies in recent years, with companies heavily investing in its development. However, the report reveals that only 42% of organizations are seeing a positive return on their AI investments. This means that, while AI is advancing, consumers may not yet perceive a significant impact on the services they use daily, such as virtual assistants or personalized recommendations.
While AI promises to revolutionize entire sectors, users should maintain realistic expectations about the immediate benefits they can gain. The democratization of these tools does not guarantee that instant improvements will always be seen in service quality.
Technological Obsolescence: Are We on the Verge of a Crisis?
Another concerning data point highlighted in the Kyndryl Readiness Report is that 44% of critical technological infrastructure in companies is reaching the end of its lifespan. This technological obsolescence can have negative consequences for both companies and users. From streaming platform performance issues to disruptions in banking services, keeping systems up to date is essential to improve user experience and ensure security.
Lack of modernization not only slows down services but also increases the risk of infrastructure failures and security vulnerabilities, directly affecting consumers. This underscores the importance of keeping devices, applications, and software always updated, as it helps mitigate these risks associated with obsolescence.
Kyndryl’s Recommendations for Consumers
In light of this landscape, Kyndryl has developed three recommendations for consumers to better protect themselves and be prepared for any technological threat or failure:
- Increased vigilance in protecting personal data: It is essential to protect personal information when engaging in any online activity. Additionally, users should familiarize themselves with the privacy policies of the services they use and take additional measures to ensure the security of their data.
- Realistic expectations about technology: Despite advances in artificial intelligence, not all promises have translated into direct benefits for consumers. It is important to be aware that some technological improvements take time to be implemented on a mass scale.
- Constant updates: Keeping devices, applications, and operating systems up to date is one of the best ways to reduce security risks associated with technological obsolescence. These updates not only improve performance but also patch known vulnerabilities.