Peggy Smedley Show

Peggy gives listeners a firsthand look at how contractors are using connected tools today. She explains how some companies are implementing tool tracking strategies, what the short and long-term benefits are and why companies should adopt this technology.

Don Kakfa, CEO, ToolWatch Corp., says if tools aren't functioning correctly, extra spending is happening on purchasing additional tools. He explains that by tracking tools, contractors get the biggest benefit by reducing cost and liability.

Graham Cooper, senior account manager, ToolHound, says tool tracking systems provide information immediately at your finger tips. He explains knowing where inventory is located at all times ultimately leads to cost savings and prevents downtime.

Peggy introduces connected tools in construction and says not only do they save time on projects, but they also save on costs. She explains these tools are here now, and the use of technology in construction is only predicted to grow in the next few years.

Kevin Du, IEEE senior member, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, Syracuse University, explains 80% of Web applications have vulnerabilities and there is no way to protect systems 100%. He discusses moving elections online in the future, but says they would likely be compromised without appropriate security.

Scott Meyer, CEO, Ghostery, explains privacy is by design and is really dependent on how a product is built. He says it's not just about connecting a device; it has to do with what data is being transmitted and put on the network.

Paul Sakamoto, COO, Savari, explains the company's mission is to save lives with its V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communications technology. He says the technology is ready for final product integration and could be seen in vehicles as soon as 2017.

Peggy says the IoT (Internet of Things) is helping businesses, governments, and people improve processes and make better decisions. She says the power of the IoT is the ability for us to work and live smarter and that new 5G capabilities are going to make the process even better.

Deidre Diamond, founder and CEO, CyberSN and founder, Brainbabe, says when it comes to cyber security awareness, corporations have to step up their game. She explains there is a need for more compliance and regulations in the space.

Mahbubul Alam, CTO/CMO, Movimento Group, says any time you have wireless technology, it cannot go without security. In automotive, there is the aspect of human safety which requires the highest level of security imaginable. He says there needs to be a system of providing certifications for security across the automotive industry.

Stu Sjouwerman, founder and CEO, KnowBe4, says the moment you have a website or email, you become a target for cyber criminals. He explains anti-virus is less successful these days and company's really have to train employees on cybersecurity best practices and consistently reinforce the training.

Peggy discusses the fatal accident involving a Tesla Model S in autopilot mode and says we cannot stop innovation because we are afraid, instead we must learn from our mistakes when leveraging technology. She explains safety systems that take complete or partial control are not safer by default but only if they are designed correctly and tested thoroughly.

Kim Jones, director, cybersecurity education consortium, Arizona State University, explains the goal of the consortium is talent creation and talent enrichment. He says the best way to beat the bad guys is to think creatively, and it is important to find solutions that don't disrupt commerce or operations.

Kevin Curran, senior lecturer, computer science, University of Ulster, says ransomware is the worst thing to hit the industry in a long time. He explains the best defense against threats is: keep your software updated, use different passwords on all sites, and be careful what you do on public WiFi.

Peggy explains there are many different kinds of ransomware and says fear is the reason it is so effective. She advises listeners to get educated on the risks, keep up on the latest news, and make sure your systems are up-to-date.

Pam Lopker, president and chairman, QAD, says the IoT is here and soon everyone is going to be on it. She shares it is important for companies to bring together IT people who understand the technology with the higher up's because it will be a powerful combination.

Frank Gillett, vice president and principal analyst, Forrester Research, says there are a dozen different categories surrounding smart home and the connected car and they are all coming together. He explains sophisticated home-camera systems, for instance, have the ability to add a lot of value in the space.

Steve Rayborn, vice president global sales, Alkane Truck Co., explains the latest innovation in the trucking industry includes its class 7 cab-over design truck which replaces diesel trucks with domestically-produced natural gas. He says the goal is to erase the carbon footprint and make the trucking industry more efficient.

Peggy says being a tech leader today is a huge responsibility and Samsung is stepping up to the plate by investing $1.2 billion in the IoT (Internet of Things). She says the company has a "human-centered" vision that puts people first.