🔓Lessons from CoWIN's (alleged) data breach
In Today's Siam Sixers
🔓💔 Lessons from CoWIN’s (alleged) data breach.
💰 Why is Sequoia Capital splitting?
💡 Updates from ProdWrks (our product community + publication)
📺 A video on The AI Dilemma presented by Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin - the makers of The Social Dilemma!
🎧 A podcast with tips to Make AI Your Co-Pilot.
🍔 Food for thought…
1️⃣Lessons from (alleged) CoWIN Data Breach
If you haven’t heard already, there are reports of an alleged breach of data stored in the CoWIN portal that has made the personal details of many Indian citizens available on the instant messaging app - Telegram.
While the Indian government has refuted these reports, this incident highlights the importance of robust app design and security, particularly for product people involved in creating platforms that handle sensitive data.
Over the years, I have been involved in the design and development of many healthcare apps that handle sensitive data, and here’s what I recommend for founders and product leaders to secure their data.
🔒Prioritize Data Privacy and Security:
Implement robust security measures like Web Application Firewall, Anti-DDoS, SSL/TLS, vulnerability assessment, and Identity & Access Management. Ensure user information is safeguarded and unauthorized access is prevented.
🚪Authentication and Access Levels:
Offer multiple access levels and require authentication, such as OTP verification, at each level to protect sensitive data.
🔍Conduct Regular Security Audits:
Do periodic security audits to promptly identify & address vulnerabilities. Engage with experts like CERT-In or hire product strategy experts to ensure continuous improvement of security measures.
🚨Establish an Incident Response Plan:
Have a well-defined plan in place to respond to security incidents effectively. Promptly address any breaches or vulnerabilities that may arise.
📚Educate Users on Data Privacy:
Focus on raising awareness among users about the importance of data privacy and security. Clearly communicate the security measures implemented within the platform to build trust.
✅Conclusion: The alleged data leak incident involving the CoWIN portal serves as a reminder to product people about the critical role they play in designing secure applications. By prioritizing data privacy, implementing robust security measures, and fostering user awareness, product people can create platforms that protect user information and contribute to a safer digital ecosystem.
2️⃣Why is Sequoia Capital Splitting?
Global venture capital behemoth Sequoia Capital is splitting into 3 VC firms! And, here’s what you need to know…
US/Europe will remain Sequoia Capital.
China will become HongShan.
India will become Peak XV.
Fun Fact: Sequoia Ventures India which is now Peak XV is named after Mount Everest which was originally called Peak XV!
🕵️♀️But why the sudden change?
Forbes interviewed the managing partners - Roelof Botha (US/Europe), Neil Shen (China) & Shailendra J Singh (India) to get to the bottom of it and they suggest that the “conflict between broadening portfolios was a greater catalyst for the move than geopolitical tensions” (but some may argue otherwise!).
Botha recounted an “awkward” story of a US-based Sequoia portfolio company complaining that an Indian-based rival backed by Sequoia’s team there was telling prospective customers it was the firm’s big bet in the category!
😡 Singh expressed the same frustration noting that a prominent U.S. tech company complained to its Sequoia partner in the U.S. about a Sequoia India investment that it believed would be competitive in the future!
📖Read more about Sequoia’s split
3️⃣Updates from ProdWrks
Here are the updates from ProdWrks, our product community + publication.
Startup Bootstrapping Masterclass
On Saturday, ProdWrks conducted a Masterclass on Startup Bootstrapping with ace investor Karan Desai, founder of Interface Ventures. The attendees learned about Karan’s 2C2P Model of Startup Bootstrapping and got answers to all their questions on running a successful startup.
If you are wondering what the 2C2P model is all about, tune in to Siam Sixers next week to get the recorded version of the Masterclass with Karan Desai where he explains how you can bootstrap your startup to profitability.
Other Insights from ProdWrks Publication
DiaQR: The Award-Winning AI/ML Healthtech Solution at MIT Grand Hack
🖋️Author: Murugesapandian, Chief Technical Officer at Siam Computing
→Read
Carpe SIEM: Boosting Cybersecurity with AI/ML in Security Information & Event Management
🖋️Author: Shrikant Shitole, CEO of iValue Infosolutions.
→Read
Generative AI Redefines Possibilities in Pharma R&D Value Chain
🖋️Author: Varun Nangia, Digital & eCommerce leader at Merck Life Science, India.
→Read
Navigating Attrition & HR Challenges in Product Companies and IT Startups
🖋️Author: Sudhakar Raja, Founder and CEO of TRST Score
→Read
Five Successfully Bootstrapped Indian Companies That No One Talks About
→Read
How Does Merck Harness Robotic Process Automation for Operational Success?
-An interview with Radhika Mahadev, Head of RPA at Merck Life Sciences
→Read
4️⃣Video: The AI Dilemma
From the makers of The Social Dilemma (Tristan Harris and ASA Raskin), comes this amazing video which talks about the perils of AI. Tristan and Raskin who are also the co-founders of the Center for Humane Technology, discuss how existing AI capabilities already pose catastrophic risks to a functional society.
Also, watch out for cameos from Steve Wozniak, Henry Kissinger, Elie Wiesel, William F. Buckley Jr., and Carl Sagan!
Key segments in the video
The abstract nature of current AI systems.
The three rules of technology and how they relate to the AI dilemma.
The entanglement of AI in society and its potential negative effects.
The Impact of the Transformers Model of AI & Golem Class AIs.
The doom of content-based verification.
The race for intimacy in the engagement economy.
5️⃣Podcast: Make AI Your Co-Pilot👨🏻✈️
The video above may have made you doubt AI, but it’s just a forewarning. When you understand how AI really works, you’re gonna fear it less and this podcast helps you do just that.
In this podcast, Dr. John Maeda, VP of Design and AI at Microsoft, talks about AI from the trifecta of technology, design, and business.
A veteran of AI development, John shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs about how to engage with the new technology - from overcoming trepidation to making AI work harder for you, and AI’s potential to help leaders make better decisions.
6️⃣Food for thought…
There is so much talk today about ONDC, Swiggy, and Zomato. But, this photo left me contemplating the future of delivery services itself - especially about the physically challenged navigating their way through the challenges of delivering to customers.
It made me ponder the broader implications of convenience in our society and the impact it has on the lives of those who make it possible. Hence, I raise these important questions for us as product and business leaders:
1. How can we create solutions that meet the demands of convenience-seeking consumers and also prioritize the well-being and dignity of those behind the scenes?
2. Are we solely focused on the convenience of ordering that we overlook the quality of delivery itself?
3. And, do we really need 10-minute deliveries?
I invite you to take part in the following poll and reflect on the future of food delivery services in light of these considerations:
Hope you enjoyed this week's curated stories and resources. Check your inbox again next week, or read last week's edition of Siam Sixers for more insights. To get instant updates, connect with me on LinkedIn.
Cheers!
Khuze Siam
Founder: Siam Computing & ProdWrks