October Insights – Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Sora 2’s Convincing AI Videos, and The AI Productivity Paradox
Happy October, friends.
This month is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’re focusing on education and awareness over on our 365 Tech’s LinkedIn page. It’s a great time to brush up on good habits and think about how to keep your team protected. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we’ve got a lot to be thankful for, especially the trust our clients place in us every day.
This month’s reads include why hackers target small businesses, a look at how AI video tools could shape the next wave of scams, and a warning about how AI can quietly hurt your productivity.
A lot to discuss this month, I hope you enjoy these reads!
Michael
Cybersecurity / Technology Articles
Right now, the internet is full of cats that scare away bears, but with tools like OpenAI’s Sora, an idea can turn into a realistic video in minutes. The New York Times explores how AI-generated video is transforming creativity, but it also raises a major red flag for cybersecurity. It’s only a matter of time (and we’re betting sooner than later) before videos like this become part of the next wave of cyberattacks and scams.
A.I. Video Generators Are Now So Good You Can No Longer Trust Your Eyes
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’re kicking it off with a new post on our blog: Why Hackers Target Small Businesses (and How to Stop Them). We’re excited to get our blog rolling again and share more insights like this, especially on topics that matter most to local organizations. This post explores why small businesses are such common targets for cyberattacks and what steps you can take to stay protected.
Why Hackers Target Small Businesses (and How to Stop Them)
We often talk about how hackers love small businesses because security budgets are smaller and guards are often down, but this BBC article is a reminder that even when you have unlimited funds, it can still happen. Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts, two of the biggest names in hospitality, both fell victim to major breaches last year—one through ransomware, the other through social engineering. It’s proof that cybersecurity isn’t just about how much you spend; it’s about staying vigilant and training your people to recognize the risks.
Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen private data ransomed by hackers
Leadership & Personal Growth
This article really got me thinking about how much the way we connect online has changed. The Last Days of Social Media explores the shift from big, public platforms to smaller, more personal spaces and what that means for how we share, lead, and build community. As someone who’s spent years growing a business in the digital age, it’s a reminder that real connection doesn’t come from algorithms, it comes from authenticity.
I came across an interesting read from Harvard Business Review about how the flood of AI-generated content starting to hurt productivity instead of helping it. While AI makes it easy to produce large amounts of content quickly, much of that output is low quality and often creates more work than it saves. People end up spending time reviewing, editing, or redoing what AI produces, which means overall productivity actually drops. AI can be a powerful productivity tool, but only when it’s used with purpose and human oversight.
AI-Generated “Workslop” Is Destroying Productivity
Partner Spotlight – North End Women’s Centre
This month, we’re shining a light on the North End Women’s Centre, a remarkable organization providing support, connection, and empowerment for women and gender-diverse people in Winnipeg’s North End. From housing and counselling to skill-building programs, they’re helping create pathways to stability and self-sufficiency for those who need it most. We’re proud to work alongside organizations like this, who strengthen our community and create real, lasting impact where it’s needed most.
North End Women’s Centre
Events
October 9 – Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting
October 23 – Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce At The Table
October 28 – Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce BizConnect
October 29 – 2025 HWY 7 Economic Development Tour
October 29 – Asper After Five: AI for Business