By Marco Ciappelli
An Article Inspired by our On Location Coverage of ThreatLocker’s Zero Trust World 2025
The Disruptive Edge: Innovation, Cybersecurity, and the Future of a Zero Trust Society
The grand finale of Zero Trust World 2025 was not just a closing act—it was a challenge. A call to rethink how we innovate, disrupt, and secure our rapidly evolving digital landscape. From Reggie Fils-Aime’s compelling insights on disciplined, disruptive innovation to Danny Jenkins’ final words on fostering a culture of learning, the keynote left us with a crucial question: What does innovation truly mean for security, business, and society?
The Fast and the Disrupted: Innovation’s Relentless Acceleration
For centuries, innovation moved at a steady pace. Then came the Industrial Revolution, which ignited a rapid transformation of industry, labor, and society. Today, we stand in the age of technological hyper-speed, where disruption isn’t a choice—it’s a constant. AI, automation, and cybersecurity threats evolve faster than regulatory frameworks or societal norms can adapt.
Reggie Fils-Aime, former President and COO of Nintendo, emphasized the need for disciplined disruption—innovation that is bold yet strategic, radical yet thoughtful. It’s not just about moving fast but about moving with purpose. This philosophy applies not only to business but also to the way we secure our digital world. Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should our defenses. But is cybersecurity still playing catch-up?
Innovation vs. Security: Still an Afterthought?
Historically, security has often been reactive. Organizations innovate first, secure later. This approach has led to countless vulnerabilities, from software supply chain breaches to AI-driven misinformation campaigns. But the landscape is shifting. Zero Trust is not just a cybersecurity model—it’s a mindset. It represents a fundamental change in the way we think about trust, verification, and resilience.
Danny Jenkins, CEO of ThreatLocker, reinforced this in his closing remarks. Security cannot be an afterthought in innovation—it must be embedded into the DNA of every disruptive leap forward. True innovation isn’t just about what we create; it’s about how we secure it from day one.
The Role of Disruption in Cyber, Tech, and Society
Disruption isn’t inherently good or bad—it’s a force. Like fire, it can fuel progress or burn down stability. The societal impact of innovation is often overlooked in the race for technological supremacy. Consider the rise of generative AI, quantum computing, or decentralized finance. These breakthroughs bring convenience and efficiency but also introduce new risks—job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and unforeseen security threats.
In cybersecurity, disruption means staying ahead of adversaries. But it also requires a shift in our collective mindset. Are we designing technology that empowers and protects? Or are we accelerating toward a future where security is a secondary concern, addressed only after the damage is done?
Closing Thoughts: Innovation with Purpose
The discussions at Zero Trust World 2025 made one thing clear: Innovation without security is reckless. Security without innovation is obsolete. The balance between disruption and control is what defines our digital future. As we push forward, we must ask ourselves: Are we innovating responsibly? Are we embedding security into the foundation of progress? Are we disrupting for the right reasons?
A huge thank you to ThreatLocker for hosting us in Orlando and for fostering conversations that challenge the status quo. As Danny Jenkins aptly said in his closing remarks: “Security isn’t a feature you add later—it’s the foundation of everything we build.”
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As part of my On Location coverage with Sean Martin, this is just one of many articles exploring cybersecurity’s deep ties to society.
Follow our Coverage of ThreatLocker’s Zero Trust World Conference 2025.
https://www.itspmagazine.com/zero-trust-world-2025-cybersecurity-and-zero-trust-event-coverage-orlando-florida
Read, listen, and subscribe: 🎙️ On Location with Sean & Marco for full Zero Trust World 2025 coverage https://on-location-with-sean-martin-and-marco-ciappelli.simplecast.com/
Musing on Society & Technology for more reflections on tech, culture, and cybersecurity.
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7079849705156870144/
Comments and feedbacks are welcomed, as well as guests proposal to discuss this on my Redefining Society and Technology podcast.
Cheers,
Marco
Stay Connected and Keep Thinking and Learning
To learn more about Zero Trust security strategies and how to build a stronger cybersecurity posture for your business:
Connect with the ThreatLocker team to explore solutions that support Zero Trust implementation.
Look for Sean’s companion article, Operational Perspectives on Supply Chain Security: Cascading Threads of Compliance on this same topic, as part of our coverage, presented from a business of security perspective.
Watch and listen to all of ITSPmagazine’s coverage of ThreatLocker’s Zero Trust World 2025 to gain deeper insights from security experts and industry leaders.
Read, listen, and subscribe: 🎙️ On Location with Sean & Marco for full Zero Trust World 2025 coverage: https://on-location-with-sean-martin-and-marco-ciappelli.simplecast.com/
Musing on Society & Technology for more reflections on tech, culture, and cybersecurity: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7079849705156870144/
