As the frequency and intensity of cyber threat attacks increase each week, businesses are in greater need of efficient and reliable security solutions. Cisco, a leader in providing top-notch security, recognizes the evolving importance of security for their customers.
TK Keanini, CTO of Security Business Group at Cisco, stated that security plays an increasingly vital role in business. However, their approach to security has changed to a design-led, frictionless experience, rather than solely identifying and blocking threats. Keanini stated that Cisco is now a valet and wants to help their customers work through their problems.
One of the prominent themes at Cisco Live 2023 was balancing simplicity with effectiveness. Keanini agrees that security should follow this approach. He stated that asymmetry, having an approach where a small number of people have access to the system, is fundamental to security. While this approach may seem complex, routine use of the system should have a frictionless and easy-to-use experience, while making it extremely difficult for others to use.
Jeetu Patel, Cisco EVP, and General Manager, Security & Collaboration, proposed that Cisco wants to “frustrate attackers, not users.” This concept is vital to the work of Keanini’s team as it places trust in users when working with a frictionless system. However, when there is an irregularity or deviation, the system will increase the friction.
With more companies moving to multicloud, Keanini says that a more unified security posture can be beneficial. Even though different cloud vendors do things differently, customers want to have policies that can be applied to the end-to-end businesses, including hybrid and multicloud platforms.
The rise of AI has caused a massive shift in security, Patel stated in his keynote speech. Keanini agrees but notes that AI became necessary in security long before generative AI. Artificial intelligence is now used in other behavioral science areas, such as reinforcement.
As AI becomes ubiquitous in security, Keanini calls for the industry to oversee the practical applications of AI. While all systems use AI, it is essential to explore its utility and value to users. To this regard, Cisco is constantly developing its technologies to remain manageable, even with the growing number of different platforms, cloud environments, and their underlying technologies.
In conclusion, with cybersecurity playing a critical role in the business world, Cisco’s innovative security solutions are bringing trust to their customers. By balancing simplicity, effectiveness, and the burgeoning applications of AI, Cisco is set to help businesses operate more securely and frictionlessly than ever.
