The theme for this year’s Digital Transformation conference in Dubai is AI, specifically dubbed Super AI Tuesday. In the spirit of Super AI Tuesday, Naveen Palavalli, Chief Marketing Officer at Forcepoint believes in the GCC region’s rapid embrace and creation of modern technological trends, particularly AI, and is set to capitalize on the next wave of digital transformation. According to PwC, AI transformation could potentially contribute an astonishing $320 billion to the region’s economy. Amid the mayhem of day 2 at GITEX 2024, Palavalli shared key insights on the nature of cyberthreats in the GCC region, stressing on the boons and banes of the cloud.Â
The Opportunities and Risks that come with AI Transformation
The ongoing AI transformation presents immense opportunities for businesses, yet it also introduces significant risks. Just as organizations navigated the cloud transformation era, which came with its own set of challenges, AI tools also demand careful consideration, particularly regarding data protection. Companies in the GCC are experiencing a surge in digital transformation efforts, but these advancements necessitate the safe integration of AI tools that often require access to sensitive data.
Palavalli cited an emerging AI use case. “Several biopharmaceutical companies are now leveraging large language models to expedite drug discovery. However, this entails sharing confidential proprietary information with AI systems, raising concerns about data security and patent protection.” Similarly, software developers are utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for code optimization, risking exposure of their proprietary source code to open-source environments, which could lead to potential patent losses.
Data Compliance and Security Solutions
Given the high stakes involved, organizations must align AI usage with their data policies and compliance regulations. According to Palavalli, to facilitate the safe adoption of AI, Forcepoint has expanded its Gen AI security solutions. This includes implementing “effective access controls for AI tools and maintaining compliance with data regulations.”
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Forcepoint recently launched Forcepoint One Data Security, a cloud-based solution designed to enhance data security. A key innovation is Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), which allows businesses to discover, classify, and prioritize their data. This is crucial as companies face challenges in managing petabytes of data across various environments. DSPM helps organizations identify the most critical data that needs protection, ensuring that data loss is prevented and remediation processes are in place.
Protecting Data Across Diverse Environments
Data security is paramount across multiple platforms—whether on endpoints, on-premises, in the cloud, or through SaaS applications. Forcepoint’s security solutions extend protection to cover all data movement, ensuring comprehensive safeguarding against threats.
Additionally, Forcepoint’s Secure SD-WAN portfolio assists large enterprises in connecting their branches to critical applications securely, which is essential for businesses, including major banks and retailers.
Combating Cyber Threats in the Cloud Era
As more organizations shift to the cloud, cybersecurity vulnerabilities have become a pressing concern. The landscape has evolved, and attackers are increasingly targeting cloud infrastructures rather than individual organizations. Recent attacks on notable providers like Snowflake and Microsoft exemplify the growing threat landscape.
Forcepoint addresses these vulnerabilities through advanced next-generation firewall solutions and robust data security measures. As attackers aim to access valuable data, Forcepoint’s tools help organizations maintain visibility and control over their data, ensuring it is stored and accessed securely.
Post-Attack Recovery and Future Preparedness
“In the event of a data breach, companies need specialized teams for audits and forensic investigations to assess the scope and impact of the breach,” said Palavalli. He added, “Forcepoint partners with other vendors to provide comprehensive solutions for addressing breaches, including understanding the exposure and classification of compromised data.”
In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, enterprises must also evaluate their vulnerabilities in light of industry breaches. Forcepoint aids companies in assessing their exposure, enhancing their ability to respond proactively to potential threats.
A Resilient Future with AI
As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, understanding the implications of AI and managing associated risks will be critical for organizations. Forcepoint is committed to fostering collaboration between the cybersecurity community and enterprises to navigate this new era of technological advancement. While challenges abound, the potential for positive transformation through AI is vast, and collective efforts will pave the way for a secure digital future.
