Giuseppe Ficara - The Untold Story of Amplifon's Data & AI Transformation

Find out more:
Switzerland 12-11-25 Invitation Only Physical english
Control, trust and resilience in an era of geopolitical and regulatory shifts CIONET invites you to a private dinner with a select group of enterprise CIOs and senior infrastructure leaders in Zurich – part of a multi-country dialogue series with IT executives across Europe. This strategic dialogue is designed for digital leaders to share insights on one of the most pressing challenges facing today's leaders: How can organisations build true digital sovereignty in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and growing technological dependencies? Our goal is a strategic, peer-level dialogue for CIOs, Heads of Infrastructure, and Operations leaders who are working to embed control and resilience into their IT environments. The discussion starts with network architecture, evolves through operational governance, and lands in the reality of enterprise-wide execution.
Read More
Spain 12-11-25 Invitation Only Physical spanish
Cómo la IA puede aportar valor real a los procesos de negocio, simplificar tareas y facilitar la toma de decisiones sin añadir complejidad.
Read More
Poland 12-11-25 Invitation Only Virtual Polish
Kryzysu nie da się zaplanować, ale można sprawdzić, jak skutecznie organizacja reaguje, gdy codzienne procedury przestają działać. Bartosz Lewszuk z EFL pokaże, jak budować dojrzałość w obszarze zarządzania kryzysowego poprzez regularne testy obejmujące zarówno IT, jak i jednostki biznesowe. Omówi, jak przygotowuje się scenariusze, angażuje zarząd i włącza do ćwiczeń wszystkich, którzy mogą zostać dotknięci skutkami incydentu. W centrum uwagi znajdzie się nie tylko sam przebieg testów, ale też analiza wniosków i sposób przekładania ich na działania wzmacniające odporność organizacji.
Read More
Belgium 13-11-25 Country Members Physical english
The Role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is no longer confined to securing the network perimeter. As organisations become more digitally connected and data-driven, the CISO’s responsibilities have expanded far beyond traditional security measures. Today’s CISO must not only defend against cyber threats but also enable the business to innovate securely, manage complex regulatory environments, and instill a culture of trust across the organisation. This event will explore the evolving role of the CISO as a strategic leader who balances security with business enablement. As digital transformation accelerates, how can CISOs align their security strategies with organisational goals, ensure compliance, and lead their teams in the fight against increasingly sophisticated threats? Key Discussion Points: From Gatekeeper to Strategic Partner: How CISOs can shift from being seen as barriers to innovation to becoming key enablers of business agility and transformation through security. Balancing Risk and Innovation: Learn how top CISOs navigate the delicate balance between mitigating risk and supporting the organisation’s need to innovate and scale in a secure environment. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Explore how CISOs are managing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while still driving business objectives forward. Building a Security-First Culture: Practical strategies for CISOs to foster a culture where security is embedded into every part of the business, from boardroom discussions to frontline operations. CISO as Crisis Manager: How to prepare for and lead your organisation through major cybersecurity incidents. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, we’ll discuss how today’s CISO is as much a crisis manager as they are a strategist. Why You Should Attend: As a CISO, your role is evolving faster than ever before. This event is designed to provide you with actionable insights into how to embrace your expanded responsibilities while keeping your organisation safe and secure. Whether you’re focused on aligning security with business goals, navigating regulatory challenges, or leading in times of crisis, this event will equip you with the strategies to lead the next era of cybersecurity.
Read More
Germany 13-11-25 Country Members Physical german
Bauen Sie mit uns ein starkes Netzwerk führender WOMEN CIDOs aus der IT- und Technologiebranche auf! Unser zweites Treffen findet im PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt statt.
Read More
Germany Nov 11, 2025 Country Members Physical english
On the eve of the ServiceNow World Forum, CIONET invites you to an exclusive dinner in the fabulous Restaurant Little London in the heart of Munich City. Join leading CIOs, CDOs, and ServiceNow product owners for a candid exchange on how to get the most from your ServiceNow investment.
Read More
Switzerland Nov 12, 2025 Country Members Physical english
CIONET invites you to a private dinner with a select group of enterprise CIOs and senior infrastructure leaders in Zurich – part of a multi-country dialogue series with IT executives across Europe. This strategic dialogue is designed for digital leaders to share insights on one of the most pressing challenges facing today's leaders: How can organisations build true digital sovereignty in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and growing technological dependencies?
Read More
Germany Nov 13, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Bauen Sie mit uns ein starkes Netzwerk führender WOMEN CIDOs aus der IT- und Technologiebranche auf! Unser zweites Treffen findet im PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt statt.
Read More
Belgium Nov 13, 2025 Country Members Physical english
The Role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is no longer confined to securing the network perimeter. As organisations become more digitally connected and data-driven, the CISO’s responsibilities have expanded far beyond traditional security measures. Today’s CISO must not only defend against cyber threats but also enable the business to innovate securely, manage complex regulatory environments, and instill a culture of trust across the organisation. This event will explore the evolving role of the CISO as a strategic leader who balances security with business enablement. As digital transformation accelerates, how can CISOs align their security strategies with organisational goals, ensure compliance, and lead their teams in the fight against increasingly sophisticated threats? Key Discussion Points: From Gatekeeper to Strategic Partner: How CISOs can shift from being seen as barriers to innovation to becoming key enablers of business agility and transformation through security. Balancing Risk and Innovation: Learn how top CISOs navigate the delicate balance between mitigating risk and supporting the organisation’s need to innovate and scale in a secure environment. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Explore how CISOs are managing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while still driving business objectives forward. Building a Security-First Culture: Practical strategies for CISOs to foster a culture where security is embedded into every part of the business, from boardroom discussions to frontline operations. CISO as Crisis Manager: How to prepare for and lead your organisation through major cybersecurity incidents. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, we’ll discuss how today’s CISO is as much a crisis manager as they are a strategist. Why You Should Attend: As a CISO, your role is evolving faster than ever before. This event is designed to provide you with actionable insights into how to embrace your expanded responsibilities while keeping your organisation safe and secure. Whether you’re focused on aligning security with business goals, navigating regulatory challenges, or leading in times of crisis, this event will equip you with the strategies to lead the next era of cybersecurity.
Read More
UK Nov 13, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
Join us on November 13th for the exclusive roundtable powered by Cognizant.
Read More
Italy Nov 13, 2025 Invitation Only Physical italian
Questa roundtable sarà l’occasione per un dialogo diretto e peer-to-peer tra CIO, CISO ed executive della community CIONET.
Read More
Germany Nov 11, 2025 Country Members Physical english
On the eve of the ServiceNow World Forum, CIONET invites you to an exclusive dinner in the fabulous Restaurant Little London in the heart of Munich City. Join leading CIOs, CDOs, and ServiceNow product owners for a candid exchange on how to get the most from your ServiceNow investment.
Read More
Switzerland Nov 12, 2025 Country Members Physical english
CIONET invites you to a private dinner with a select group of enterprise CIOs and senior infrastructure leaders in Zurich – part of a multi-country dialogue series with IT executives across Europe. This strategic dialogue is designed for digital leaders to share insights on one of the most pressing challenges facing today's leaders: How can organisations build true digital sovereignty in the face of geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and growing technological dependencies?
Read More
Germany Nov 13, 2025 Country Members Physical german
Bauen Sie mit uns ein starkes Netzwerk führender WOMEN CIDOs aus der IT- und Technologiebranche auf! Unser zweites Treffen findet im PwC Experience Center in Frankfurt statt.
Read More
Belgium Nov 13, 2025 Country Members Physical english
The Role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) The role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is no longer confined to securing the network perimeter. As organisations become more digitally connected and data-driven, the CISO’s responsibilities have expanded far beyond traditional security measures. Today’s CISO must not only defend against cyber threats but also enable the business to innovate securely, manage complex regulatory environments, and instill a culture of trust across the organisation. This event will explore the evolving role of the CISO as a strategic leader who balances security with business enablement. As digital transformation accelerates, how can CISOs align their security strategies with organisational goals, ensure compliance, and lead their teams in the fight against increasingly sophisticated threats? Key Discussion Points: From Gatekeeper to Strategic Partner: How CISOs can shift from being seen as barriers to innovation to becoming key enablers of business agility and transformation through security. Balancing Risk and Innovation: Learn how top CISOs navigate the delicate balance between mitigating risk and supporting the organisation’s need to innovate and scale in a secure environment. Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC): Explore how CISOs are managing an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance while still driving business objectives forward. Building a Security-First Culture: Practical strategies for CISOs to foster a culture where security is embedded into every part of the business, from boardroom discussions to frontline operations. CISO as Crisis Manager: How to prepare for and lead your organisation through major cybersecurity incidents. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, we’ll discuss how today’s CISO is as much a crisis manager as they are a strategist. Why You Should Attend: As a CISO, your role is evolving faster than ever before. This event is designed to provide you with actionable insights into how to embrace your expanded responsibilities while keeping your organisation safe and secure. Whether you’re focused on aligning security with business goals, navigating regulatory challenges, or leading in times of crisis, this event will equip you with the strategies to lead the next era of cybersecurity.
Read More
UK Nov 13, 2025 Invitation Only Physical english
Join us on November 13th for the exclusive roundtable powered by Cognizant.
Read More
Italy Nov 13, 2025 Invitation Only Physical italian
Questa roundtable sarà l’occasione per un dialogo diretto e peer-to-peer tra CIO, CISO ed executive della community CIONET.
Read MoreStops millions of attacks while protecting cash in transit, employees, and data with Trend Micro
OVERVIEW
Founded in South Africa in 1986, SBV recently expanded into other African countries and is currently operating in Namibia and Lesotho. The company operates 43 cash centers and more than 800 state-of-the-art armored vehicles, and employs a workforce of 7,000 people. As cash is collected from banks and other organizations, SBV moves it to a secure cash center where it is validated, sorted, and stored or redistributed.
CHALLENGES
Moving large amounts of cash on public roads on a daily basis makes SBV vehicles and employees targets for criminals. To guard against physical attacks on employees while moving cash, SBV provides body armor and weapons and uses body-worn cameras and scanners that constantly feed data back to SBV, where it is collected, analyzed, and securely stored.
Equally important is the safety and security of its network. If criminals gain access to the company’s logistical systems and risk-mitigating processes, they can use that information to attempt a robbery. To reduce these risks and ensure the safety of its personnel, clients, and the public, SBV is rigorous about protecting its systems and data from cyberattacks. As the threat environment evolved, SBV also sought a faster way to deploy security protections.
WHY TREND
After reviewing solutions from several major security vendors in 2013, the company chose Trend Micro™ OfficeScan™ for its endpoint protection and Trend Micro Control Manager to simplify security management. In 2016, SBV decided to try another vendor’s security solution and quickly realized it had made a mistake when it was attacked by a virus. “When the virus hit and our cash centers went offline, the cash movement across the country slowed,” said Ian Keller, chief security officer at SBV Services. “We knew we were in serious trouble.”
SBV reached out to Trend Micro. Their team brought ten people on site to work shoulder-to-shoulder with SBV’s IT specialists to quickly solve the issue. As a result, SBV re-engaged with Trend Micro and has never looked back. “It was phenomenal to see the camaraderie between the teams,” said Keller. “Trend Micro proved their technology is great and the people behind it are absolutely fantastic.”
SOLUTION
To expand the protection of its vital IT systems and employees, SBV Services chose Trend Micro Smart Protection Complete, which delivers multilayered security to protect SBV’s 3,500 endpoints, as well as its applications and network. Smart Protection Complete integrates security across protection layers with flexible cloud deployment, simplified licensing, and central management for network-wide visibility and control of threats and data. SBV also uses Trend Micro Deep Discovery Inspector to deliver visibility into all aspects of targeted attacks, advanced threats, and ransomware.
SBV recently upgraded to Trend Micro Apex One as a service, which serves as a single agent for a wide range of components that minimize network traffic and provide comprehensive endpoint protection. Because Apex One is cloud-based, it can be deployed and upgraded faster than on-premises software. Apex One manages SBV’s licensing seamlessly. “I don’t have to worry about whether I’m licensed for all my Windows servers or control centers—all that is taken care of,” said Keller. “Apex One as a Service was a no-brainer from a speed, functionality, cost, and scalability standpoint.”
Since deploying Trend Micro, we’ve recorded millions of attacks, stopped 117,000 threats in one day, and had zero infections in 18 months. Trend Micro is always working, even while I’m sleeping.
Ian Keller
Chief Security Officer, SBV Services
RESULTS
With Trend Micro Smart Protection Complete and Apex One defending its systems and devices, SBV Services has strong, connected security across its entire IT environment. Trend Micro Deep Discovery Inspector uses known and unknown patterns and reputation analysis to detect the latest ransomware attacks. The customized sandbox detects mass file modifications, encryption behavior, and modifications to backup and restore processes. “Since deploying Trend Micro, we’ve recorded millions of attacks, stopped 117,000 threats in one day, and had zero infections in 18 months. Trend Micro is always working, even while I’m sleeping.” said Keller.
Endpoint deployment in the cloud via Apex One as a Service makes operations easier to manage because system updates are handled automatically. Apex One also provides end-to-end visibility into the entire IT security environment on a centralized console, significantly improving response times.
Support from Trend Micro has also been a highlight. For Keller, being resilient and able to adapt quickly to threats is essential to the business, and that’s what Trend Micro enables. “Trend Micro is dedicated to securing our enterprise as the threat landscape evolves,” said Keller. “We trust them to keep us covered.”
Apex One as a Service was a no-brainer from a speed, functionality, cost, and scalability standpoint.
Ian Keller
Chief Security Officer, SBV Services
WHAT'S NEXT
Keeping South Africa’s cash moving securely while ensuring the safety of employees and the public requires SBV to maintain the highest security and prepare for the next generation of cyber threats. Next, SBV plans to add Trend Micro endpoint detection and response (EDR) to its IT environment. The fact that EDR will integrate seamlessly with SBV’s existing technologies was a deciding factor. “It doesn’t make sense to invest where you don’t have synergies,” said Keller. “Everything has to integrate.”
200 Views 0 Likes Read More

Embark on a culinary journey through the ever-evolving world of digital leadership with our third edition of the CIONET Cookbook: Recipes for Digital Success. Unveiling the intricate trilemma faced by today’s Master Chefs, our trailblazing European CIOs address a challenge at the nexus of customer interests, digital transformation strategies, and IT modernisation. Their secret? Synchronising the gearing between customer, business, and technology to create a frictionless movement through the digital landscape.
The CIONET Cookbook uses the analogy of a five-star restaurant to explain the importance of optimally integrated technology, with the CIO as Master Chef. In order to provide the best service to its customers, a top restaurant must have the right atmosphere, an inviting menu, a well-equipped kitchen, talented and committed front-of-house and kitchen staff and smooth-running processes that ensure an enjoyable experience for diners.
The role of the CIO has evolved from managing systems to shaping outcomes: growth, resilience, and competitive edge are now won or lost in the technology arena. Today ’ s CIOs must balance stability with innovation, control costs while attracting scarce talent, and modernise legacy infrastructure while adopting emerging technologies.
As AI transitions from a specialised tool to an all-pervasive force, understanding its profound implications for our human lives is no longer merely academic but an urgent imperative for social well-being and strategic preparedness.
Geopolitical tensions have dominated the headlines for over two years now. In this context, the cyber threat landscape is also evolving rapidly. The protection and security of critical infrastructure – both physical and digital – is becoming increasingly important.
In our new app, our members connect with other digital leaders from around the world to find better solutions to their challenges.
Connect with digital leaders like you
Share ideas, best practices, and new resources
Experience inspiring and thought-provoking content and conversations you can’t find anywhere else
Make better, more well-informed decisions about the topics that are most important to you
Head of IT Germany and Regional Office Lead Munich, Microsoft
IT Director, IT Thinker
Vice president IT & Compliance, VisionaryRCM (A Carlyle Grp Company)
CIONET’s mission is to help IT executives become more at ease and above all more successful in their jobs. So they can do more than just keep up with change but ultimately define it. CIONET opens up a whole new universe of opportunities in IT management.
With the largest membership of corporate digital leaders across Europe, Latin America, US and Australia, CIONET has the expertise and pioneering vision to solve or address any IT management challenge.
From our local and global events, from our publications and research to our executive education programmes, everything we do is aimed at making sure digital leaders maximise their potential.
with digital leaders who share your interests, who face the same challenges, who care about the same topics.
stories, experiences, and ideas around our shared mission.
from our exclusive events, publications and research.
inspiration, thought-provoking conversations, expert perspectives and exclusive first-hand content each and every day
and make better, more well-informed decisions on how to lead your digital business.
your potential. Realise your ambitions.
You can either send us a registered handwritten letter explaining why you'd like to become a member or you can simply talk to us right here!
Would you like to know more about CIONET, membership or partnership opportunities? Do you have feedback or any other question? Send us a message!