Innovation Heroes: Is GenAI a security nightmare or dream?

Artificial intelligence is propelling us towards an extraordinary technological revolution, with generative AI, including large language models like ChatGPT, leading the charge. But with all the possibilities these advancements bring, a myriad of complex questions emerge, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity.

On the latest episode of Innovation Heroes, a podcast by SHI, host Ed McNamara meets with Michael Wilcox, Vice President of the Office of the CISO at Stratascale, to explore how we can fortify our defenses and shape the future of cybersecurity strategies.

With over two decades of experience and influential roles as a CISO for a global Fortune 300 manufacturing company and the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to cancer research, Wilcox brings unparalleled expertise to the table. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of IT security is evident, further bolstered by his co-authorship of a best-selling book on zero trust.

Wilcox sheds light on the fascinating intersection of AI and cybersecurity, uncovering potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in this rapidly evolving domain.

“We have a mantra in cybersecurity, which is the only constant is change. I think many of us got into cybersecurity because we never want to sit still,” Wilcox said. “We’re always faced with new challenges and AI has been around for a long time, but I have never seen anything rise to this level of usage as quickly as it has with ChatGPT in particular and AI is getting quite the buzz,” he added.

The episode delves into how intelligent systems can be safeguarded, explores the menacing threats posed by generative AI, and investigates whether AI itself can play a pivotal role in shaping robust cybersecurity strategies. Acquiring proficiency in these strategies will enable individuals to optimize their AI utilization and achieve optimal outcomes.

“We need to educate users that there might be intellectual property or data that would violate privacy laws, so we need to start there,” Wilcox emphasized. “Then it’s the role of security and IT to think about how you can engineer a solution that will prohibit them from doing silly things, but also allow them the appropriate level of access to do their job and no more,” he added

Listen to the full conversation to delve deeper into the implications of generative AI on cybersecurity. You can also find episodes on SHI’s Resource Hub, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms, and on YouTube in an all-new video format.

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