Dr. Junade Ali’s new book, “How to Protect Yourself from Killer Computers,” sheds light on the frequency of technology failures in companies due to a toxic culture of covering up IT problems rather than addressing them. Dr. Ali warns that organizations often place too much trust in their IT systems and fail to admit to failures when they occur. The book highlights cases at well-known organizations, such as the UK Post Office, the BBC, hospitals, and airlines, where IT failures were covered up, leading to disastrous results.
The UK Post Office scandal, where postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly convicted of fraud and theft offenses due to computer errors, serves as a focal point in Dr. Ali’s book. Despite initially denying any issues with the Horizon IT system, investigations revealed that many cases were indeed caused by IT problems, and Post Office insiders were aware of the potential errors. Former postmaster, Alan Bates, will be sharing his testimony in the upcoming public inquiry, adding to the growing scrutiny of the scandal.
Dr. Ali’s book also draws attention to a survey conducted by Engprax, the software auditing firm he leads, which found that 53% of software engineers reported IT failures and bugs to senior leaders in their organizations. However, 75% of these engineers faced hostile reactions and retaliation instead of having their warnings taken seriously and addressed. This lack of accountability and transparency in handling IT issues can lead to catastrophic failures within organizations, according to Dr. Ali.
To prevent the snowball effect of IT failures, Dr. Ali emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of openness and encouraging whistleblowers to report problems without fear of backlash. Leadership from the top of the organization is crucial in creating a safe environment for employees to raise concerns about IT failures. With the increasing reliance on technology and complex systems like artificial intelligence, the risk of IT failures continues to rise, making it imperative for organizations to be transparent and proactive in addressing these issues.
The book serves as a timely warning for businesses of all sizes to prioritize transparency and accountability when dealing with IT failures. By addressing IT problems openly and honestly, organizations can avoid existential risks that arise from potential technology failures. Dr. Ali’s insights and recommendations in “How to Protect Yourself from Killer Computers” provide valuable lessons for companies looking to navigate the complex landscape of IT systems and prevent catastrophic failures. Leaders must take proactive measures to create a culture that values transparency, accountability, and the prompt resolution of IT issues to safeguard their organizations from potential disasters.
