A Virtual Call for Optimism: Heading Into the Future With the 48forward Festival

Today’s circumstances call for fresh ideas and new concepts. Now more than ever, optimism is essential. Discover at the 48forward Festival’s online conference on April 29, 2020, how we can collectively overcome the current crisis.

Event organizers are among those hardest hit by measures to contain the Covid-19 virus. According to current regulations, they won’t be able to hold events in their usual format until at least August 31 and must now seek digital alternatives. In times like these, optimism and creativity are the only way forward. The theme of this year’s innovation and future conference could therefore hardly be more fitting.

A Virtual Call for Optimism

Since the event cannot take place in its originally planned form, the “Call for Optimism” will go virtual this year. On April 29, 2020, speakers will deliver live-streamed talks on technological, societal, and health-related trends and their impact across various areas of life and the economy. Among the speakers are renowned figures such as Marc Lipsitch, Harvard professor of epidemiology, Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Digital Minister, and health scientist and politician Prof. Karl Lauterbach.

What to Expect:

The current situation demands that ideas from all corners of society be brought together. Few events in Germany stand for this as strongly as the 48forward Festival. Once again this year, 30 speakers from science, business, and civil society will share their perspectives. The three main themes will be Society & Politics, Health Care, and Planet & Environment.

How to Participate:

All information about participation and registration is available on the website https://virtual.optimism.do. Join on April 29 to gain diverse insights into the solutions of the future.

Key Facts

Dwell time: On average, attackers remain undetected in corporate networks for 204 days.

SMEs in the crosshairs: 43 percent of all cyberattacks target small and medium-sized enterprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common cyber threats facing businesses?

According to the BSI (Federal Office for Information Security) threat report, the most prevalent threats are ransomware, phishing, DDoS attacks, and supply-chain compromises. For German companies, regulatory risks (GDPR, NIS2) add further pressure.

How much should a company invest in cybersecurity?

Industry experts recommend allocating 10 to 15 percent of the IT budget to cybersecurity. According to Bitkom, German companies currently average 14 percent. What matters most isn’t just the amount spent, but the strategic distribution across prevention, detection, and response.

Does every company need a CISO?

Not every company needs a full-time Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), but every company does need clear accountability for IT security at the executive level. SMEs can benefit from an external CISO (Virtual CISO). With the introduction of NIS2, management responsibility will be legally mandated.

More from the MBF Media Network

Header Image Source: 48forward Festival

Fact: According to ISC2, there is a global shortage of over 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals.

Fact: According to IBM, 95 percent of all cybersecurity incidents are due to human error.

TL;DR

In April 2020, speakers will deliver live-streamed talks on technological, societal, and health trends and their impact across various areas of life and business.
Once again this year, 30 speakers from science, business, and civil society will take the stage.
Learn at the 48forward Festival’s online conference on April 29, 2020, how the current crisis can be overcome together.

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