It’s long been axiomatic that human beings are typically the weakest link in a security strategy. Generally that means that people are not as careful in carrying out security best practices as they should be. But enterprises also find themselves plagued with organizational issues that hamper security, a challenge with which communications/CX technology professionals are all too familiar.
Enterprise communications pros have long lamented the disconnect between the security team and their own organizations. For most of enterprise communications’ history, there wasn’t much reason for extensive coordination: Voice security meant combatting toll fraud and old school phone phreaking; telephone systems were a silo that didn’t connect directly to the enterprise network and so represented neither a tempting data store nor a vector of attack on the wider enterprise.
Once voice traffic started to be carried on IP networks, communications security became everyone’s problem, but until recently, awareness and action lagged. That situation has been gradually improving, but in a sign of security’s continual evolution, a new threat has emerged. CIO Dive recently reported that the facilities systems that run modern offices have become a crucial attack vector. “Cyberattacks on critical building systems like HVAC, lighting and energy have exploded in recent years, putting facilities managers in the unfamiliar position of having to think about network vulnerabilities,” CIO Dive writes.
Building systems, especially capabilities like meeting reservation and tracking, are increasingly being integrated into communications platforms. So this will be a new area for enterprise communications professionals to be aware of.
AI of course brings many additional new security challenges, which we’ll be tackling at Enterprise Connect 2026 March 10 – 12 in Las Vegas. At the most basic level, hackers are using AI to supercharge their ability to attack networks, and this is a vital concern for communications leaders. I’m pleased that we have a session led by veteran cybersecurity trainer Mike Wright entitled, Cybercrime Has a New Superpower: How AI Is Supercharging Attacks and What Enterprise IT Must Do Now.
This is an example of where the human gap in organizations, separating CISO teams and communications teams, must be narrowed. Your cybersecurity professionals are already embarked on a strategy to deal with AI-driven threats, and comms people need to plug into this. As Mike puts it in his session abstract, “The machines have joined the fight, and they're not slowing down.”
AI is also driving another kind of security threat. As deepfakes increase in sophistication, enterprises will need a combination of better security tools and greater human awareness of the threat posed by intrusion into meetings and other communications sessions by unauthorized people posing as legitimate users. To help you understand this threat and how to combat it, we’ve got a session called, Identity in the Age of AI: Securing Collaboration When You Can’t Trust the Face, led by another seasoned cybersecurity pro, Scott Murphy of Data Perceptions. And to complement Scott’s technology-focused session, we’ve got a look at strategic approaches to deepfakes from consultant Robert Harris of Communications Advantage entitled, Can You Hear Me Now? Deepfakes, Trust, and the Future of Enterprise Communications.
Enterprise Communications has bred a host of security challenges unique to its particular niche of the IT environment, and the professionals who run these systems need to be on top of these threats and how to combat them. If you’re concerned about security (and I’m sure you are), Enterprise Connect will help you sharpen your defenses.
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For over 35 years, Enterprise Connect has been the premier event where IT leaders, solution providers, and industry analysts come together to define the future of enterprise communications. As the most trusted conference in the industry, we deliver cutting-edge insights, world-class networking opportunities, and hands-on solutions that drive real business success.
Enterprise Connect is more than an event—it’s an experience that empowers enterprise communications leaders to reimagine the future of work. With elevated content, curated networking, and an engaging atmosphere, it remains the must-attend conference for professionals shaping the industry’s evolution.
Our mission is to equip you with the tools, strategies, and actionable insights needed to address your organization’s unique challenges. With industry transformation in mind, this year’s program introduces fresh new conference tracks, including:
- Legacy Unleashed: Optimizing Your Communications Backbone
- Workplace Reimagined: Engineering Tomorrow's Collaboration
- Tech Disruption Zone: Implementing Without Imploding
- Achieving Transformation: Architecting Your 3-5 Year Roadmap
- Future Shock: Communications Tech Beyond the Horizon
Featuring the most comprehensive program of objective content and an expansive vendor-neutral expo hall, Enterprise Connect is your ultimate resource for advancing collaboration, CX, and AV strategies. Join us to stay ahead, connect with industry trailblazers, and lead the transformation of enterprise communications.