Tech Talks Daily

How prepared are businesses for a new wave of attacks targeting the apps, APIs, and AI systems now powering digital growth?
In this episode, I speak with Richard Meeus from Akamai Technologies about the latest findings from Akamai's State of the Internet report, with a focus on apps, APIs, and DDoS activity across EMEA.
Richard explains why APIs have become such an attractive target for attackers, especially as AI adoption accelerates. We discuss the sharp rise in API abuse, the growing use of automation to industrialize attacks, and why many organizations still lack visibility into the APIs exposing sensitive data.
We also examine the rise in layer 7 DDoS attacks, how attackers are combining multiple techniques to distract defenders, and why sectors such as retail and manufacturing are facing growing pressure. Richard also shares his view on the geopolitical forces shaping DDoS activity and why hacktivist groups continue to use these attacks as a public statement.
Another major theme is the security risk around AI chatbots. As more organizations deploy chatbots to improve customer service, Richard explains how overly helpful AI systems can expose data, respond to prompt injection attempts, or create new blind spots if the right controls are missing.
But this conversation is not all about risk. Richard also explains why AI can help defenders strengthen visibility, improve testing, analyze logs faster, and support more proactive security strategies.
So, as businesses race to adopt AI and modern digital services, are they paying enough attention to the APIs and infrastructure sitting underneath it all? Share your thoughts.

What happens when AI agents start talking to customers more often than humans do?
In this episode, I'm joined by Robert Gerstmann, co-founder and Chief Evangelist at Sinch, to discuss what may be the biggest shift in business communications since SMS transformed how organizations connected with customers. As someone who helped build Sinch from a bootstrapped startup into a global communications platform serving enterprises worldwide, Robert offers a unique perspective on where customer engagement is heading next.
Our conversation traces the evolution of business communications from the early days of SMS and feature phones to today's world of conversational AI, rich messaging, voice agents, and intelligent engagement platforms. Robert explains why communication networks are evolving from simple connectivity infrastructure into intelligent conversation platforms that support increasingly sophisticated customer interactions.
We explore Sinch's prediction that AI agents could increase conversation volumes by three to five times across industries and discuss what that means for businesses that are already struggling with fragmented customer data, disconnected systems, and rising customer expectations. Robert shares why many organizations remain unprepared for the scale and complexity of AI-powered interactions and why getting the data foundation right is becoming a business priority.
The conversation also examines the surprising resurgence of voice. While messaging has dominated much of the discussion of the digital customer experience in recent years, Robert explains why AI is giving voice a new purpose. As voice interactions become more natural, contextual, and responsive, organizations are beginning to see voice not as a legacy channel but as a vital part of delivering high-quality customer experiences.
We also discuss the growing importance of trust, authentication, and verified communications in an era of deepfakes, spoofed identities, and synthetic content. Robert explains how technologies such as RCS and verified messaging are helping organizations build confidence while creating richer and more engaging customer experiences.
Along the way, we explore why personalization at scale is becoming the new battleground for customer attention, why relevance now matters more than volume, and how businesses can avoid becoming digital noise in increasingly crowded inboxes.
If you're interested in AI, customer experience, communications technology, or understanding how businesses will engage customers in the years ahead, this conversation offers valuable insights from someone helping shape the future of global communications. What role do you think AI-powered conversations will play in the future of customer engagement?

What happens when a single lost network packet can disrupt hours of manufacturing?
Recorded at Cisco Live, this episode features John Hoenemier, Director of Network Security Operations at GlobalFoundries, one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers. While most people think about microchips only when they buy a smartphone, laptop, car, or connected device, the reality is that modern life depends on a vast ecosystem of manufacturing facilities operating around the clock with extraordinary levels of precision.
During our conversation, John explains why semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most demanding operational environments in the world. Production runs continuously throughout the year, and even minor disruptions can have significant consequences. In this environment, the network serves as the digital nervous system of the factory floor, connecting equipment, systems, data, and people in real time.
We discuss the challenges of maintaining resilience in an environment where downtime is rarely an option. John shares how visibility, observability, security, and automation have become increasingly important as manufacturing operations grow more connected and more dependent on digital infrastructure. The conversation explores what happens when connectivity is interrupted and why reliability remains one of the most important measurements of success.
We also examine the growing role of AI, operational intelligence, and unified management platforms. John explains why bringing together data from multiple systems is helping teams make faster decisions and why technologies such as Cisco Cloud Control are generating so much interest among infrastructure leaders.
Along the way, we discuss cybersecurity, identity management, observability, and the unique realities of protecting highly distributed manufacturing environments. Despite operating in a very different industry, many of the challenges GlobalFoundries faces are remarkably familiar to technology leaders everywhere: balancing innovation with reliability, improving visibility, and finding ways to manage increasing complexity.
What stood out most was the reminder that behind every AI application, cloud service, connected device, and modern technology platform sits a manufacturing ecosystem that must operate with extraordinary consistency and precision.
As industries become increasingly connected, how important will resilient digital infrastructure become to the products and services we rely on every day?

What does it take to deliver reliable connectivity to a floating city carrying thousands of guests across the world's oceans?
Recorded at Cisco Live, this episode features Diogo Almeida, Head of IT Infrastructure at AIDA Cruises, and Amine Belhad, IT Network Architect at AIDA Cruises. Together, they share what happens behind the scenes to keep one of Europe's leading cruise fleets connected while supporting everything from guest services and entertainment to restaurants, healthcare facilities, security systems, and operational technology.
Most travelers think of a cruise ship as a vacation destination. The reality is far more complex. Each vessel operates like a self-contained city at sea, complete with data centers, wireless networks, hospitality systems, broadcast infrastructure, retail operations, medical facilities, and connectivity requirements that extend far beyond the ship itself.
During our conversation, Diogo and Amine explained how guest expectations have evolved dramatically in recent years. Travelers now expect the same digital experiences they enjoy at home, whether that's streaming content, staying connected with family, accessing onboard services through mobile applications, or remaining productive while traveling. Meeting those expectations requires a resilient technology foundation capable of operating in one of the most challenging environments imaginable.
We discuss the architecture supporting AIDA's fleet, the role of automation in managing complex environments, and how standardization has helped improve operational consistency across multiple ships. The conversation also explores how connectivity supports both guest experiences and business operations, from check-in processes and shore excursions to entertainment systems and day-to-day vessel management.
Looking ahead, we examine how AI, predictive analytics, and greater visibility into infrastructure performance could help identify issues before they impact guests or crew. As digital services become increasingly important to the cruise experience, proactive operations are becoming just as important as connectivity itself.
What stood out throughout this discussion was the scale of what happens behind the scenes. Most passengers never see the technology supporting their vacation, but it plays a role in almost every aspect of their experience from the moment they arrive at the terminal until they return home.
As customer expectations continue to rise, how can organizations deliver increasingly connected experiences while operating in environments where reliability matters more than ever?

Recorded at Cisco Live, this episode features Mark Rodrigue, Senior Network Engineer at Room & Board. This furniture retailer has built its reputation around design expertise, long-term customer relationships, and personalized service. While many retailers focus on transactions, Room & Board takes a different approach, helping customers make decisions about products they may live with for years or even decades.
During our conversation, Mark explains how technology is helping the company meet customers wherever they are. Whether someone visits a showroom, works with a designer remotely, or schedules a virtual consultation from home, the goal remains the same: deliver a consistent experience that feels personal, thoughtful, and easy.
We discuss how customer expectations have changed in recent years and why retailers must support both physical and digital experiences without compromising quality. Mark shares how Room & Board expanded from thinking about dozens of retail locations to supporting a workforce that can effectively serve customers from almost anywhere.
The conversation also explores the realities of running modern IT operations with a lean team. Mark explains how a small group of engineers supports networking, wireless connectivity, security, collaboration tools, and business operations across the company. We discuss the value of visibility, the role of automation, and why reducing operational complexity allows teams to spend more time supporting business outcomes rather than managing infrastructure.
Looking ahead, we examine the growing role of AI in IT operations. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for skilled professionals, Mark sees agentic technologies as digital coworkers that can help teams find information, handle routine tasks, and accelerate troubleshooting. The result is more time spent focusing on customers, employees, and strategic priorities.
What stood out throughout this discussion was a simple philosophy: the best technology is often the technology nobody notices. When systems work as intended, customers can focus on designing their homes, employees can focus on helping them, and technology quietly does its job in the background.
As customer expectations continue to evolve, how can organizations leverage technology to deliver better experiences without losing the human connection customers value most?