Cybersecurity in the age of AI | EY - US

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3 minute read 25 Jul 2024

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Cybersecurity experts unveil strategies to combat AI threats and bridge the generational skills gap.

In brief

RSA 2024 highlights the need for proactive cyber strategies against AI threats, with a focus on evolving tech and education.
Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of human firewall and readiness for generative AI's risks.

The 2024 RSA Conference in San Francisco was abuzz with talk of transformation in an evolving digital threat landscape. EY cybersecurity leaders Jim Guinn and Ayan Roy, along with Nozomi Networks CEO Edgard Capdevielle sat down to discuss how businesses are revamping their cybersecurity strategies to face new challenges, especially those brought on by AI.

RSA Conference 2024 saw industry mavens sharing their playbooks for tackling the cyber risks of tomorrow, especially those emerging from AI’s rapid advance.

Jim Guinn, EY Americas Cybersecurity Leader, stressed the urgency of taking action. “We’re seeing a surge in engagement, a clear sign that there’s a shared drive to step up our cyber game,” said Guinn, adding that increased usage increases exposure to risk. “What can we do to better protect ourselves and what can we do to evolve with newer technologies?” This recognition of the growing, more complex threat surface echoed throughout the event: in the face of new risks, being proactive isn’t just prudent – it’s essential.

The generational divide in cybersecurity skills and proficiency was a shared concerned. “Not everyone’s on the same digital page.” Guinn pointed out. “Tailoring cybersecurity education to bridge this gap is key to strengthening our human firewall.” Having surveyed thousands of people of different age group across all different types of companies, Guinn and his colleagues believe that it’s people – not just systems – that must be well defended against cyber intrusions.

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Ayan Roy, EY Americas Cybersecurity Competency Leader, cited another alarming statistic, that “Seventy-eight percent of folks feel like they’re in the dark when it comes to threats from generative AI.” This gap in readiness is a clarion call to safeguard the full spectrum of generative AI applications. “That’s what we’re bringing to the table here at the RSA Conference,” Roy added.

Edgard Capdevielle, CEO of Nozomi Networks, turned the spotlight on the vulnerabilities brought on by IoT devices, especially where it matters most – in our critical infrastructures. “Seeing the whole chessboard, including every IoT piece, is what gives us the upper hand,” he stressed. Nozomi’s cutting-edge AI tech, like Vantage IQ, could be a game changer, offering employees a bird’s-eye view of the threat surface that doesn’t require an advance degree in cyber tech.

Guinn framed cybersecurity readiness as a trifecta: employees who are digitally savvy, security setups that are both streamlined and sturdy, and leaders who champion cybersecurity as a key to unlocking business potential. “These are the ingredients for a formidable cyber defense,” said Guinn.

Roy and other tech leaders didn’t shy away from addressing a talent gap of 3.1 million in the cybersecurity workforce. Roy’s answer: “Upskill the team you have, join forces with academia and let automation take some of the weight.”

Summary

The lessons of RSA Conference are clear: cyber threats to our critical infrastructure are not just real, they are imminent and evolving. Businesses and tech leaders must invest in talent, bridge generational gaps and harness the power of AI to promote a new culture of innovation, where cybersecurity is a standard of excellence.

About this article

EY Americas

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

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