Roshin Unnikrishnan, Senior Director of Growth and Revenue Operations at CISCO, highlights the increasing cybersecurity challenges posed by Generative AI. He emphasizes that network security has become a critical business priority as AI tools proliferate.
"Network security should be as integral to business growth as customer acquisition," Unnikrishnan stated. He noted that over 55% of employees use unapproved AI tools, increasing vulnerability to cyberattacks, often without senior management's awareness.
Unnikrishnan pointed out the sophistication of AI-driven phishing and malware, making threat detection more challenging. He advocates for a two-pronged security strategy: implementing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) to continuously verify user access and conducting regular audits of intranet applications to limit unnecessary permissions.
He also stressed the importance of viewing data as both an asset and a liability, urging organizations to adopt a proactive, strategic approach to cybersecurity rather than a reactive one. Key recommendations include data minimization, reviewing data retention policies, and strengthening internal defenses through employee training.
Unnikrishnan concluded that companies must regularly test AI tools for data integrity and foster a culture of security awareness to mitigate risks associated with human error. He insists that prioritizing security testing and employee training is essential for sustainable growth in the age of Generative AI.