https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcGRkhNPLKI
This is an interdisciplinary space that fosters synergies between the firm’s professional practice —drawing on its local and global resources—and the faculty’s academic expertise.
The launch took place on Tuesday, August 17, 2021. Speakers included Dr. Gaston J. Labadie—dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences—and Cr. Álvaro Scarpelli—managing partner of KPMG Uruguay—; Marcelo Cagnani, Esq.—leader of Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity within KPMG Uruguay’s Advisory practice—; Walter Risi, Esq.—Advisory partner and regional head of Cybersecurity at KPMG Argentina—; and José Luis Mauro Vera, Eng.—associate professor of Business Information Systems at the school—.
The School: Mission and Vision
Dr. Gaston J. Labadie emphasized that the faculty’s mission is to educate and develop professionals who, once they enter the national and regional job market, will be capable of becoming people of integrity and initiative who lead societal transformations. “May our graduates be sensitive, aware, and proactive in the face of change and the technological and digital advancements that accompany it.”
“What is our vision for the programs we call interdisciplinary?” he added. “We see them as a networked integration, like a business school network, where we connect with key players in the local community on one hand and with global players on the other. We serve as a coordination platform, fostering partnerships among the various stakeholders.”
The Role of KPMG
Álvaro Scarpelli explained: “In today’s world, talking about management means talking about digitalization. Just a few years ago, the possibilities it offers us were unimaginable. Technology has completely transformed the business world and our daily lives, creating new challenges. The pandemic showed us how it has impacted our lives and accelerated the pace of digital transformation.”
“Uruguay has a number of factors that make it much better positioned for this than for other revolutions: the talent and intellectual capacity of its society, political stability, a tradition of respect for institutions and foreigners, and high-quality healthcare. It is important for our country to both produce and attract talent. In that regard, we hope this chair will be able to contribute,” added the expert.
New responsibilities
The chair, which was launched as part of KPMG’s 75th anniversary in Uruguay, is dedicated to professional training and research related to digital transformation and cybersecurity.
Marcelo Cagnani explained that this is a partnership agreement aimed at fostering student talent, enhancing their skills, and connecting them with the job market, as well as generating information and research relevant to the business ecosystem for decision-making purposes.
“Today, technology is integral to every aspect of business. A cybersecurity incident can bring an entire factory’s production to a halt,” he said. “These are issues that must be taken into account when making decisions. We want to help our graduates develop new skills through workshops, conferences, and outreach activities.”
The Essential Partner for Digital Transformation
Walter Risi stated:“Cybersecurity and digital transformation are two sides of the same coin. And if there’s one thing that defines the digital age, it’s that software is everywhere: security cameras, insulin pumps, cars and other vehicles, industrial control devices, ATMs, and even toys. All of these contain software—software that is malleable and vulnerable.”
Risi explained that the risk of a potential cyberattack is high. Among the threats most commonly seen today and expected to arise in the near future are the following:
- Ransomware ransomware: Ransomware attacks (data hijacking) can generally cause severe damage to operations in any industry.
- Social engineering andtargeted phishing attacks: Social engineering and phishing attacks remain a widely used method to launch subsequent attacks. They are also used to steal credentials.
- Attack on supply chain : these types of attacks will likely play a central role in future sophisticated attacks.
- Advanced persistent threats: These are sophisticated, premeditated, targeted, and specific attacks that combine various attack techniques. Generally, they target a specific objective and can be planned over a period of months.
Finally, the expert recommended conducting drills simulating various types of cyberattacks. “It’s a simple and effective way to raise awareness and find out how prepared we are to deal with them.”
Busting Myths
“Currently, in academic circles, the topic of cybersecurity is primarily approached from a technological perspective ,”said José Luis Mauro Vera. “We need to consider it in all its dimensions, taking into account not only technology but also how the various people within the organization are involved and how the processeswork.”
The expert pointed out that there are currently many myths surrounding protection against cyberattacks: “It’s very expensive, it will never happen to me, that only happens to other people.”
“In Uruguay, in general, there isn’t much information available about what’s happening in the field of cybersecurity,” he concluded. “I believe that the department plays a crucial role in dispelling the myths surrounding this topic through its outreach, research, and training activities.”