Cybersecurity, Privacy, Risk Management, Cryptocurrencies, Fintech, Information Technology

Explore the evolution from traditional coding to vibe coding and its relationship with low-code/no-code (LCNC) platforms. This comprehensive analysis examines how AI-assisted development and visual programming tools are creating a new generation of citizen developers, transforming enterprise software development. We dive deep into the security implications of this democratization, including the emergence of Shadow IT, citizen developer knowledge gaps, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the disruption of traditional CI/CD pipelines. Learn about the OWASP LCNC Top 10 security risks and discover practical strategies for implementing governance frameworks, identity management, data security, and DevSecOps practices.Whether you're a security architect...

Discover how Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) is revolutionizing artificial intelligence by combining external knowledge retrieval with AI generation. Unlike traditional AI models limited by training data, RAG systems access real-time information to deliver accurate, transparent, and up-to-date responses.

Key Benefits: 

✅ Enhanced accuracy with current information

✅ Reduced AI hallucinations

✅ Transparent, verifiable sources

✅ Better contextual understanding

Real-World Applications: 

• Customer service automation

• Healthcare & medical research

• Educational assistance

• Enterprise knowledge management

• Legal & compliance support

Learn how RAG is tra...

Ready to understand the biggest shift in AI since ChatGPT?

In this episode, we break down the difference between AI that creates (generative) and AI that acts (agentic).

What we cover: 

• Simple explanations using real-world analogies

• Practical applications that will blow your mind

• The tools building this future (LangChain, Auto-GPT, Lovable)

• Why ethics and transparency matter more than ever

From smart assistants that book your entire vacation to AI agents running business operations, discover how autonomous AI is reshaping productivity and decision-making.

Perf...

🚀 Ever wondered what all the AI buzz is really about?

AGI vs Generative AI might sound like tech gibberish, but they're actually pretty simple to understand once you know the basics.

We've created a beginner-friendly guide that explains everything using everyday analogies (think master chef vs. specialized kitchen tools!).

Whether you're a business owner, creative professional, or just curious about where technology is heading, this guide will help you understand what's coming next - and how to prepare for it.

No robot overlords... yet! 😄

• Business Enquiries: https://www.securityprivacyrisk.com/a...

🚀 FINALLY UNDERSTAND AI: The Complete Beginner's Guide to ChatGPT, Claude & The Future

Feeling overwhelmed by AI news? You're not alone! This comprehensive guide demystifies artificial intelligence for everyone.

📖 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• What ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini really are (and how they differ)

• Why these aren't truly "intelligent" yet

• How AI has been shaping your Netflix, Spotify, and Amazon experience for years

• What Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) means and why it doesn't exist

• The limitations of current AI systems

• Future research directions beyond language models Duration: 00:07:00

Why This Episode Matters:You've passed your Architecture Review Board. Budget approved. Team assembled. So why do so many projects still fail during implementation?

Host Shahid Sharif reveals the critical gap most IT professionals miss: the bridge between High-Level Design (ARB approval) and Low-Level Design (actual implementation).

What You'll Discover:

Perfect for: IT Architects, Project Managers, Tech Leaders, Solution...

Discover why Architecture Review Boards (ARBs) are vital for financial institutions navigating digital transformation. Learn how ARBs drive strategic alignment, ensure regulatory compliance, reduce technical debt, and optimize costs while enabling innovation. This comprehensive guide outlines the value proposition of ARBs and provides implementation best practices to transform architectural governance from a perceived bureaucratic hurdle into a strategic advantage.#TechPodcast #BusinessTech #FinancialIndustry #DigitalStrategy #ITManagementBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/shahidsharif

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/security-privacy-risk-management-cryptocurrencies-fintech/id1341499853

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtYBTppBxS0...

Discover the complete framework for implementing IT changes without business disruption. This episode breaks down the three critical pillars of effective change management and provides step-by-step guidance for before, during, and after any technology change.

Learn how to:

• Build and maintain a robust Configuration Management Database

• Implement proper role segregation for governance

• Create comprehensive documentation artifacts

• Execute precise pre-change testing protocols

• Validate changes properly after implementation

• Establish consistency that prevents human error

Whether you are managing a small IT department or leading ente...

When disaster strikes, will your business survive—or thrive? Our latest podcast episode breaks down the critical components of business resiliency:

Listen now and discover why the most resilient companies aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets, but those with the smartest strategies!

So...

In this podcast, I break down why having a structured approach to project delivery isn't bureaucratic overhead—it's essential for success.

Learn:

Whether you are a project manager, executive sponsor, or team member, understanding these governance principles will dramatically improve your project outcomes.

Social Presence:  

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Ever notice how we instinctively focus on the most challenging parts of a new assignment?

I call this the "doomsday scenario" response—when wedeclare defeat before even starting.

Here's a better approach I've developed:

1️⃣ Break tasks into smaller chunks

2️⃣ Identify the "low-hanging fruit" you can complete quickly

3️⃣ Start with easiest tasks, not the hardest ones

4️⃣ Apply the 80/20 rule - tackle the achievable 80% first

5️⃣ Use parallel processing - work on easy tasks while mentally preparing for difficult ones

This strategy transforms you from a "doomsday c...

Have you ever stepped back and reflected on how yourorganization approaches solution delivery?

Throughout my 35-year career in IT, I've observed that while many organizations claim to follow structured delivery approaches, few implement them with the rigor needed to consistently achieve success. Today, I want to share the traditional gate-based approach to solution delivery that I've seen drive exceptional results when properly implemented.

In my experience, solution delivery excellence boils down tostructure and consistency. Organizations that follow structured methodologies consistently outperform those relying on ad-hoc approaches. As with any discipline...

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, IT projects have grown increasingly complex. From enterprise-wide software implementations to infrastructure overhauls and cybersecurity initiatives, IT teams are being asked to deliver more sophisticated solutions than ever before. At the heart of successful execution lies the Project Management Organization (PMO) – a structured function that brings methodology, consistency, and accountability to the chaotic world of IT delivery.
A PMO in the IT context serves as the central nervous system for project execution, providing the frameworks, tools, and expertise needed to shepherd initiatives from conception to completion. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, th...

In today's fast-paced business environment, the allure of the maverick employee—the one who breaks the rules and delivers results through sheer talent—remains a persistent workplace myth. While individual brilliance certainly has its place, organizations increasingly recognize that sustainable success depends more on cohesive teams following established processes than on solo performances. This shift in perspective isn't just management theory; it reflects a fundamental truth about how effective teams operate in the real world.Blogpost

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In 2023, the average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high of $4.45 million, a staggering 15% increase over the previous three years. More alarming still, organizations typically require 277 days—over nine months—to identify and contain a breach. During this window, sensitive data remains exposed, customer trust erodes, and financial losses mount by the day. In today's digital landscape, where cyber threats evolve at breakneck speed, organizations cannot afford to be reactive. This is where the critical concepts of due care and due diligence enter the cybersecurity conversation.Post Link: https://www.securityprivacyrisk.com

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In today's fast-paced business environment, understanding the different types of individuals in your workforce isn't just helpful—it's essential for building balanced and effective teams. This article explores three key archetypes: the Thinker, the Doer, and the rare but valuable Thinker/Doer. By identifying and leveraging these distinct working styles, you can significantly impact your team's performance and drive organizational success.

Find the Blogpost here: https://www.securityprivacyrisk

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/shahidsharif

In the landscape of organizational psychology and team performance, few concepts are as frequently mentioned yet as deeply misunderstood as "alignment." Often dismissed as corporate jargon, true team alignment is actually the invisible force behind every high-performing team.

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Hello internet and welcome to my podcast. I'm your host, Shahid Sharif, and today we're talking about something fundamental to every successful team, organization, and even relationship: roles and responsibilities. We've all been in situations where someone says, "I thought you were handling that," or "Nobody told me I was supposed to do that." These moments of confusion aren't just frustrating—they can derail projects, damage relationships, and create costly mistakes. Today, we'll explore why clearly defined roles and responsibilities are essential and how to implement them effectively.

Self-confidence is not just a trait some people are born with—it's a skill that can be developed and strengthened over time. This guide will help you understand the fundamental principles of building genuine self-confidence and creating a life of purpose and fulfillment.

Remember that you are inherently valuable and capable of extraordinary growth. Your journey to self-confidence is unique to you, and that's exactly as it should be. Progress isn't always linear, and perfection isn't the goal—continuous growth and self-acceptance are.

As you move forward, keep these fina...

Accountability and ownership are closely related concepts that are essential for personal and professional success.

Accountability refers to being answerable for one's actions and their consequences. It involves taking responsibility for your own performance, both successes and failures. When you are accountable, you are committed to fulfilling your obligations and meeting your commitments.

Ownership goes a step further than accountability. It involves taking initiative and proactively seeking solutions to problems, even if they are not directly your responsibility. When you have ownership, you see yourself as an integral part...

Blockchains suffer from scaling issues. This is due to the fact that every transaction has to be propagated to all the nodes in the network and after propagation is complete the mining activity to create a block and provide a confirmation. In bitcoin blockchain a confirmation can take about ten minutes. When it comes to the security of a blockchain the number of nodes is directly related to the security of the blockchain, more nodes mean better security. Whereas the performance is indirectly proportional whereby as the number of nodes increases the blockchain starts to slow down as the transactions...

Today I will be talking about Hedera, Smart cities, Artificial Intelligence, and how blockchains are being proposed as a solution without really understanding the requirements. Show notes:  https://www.securityprivacyrisk.com/smart-cities-ai-blockchain-hadera/ #blockchain #hadera #machinelearning #artificialintelligence #ICO #smartcities #iot #internetofthings #initialcoinoffering #consensus #theblockchainhub #privacycoins #privacytokens #fungibility Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2028470514075912/admin_activities/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtYBTppBxS0WLeCBx33gNQ?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast Channel: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/security-privacy-risk-management-cryptocurrencies-fintech/id1341499853 Google Play Podcast: https://partnerdash.google.com/music/podcasts/portal/u/0#p:id=playpodcast/series&a=2354411696828237 TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/radio/S...

In this brief introduction to self sovereign identity, we will talk about how we build identity systems to create trust. Trust was something that was local and useful for establishing trust in a single domain. The only issue with existing identity systems is that they are not trust worthy. Still there is no good way to prove that you are a certain age, you have an account with a certain bank, etc. It is very difficult for someone else to vouch for you. Initially identity was siloed, then came federated identity, and now it is time for user centric identity...

GDPR(General Data Protection Regulation) impacts on service providers seems to be a very popular topic. I have published two shows, one explains What is GDPR? and the other about Privacy By Design principles. The idea behind this series is to bring awareness about GDPR and this show focuses on service providers, as they seem to be very confused when it comes to GDPR compliance.  They are getting questions from their customers and are not sure how to respond. Show notes can be found here:  https://www.securityprivacyrisk.com/gdpr-impacts-on-service-providers/ Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2028470514075912/admin_activities/ YouTube Ch...

Guide on how to plan your very first SOC2 Audit. Show notes can be found here: https://www.securityprivacyrisk.com/soc2-audit-planning/

Two weeks ago the show was about Blockchain Security, this week I will be talking about various tools available for some blockchain platforms. Basic blockchain architecture as it pertains to block creation and consensus mechanisms is very sound. The algorithms used to accomplish the cryptographic functions might be questionable. Hence special consideration should be given to key management, key length, hashing algorithms, and the environment that activity is conducted in. To date none of the block chains have been hacked or maliciously modified, hence from that aspect we are safe. If you consider blockchain mechanisms to be the foundation, which...

Although crypto currencies are all the rage these days, one of the issues they all share is the stability. Where fiat currencies vary by a few percentage, the variations for crypto currencies can be quite very large make them very unstable from monetary perspective. Just like the issue of privacy & fungibility is being addressed by privacy coins, stable coins are trying to address the issue of stability. In this show I provide an overview and my thoughts.

2017 was the year of blockchain, the crypto currencies craze took over the world like a storm. Is all that glitters really gold, or just a hype. Sharing my thoughts on the security aspects of blockchain and how to address them. Show notes can be found here: https://wp.me/p8fC61-B2

What is Privacy by Design, and how to implement it in your environment. Show notes can be found here: https://wp.me/p8fC61-AT

Information about what GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is about and what to look out for to comply.

This discussion delves deeper into how the privacy coins are implementing anonymity, privacy, and fungibility. Also discuss the implementations of different solutions into existing tokens.

Ever wonder what privacy coins or privacy cryptocurrencies are? In this video, I will provide an overview of why privacy tokens came into existence and list some of the privacy tokens that have been created.

When organizations outsource their move their compute workloads to the cloud they assume that their cloud service provider will provide all the required assurances. Service providers can only provide assurance for the compute they manage. Any components sitting on top of the compute are solely the responsibility of the customer.

Introduction to what a blockchain is, blockchain security, tokens vs cryptocurrencies, and blockchain platforms. Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2028470514075912/admin_activities/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQtYBTppBxS0WLeCBx33gNQ?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast Channel: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/security-privacy-risk-management-cryptocurrencies-fintech/id1341499853 Google Play Podcast: https://partnerdash.google.com/music/podcasts/portal/u/0#p:id=playpodcast/series&a=2354411696828237 TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/radio/Security-Privacy-Risk-Management-Cryptocurrencies-p1095473

Crypto market hit an all-time high on January 7 when it reached $835.69 billion. Earlier today that number was at $438.88 billion, representing about a 50% drop. Crypto currencies took 2017 by storm and the main catalyst in this meteoric rise was the advent of an ICO , which stands for Initial Coin Offering. ICO's are also known as ITO, Initial Token Offering and TGE, Token Generation Event. This podcast will provide an breif overview of the ICO's

Discuss what to do after the audit report has been issued. What normally happens and what should happen. Music: Ice Cream (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Leo_Rossa/Ice_Cream/Leo_Rossa_-_Ice_Cream) by Leo Rossa (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Leo_Rossa)

When a SOC 2 report is issued, in "Description of Tests of Controls and Results of Testing" section, if a control has an exception or a qualification, a management response is included that talks about how the exception or the qualification risk is being managed. This podcast highlights the issues of doing so. Music: Ice Cream (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Leo_Rossa/Ice_Cream/Leo_Rossa_-_Ice_Cream) by Leo Rossa (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Leo_Rossa)