Artificial intelligence is taking center stage in more ways than one, which leads to the question: how can an individual and organization leverage AI without sacrificing security or integrity? This is where the importance of widespread AI literacy comes into play.
AI literacy can take shape in many forms. From understanding the ethical implications of both personal and professional of artificial intelligence to ensuring that commercial use of AI doesn’t compromise valuable information. Within the constantly changing and unpredictable realm of AI, experts from Protegrity, Securin and WitnessAI share their thoughts on how to navigate potential challenges and utilize AI to its fullest potential.
Challenges AI pose to Data Security
Without proactive and reactive security methods, the use of AI within enterprise operations can present threats to the protection and integrity of company data. To maintain control of this sensitive data, enterprises must realize that conventional cybersecurity methods are insufficient, and the adoption of data-centric security protocols is key to reducing risk.
Anthony Cammarano, Vice President, Engineering and Chief Technology Officer at Protegrity builds onto this, emphasizing that “as GenAI uses an expanded attack surface and a mass amount of unstructured data, traditional cybersecurity methods aren’t enough to protect your data. The solution? Embedded, data-centric security methods that work across GenAI workflows to increase data value and reduce risks while meeting compliance standards. The result is a balance between innovation and security that allows organizations to leverage GenAI while addressing the dangers it can pose.”
“To continue exploring uses for AI, it is key to make stolen data useless to threat actors,” says Cammarano. “Organizations must work beyond outdated regulations to secure unstructured data at ingestion, incorporate data protection into GenAI applications, and create policies that maintain privacy.”
Navigating the Potential Gains and Pains of AI Adoption
With any new technology come potential gains and pains. Dr. Srinivas Mukkamala, PhD, Board Member at Securin, states that emphasizes that, “in the realm of cybersecurity, AI can be a double-edged sword. It can supercharge efforts to protect us – spotting threats faster than any human could – but it also opens the door to new dangers if we’re not careful.”
“As our world leans more heavily on artificial intelligence – whether in workplaces, schools, or daily life – knowing how to use AI carefully is no longer optional; it’s essential,” Dr. Mukkamala notes. “AI isn’t just a tool to make tasks easier; it’s a technology that can shape our decisions, our work, and even our safety. Understanding how it works, how to interact with it, and what can go wrong is crucial for everyone, because the stakes are higher than ever.”
When it comes to AI, Knowledge is Power
Rick Caccia, Founder and CEO of WitnessAI states that “to be aware of the growing value of AI is one thing, but the true power lies in knowing how to use the technology properly and responsibly as it continues to grow in relevance.” Caccia goes on to emphasize that “understanding AI shouldn’t just be for tech experts – everyone should be able to get involved and safely take advantage of its fullest potential, and do so by ensuring governance, oversight, and control. By providing visibility, control and protection, as well as enabling AI literacy among your team, both individuals and organizations are able to use AI effectively and responsibly.”
