In a world where technological advancement is pivotal, striking the right balance between innovation and security is a critical challenge. This article presents expert insights on integrating robust security measures seamlessly into the innovation process. Readers will gain a clear understanding of practical strategies that prioritize safety without stifling progress.

  • Focus on Real Pain Points
  • Integrate Security from the Start
  • Sandbox Before Scaling
  • Think Security First
  • Isolate Experimental Features
  • Adopt Multi-Layered Approach
  • Start with Minimum Access Policy
  • Embed Security Reviews Early
  • Conduct Early Threat Modeling
  • Adopt Zero Trust Approach
  • Involve Security from Idea Stage
  • Transparent User-Agent Declarations
  • Perform Exhaustive Risk Assessments
  • Treat Security as an Accelerator
  • Build Diverse Review Teams

Focus on Real Pain Points

The best advice I can give to anyone looking to implement healthtech solutions in their healthcare practice is to start with the real pain points. Do not get caught up in flashy features or trends. Focus on what will actually improve day-to-day operations and patient care.

Talk to your team first. The people using the technology every day, whether they are doctors, nurses, or admin staff, are the best source of insight. Find out where they are losing time, what frustrates them, and what would make their work easier. That will guide you toward the right solution rather than just adding another system that creates more work.

Prioritize integration. One of the biggest mistakes I see is practices adopting standalone tools that do not communicate with each other. That just leads to more inefficiencies. Look for a platform that combines essential features like telehealth, automated scheduling, secure documentation, and AI-powered support. We designed our platform to be an all-in-one solution because healthcare professionals should not have to juggle multiple disconnected systems.

Make security and compliance non-negotiable. Healthcare data is highly sensitive, so any tech you implement must meet strict security standards like HIPAA and GDPR. Beyond just checking compliance boxes, the system should make it easy for your team to protect patient information without adding extra complexity.

Start small and scale up. A phased approach works best. Introduce new technology gradually, get feedback, and refine your workflows as you go. If a tool does not make life easier for your team, it is not the right fit.

Lastly, do not forget the human side. Healthtech should empower people, not replace them. The best solutions support healthcare professionals by reducing admin work, improving collaboration, and enhancing patient care. If you keep that in mind, you will make the right choice for your practice.

Jamie FrewJamie Frew
CEO, Carepatron

Integrate Security from the Start

We’re constantly exploring innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and team performance. However, as a cybersecurity-focused MSP, we understand that innovation can never come at the expense of security. The real challenge isn’t choosing between the two—it’s cultivating a culture where they’re deeply integrated from the outset.

Our approach is to treat security as an enabler, not an obstacle. Innovation thrives when guardrails are clear, flexible, and aligned with genuine business needs. That’s why we involve security professionals in the earliest phases of technology evaluation—during brainstorming, vendor selection, and pilot testing—not just after a product is chosen.

One best practice that has made a significant difference for us is implementing a “Secure-by-Design Review” as a mandatory part of every new technology adoption. Before we onboard any new tool—whether it’s a SaaS platform, automation script, or cloud-based integration—we run it through a lightweight security checklist that balances agility with control.

Here’s what the review includes:

  • Data Sensitivity Assessment – What kind of data will the tool access? Is it customer-facing, internal, or mission-critical? We classify the data early to determine what safeguards are necessary.
  • Access Control Mapping – We examine how users and roles are managed. Does it integrate with SSO? Can we enforce MFA? Can we track privilege escalation?
  • Vendor Security Posture – We verify if the vendor is SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certified, review their breach history, and inquire about how they handle vulnerability disclosures and patch management.
  • Integration Risk – If it connects to critical systems (like Microsoft 365, HaloPSA, or Xero), we evaluate the permissions it requires and isolate it through API gateways or segmented accounts where possible.

This review takes less than a day, but it dramatically reduces risk—and more importantly, it empowers our team to innovate without second-guessing. Everyone knows the framework, and it removes the friction between creativity and caution.

My one tip: Incorporate security into the decision-making process, not the cleanup process. The earlier you bring security to the table, the faster—and safer—you can move.

When innovation and security work together, your company doesn’t just stay ahead of the curve—it stays there with confidence.

Adrian GhiraAdrian Ghira
Managing Partner & CEO, GAM Tech

Sandbox Before Scaling

The key is to view security as a parallel track, not a speed bump. You don’t pause innovation; instead, you integrate security into the process from the beginning. Whether it’s a new framework, AI tool, or third-party integration, we apply the same filter: “How could this be abused, misused, or become a vulnerability six months from now?”

One tip I strongly recommend: always sandbox before scaling. Test new technology in a controlled environment, monitor its behavior, and only then integrate it into your main ecosystem. This way, you innovate without exposing your core infrastructure to unnecessary risk.

Think of it like installing a skylight—you want the light, but you need to ensure it doesn’t leak when it rains.

Daniel HaiemDaniel Haiem
CEO, App Makers LA

Think Security First

Yes, adopting new technology is exciting—it’s where ideas meet impact. But in the mad rush to innovate, it’s easy to neglect one crucial thing: security. And believe me, I’ve seen what gets lost when it doesn’t get caught up.

Security has to be baked into the innovation process, not bolted on as an afterthought.

A few years ago, I consulted for a startup that rushed a product to market in an effort to beat a competitor to launch. Great idea. Fast execution. But they rushed timelines, avoiding proper security protocols. Within three months, a breach exposed customer data and trust collapsed. It was very formative for me—it demonstrated that innovation without protection is a path to serious backfire pretty quickly.

If I had one recommended shift for any team, it would be this: think security first. Not later. Not after launch. Instill it from day one. That means from planning to development to each subsequent release.

Here is something we actually do, and it has made a world of difference (and it’s before we even write a line of code): run a threat model. It’s essentially a whiteboard session where we ask, “If I were an attacker, how would I break this?” That helps guide us toward a more intelligent architecture and away from costly pitfalls.

At the end of the day, great innovation should feel daring, not insane. Build fast, but build smart. Because in tech, being first isn’t everything. It’s a matter of being first and being trusted.

Jason HishmehJason Hishmeh
Author | CTO | Founder | Tech Investor, Get Startup Funding, Varyence

Isolate Experimental Features

When adopting new technologies, we balance innovation with security by integrating risk assessment into the earliest stages of technical planning. Before we prototype or integrate anything new—whether it’s an AI model, third-party API, or framework—we evaluate its data handling, authentication methods, and auditability.

One best practice we follow is isolating experimental features in sandbox environments. More importantly, we’ve found that an established testing framework is essential. The best way to understand new technology—especially when security is a concern—is to test it in a low-risk environment that closely mimics production. This ensures we observe realistic behavior while containing potential exposure.

In parallel, we study known vulnerabilities and best practices published by the vendor or open-source community to reduce blind spots. When needed, we bring in outside consultants to audit our approach. Innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of security—if you treat security as a parallel design consideration, not a bolt-on, you can move fast without exposing your business to unnecessary risk.

Ari LewAri Lew
CEO, Asymm

Adopt Multi-Layered Approach

For me, the key to striking the right balance between innovation and security lies in adopting a multi-layered approach that embraces cutting-edge features while fortifying the foundations of data protection. For instance, cloud platforms such as NetSuite are becoming more and more important to businesses, and as such they have evolved to provide robust security frameworks that include advanced encryption, compliance with international standards, and continuous monitoring. This allows businesses to innovate fearlessly, knowing their sensitive data that is held in the cloud is shielded by state-of-the-art security measures.

The most successful implementations of new technologies, particularly cloud-based ERP systems, are those that prioritize both innovation and security from the outset. One best practice we always recommend to our clients is implementing role-based access controls within your cloud platform. This approach, which NetSuite excels at, allows you to finely tune user permissions based on job functions and responsibilities. By regularly reviewing and adjusting these permissions, you can ensure that employees have access to the tools they need to innovate, while simultaneously minimizing security risks. It’s a strategy that has proven invaluable in maintaining the delicate balance between operational efficiency and data protection.

Lastly, I cannot stress enough the importance of fostering a culture of security awareness alongside technological innovation. In my experience, even the most advanced security features can be compromised if users aren’t properly educated. That’s why I advocate for regular training sessions on security best practices, particularly when adopting new cloud technologies. For example, when we recommend two-factor authentication for our clients’ NetSuite environments, we couple it with comprehensive user education. This not only enhances their security posture but also empowers their teams to leverage the platform’s innovative features more confidently. When it comes to cloud technology, security isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a business imperative that, when handled correctly, can become a catalyst for innovation rather than a barrier.

Tony FidlerTony Fidler
CEO, SANSA

Start with Minimum Access Policy

Balancing innovation with security is all about being intentional—moving fast, but not blindly. When trying new technologies, I always begin with WHAT DATA the system will have access to, how it will be stored, and how it will be protected. For example, when we implemented a customer relationship management platform, we didn’t just evaluate its features—we evaluated how it encrypted customer data, whether it offered two-factor authentication, and how often its security protocols were updated.

Innovation is key to remaining competitive, but I’ve learned the hard way that a lack of security can set you back far more than improved efficiency ever will. One best practice I adopt is to start with a “minimum access” policy from day one. Access to sensitive data is limited to those who really need it. It sounds straightforward, but in practice, it makes you question your systems design. That, and periodic security audits—even for small companies—can prevent a world of hurt down the line.

Marc HardgroveMarc Hardgrove
CEO, The Hoth

Embed Security Reviews Early

Balancing innovation with security really comes down to involving security early—not after the build is done. One tip that makes a big difference is embedding security reviews directly into the development workflow, such as at the design and pull request stages.

Instead of treating security as a final checklist, integrate it when making architectural decisions. For example, if you’re adopting a new serverless framework or integrating a third-party API, ask upfront: What data is moving? Who has access? What’s the worst-case scenario if something goes wrong?

It also helps to have security champions inside development teams—someone who understands both sides and can flag red flags before they become issues. This keeps innovation moving without letting things slip through the cracks.

Speed and safety don’t have to compete if you bake security into the process, rather than bolting it on later.

Vipul MehtaVipul Mehta
Co-Founder & CTO, WeblineGlobal

Conduct Early Threat Modeling

When helping clients adopt new technologies, we always emphasize that innovation should never come at the expense of security. One key practice we recommend is integrating security reviews into every phase of the development or implementation process—not just at the end. By conducting early threat modeling and regular code audits, especially when integrating third-party tools or APIs, clients can innovate with confidence. This proactive approach helps prevent costly vulnerabilities and ensures that security scales alongside new features or services.

Sergiy FitsakSergiy Fitsak
Managing Director, Fintech Expert, Softjourn

Adopt Zero Trust Approach

Balancing innovation with security comes down to prioritizing security from day one, not as an afterthought. One best practice I always follow is adopting a “zero trust” approach—assuming that every system, user, and device needs to be verified continuously. This mindset ensures that as we integrate new technologies, security protocols like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular audits remain non-negotiable. The key is to test aggressively before scaling—launching in controlled environments, conducting security reviews, and staying updated on emerging threats. Innovation moves fast, but a single security lapse can set everything back, so it’s all about proactive protection without stifling progress.

Patric EdwardsPatric Edwards
Founder & Principal Software Architect, Cirrus Bridge

Involve Security from Idea Stage

Balancing innovation with security is not easy, especially when there is constant pressure to move quickly. In our case, we have learned that speed does not have to come at the cost of safety, but it requires discipline.

What has worked for us is involving our security lead right from the idea stage. Not during testing. Not before release. From the very beginning. Whether it’s a new tool, integration, or platform, we hold brief planning sessions where engineering, product, and security teams collaborate. The goal is not to slow anything down. It’s to identify potential issues before we’ve invested time and budget in the wrong direction.

Over time, this approach has shifted the mindset. Security is no longer a last-minute obstacle. It’s simply part of our development process. People expect it, and that makes it easier to manage.

If I had to share one tip: stop treating security like a gatekeeper. Treat it like a team member with a different perspective. Involve them early. Ask simple questions. This one habit has saved us from a lot of rework—and helped us move faster, not slower.

Vikrant BhalodiaVikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia

Transparent User-Agent Declarations

I’ve wrestled with balancing innovation with security in the web scraping industry. The tension between pushing boundaries and protecting sensitive information shapes every decision we make.

In the data scraping world, clear user-agent declarations are one way that we balance new ideas with safety concerns. Being clear about who is accessing data helps us build trust with the websites we visit, and it also respects their right to know who is reading their content. When our scrapers connect to websites, they make it clear that they are not human browsers but rather automated tools by using honest user-agent strings. Website owners can make informed decisions about how their resources are used when they can see how they are being accessed.

This method has helped us maintain long-term access to important data sources while still adhering to the technical guidelines set by website administrators.

I’ve built data automation systems for a variety of industries, and one of the best practices I’ve learned is that data operations should have their own incident response playbook. A “playbook” like this is a detailed plan that guides your company on how to react when security problems or data breaches occur in your scraping infrastructure. This document should clearly define each team member’s responsibilities and roles, as well as communication protocols for internal and external stakeholders, procedures for securing data from further exposure, and step-by-step instructions for identifying the root cause. The most effective playbooks are regularly tested through simulated scenarios and are kept up to date as threats and organizations evolve.

Shuai GuanShuai Guan
Co-Founder & CEO, Thunderbit

Perform Exhaustive Risk Assessments

Whenever we roll out new, machine learning-driven technologies for better client feedback, we always do an EXHAUSTIVE risk assessment, and then perform security stress tests. This gives us a way to identify possible vulnerabilities before they affect any data. As a best practice, I always recommend embedding security reviews into every step of tech adoption, from vendor selection through post-launch. Rather than just complying, it’s really about BUILDING TRUST.

A best practice I strongly encourage is doing regular audits specifically around fairness and bias when deploying AI or automation. During a recent internal audit, we uncovered nuanced biases in a tool’s sentiment analysis that depended on regional dialects, which may have skewed our perception of reputation by up to 12%. We were able to increase accuracy and ensure our reporting was fair to all by tuning the training data and feeding in more diverse input. Bias mitigation is a responsibility of developers and leaders alike, not simply a checkbox to be ticked.

Matt BowmanMatt Bowman
Founder, Thrive Local

Treat Security as an Accelerator

Balancing innovation with security when adopting new technologies requires a strategic approach that treats security as an accelerator rather than a hindrance. We’ve discovered that proper security implementation actually speeds up innovation by providing the confidence to advance without unnecessary risks. Consider security like car brakes—they don’t exist to slow you down but rather allow you to drive faster safely. As Richard Stiennon aptly noted, “We have brakes on a car so you can go fast.” This perspective has transformed how our teams approach new technology adoption, allowing us to pursue digital transformation while maintaining appropriate protection for our systems and data.

The most effective practice we recommend is incorporating security considerations into the design phase of any technology initiative. By making security a core component from the beginning rather than an afterthought, we avoid the delays that typically occur when security issues are discovered late in development. This approach transforms security from a blocking function to a collaborative partner in the development process. Our security and development teams work together from project inception, making informed decisions that weigh risk against innovation potential. The results speak for themselves—we create solutions that are both innovative and secure by design, while eliminating the friction that traditionally exists between innovation and security teams.

Thulazshini TamilchelvanThulazshini Tamilchelvan
Content Workflow Coordinator, Team Lead, Ampifire

Build Diverse Review Teams

One issue I’ve seen very often, particularly when adopting new technologies, is ALGORITHMIC BIAS. These biases are not always apparent at first sight, yet they can quietly lead to skewed outcomes. To avoid such pitfalls, one recommendation I always strongly advocate for is building a review team with diverse perspectives.

Diverse backgrounds introduce new lenses for interpreting data and help find what others might overlook. In evaluating AI tools, we now conduct scenario-based audits across multiple customer segments—age, geography, industry type—to ensure the tool performs accurately. No system innovation is really worth anything unless it’s inclusive, ethical, and safe to use in reality.

Bryan VasquezBryan Vasquez
Head of Sales, LinkBuilder(dot)io