Cisco Launches AI Defense: A Game-Changer for Secure AI Development
If you’re curious about the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, Cisco’s latest offering, AI Defense, is something you won’t want to miss. As Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s executive vice president and chief product officer, pointed out, many companies know they should harness AI to stay relevant, but they often find themselves held back by concerns over safety and security. This debilitating challenge stifles the accelerated adoption needed in today’s fast-paced tech landscape.
During a recent AI Summit held in San Jose, California, Cisco unveiled AI Defense, which aims to protect businesses against data leaks, cyber threats, and the misuse of AI tools. This innovative solution comes at a crucial time when existing security systems are ill-equipped to handle the unique demands of developing and deploying AI applications.
The Need for Security in AI
Patel emphasized that the future will see a clear divide between companies that effectively leverage AI and those that become obsolete. “The companies that are making great use of AI currently are being held back by safety and security,” he explained. AI Defense is designed to bridge this gap.
Similar to Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that secure cloud environments, AI Defense aims to provide a unified layer of security for every user and application across enterprises. Patel outlined that the major goal is to empower developers to create innovative applications without the constant worry of security breaches.
What Makes AI Defense Unique?
AI Defense is built on the “core secret sauce” that Cisco acquired from Robust Intelligence in August. It will be seamlessly integrated into Cisco’s existing security frameworks, such as Secure Access and Hypershield, allowing users and partners to manage AI security from a singular platform: Cisco Security Cloud.
Patel passionately claimed, “What we’re doing with AI Defense is not being done by any company right now.” This holistic approach is crucial, alleviating the pressure on companies to adopt yet another standalone security tool.
Key Features of AI Defense
According to Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index, a staggering 71% of organizations feel inadequately prepared to prevent unauthorized AI tampering. This sobering statistic signifies that security in the AI realm is not just an afterthought; it’s a pressing concern ripe for addressing.
With AI Defense, businesses can rest assured as they develop and deploy secure AI applications. This includes:
- Security and safety protocols during AI app development
- Discovery of all AI applications within an organization, including unauthorized or ‘shadow’ apps
- Model validation and red teaming
- Continuous monitoring and validation against potential threats and data leaks
Cisco pulls valuable data from various sources—including Cisco Talos threat intelligence and Robust Intelligence’s threat research—to enhance the AI Defense platform continually. Patel notes, “Security is ultimately a data game,” and Cisco has the resources to back this up.
Looking Ahead
With industry dynamics changing rapidly, Cisco AI Defense is set to become generally available in March. It promises to be a pivotal solution for businesses eager to embrace AI while navigating security concerns. For many, this could mean the difference between thriving in the digital age or being left behind.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
