Microsoft’s Vasu Jakkal on AI’s Role in Cybersecurity

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VentureBeat recently sat down (virtually) with Vasu Jakkal, corporate vice president of security, compliance, identity, management and privacy at Microsoft, to gain her insights into how AI, machine learning (ML), generative AI, and emerging technologies are redefining cybersecurity.

Jakkal leads Microsoft Security, one of Microsoft’s fastest-growing divisions which reached $20 billion in revenue early last year. She previously served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at FireEye and as vice president of Corporate Marketing at Brocade.

A key takeaway from her interview with VentureBeat is that AI is core to the DNA of Microsoft security and she and the senior management team see gen AI as an indispensable technology for reducing the barriers to a more inclusive, productive, and diverse industry. For their latest fiscal year, Microsoft delivered record annual revenue of over $245 billion, up 16 percent year over year, and over $109 billion in operating income, up 24 percent.

CEO Nadella: Security is Microsoft’s highest priority

During Terms of

What​ measures does Microsoft take‍ to ensure the responsible ⁤development and deployment of AI, particularly regarding transparency, bias mitigation, and privacy?

⁣ ## Interview with Microsoft’s Vasu Jakkal on AI Security



**Today, we’re joined by Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President of Security, Compliance, Identity, Management, and Privacy ⁣at Microsoft. Vasu, thanks for taking the ‌time to speak with us. ‍Let’s delve right in. ⁢AI and⁤ machine learning are rapidly changing the landscape of nearly every industry, but they also introduce new security challenges. What are some ‍of the biggest security concerns you ⁤see with the rise of ‌AI?**



**Vasu Jakkal:**



[This is where Ms. Jakkal would provide her expert opinion based on her role at Microsoft. Potential points she might address could include:]



* **Adversarial AI:** How malicious ⁢actors can⁣ manipulate AI systems for their own gain.

* **Data privacy ⁤and bias:** The ethical considerations surrounding the use ⁢of personal data to train AI models and the potential for biased algorithms.

* **Explainability and accountability:** The challenge of understanding how AI makes decisions and holding systems ‍accountable for their actions.



**Given these challenges, ⁣what steps is⁤ Microsoft taking to ensure ⁢the secure and responsible development and deployment‌ of AI?**



[Ms. Jakkal would likely highlight Microsoft’s commitment to responsible AI principles, including:]



* **Transparency and⁣ explainability:** Making AI systems more transparent and understandable.



* **Fairness and bias mitigation:**



Working to identify and mitigate bias ⁤in AI ‍algorithms.

* **Privacy ‌and security:** Protecting user ‌data and privacy throughout ⁤the AI development lifecycle.

* **Collaboration ‌and partnerships:**



Working‌ with ​industry partners and stakeholders to⁤ develop best practices​ for AI ⁤security.







**what advice would you give to other organizations looking to ⁣leverage ⁤the power of AI while mitigating its potential risks?**





[Ms. Jakkal might suggest actions like:]



* **Prioritizing security from ‌the start:** Integrating security considerations into every stage of ⁤AI development.

* **Investing in expertise:** Building teams with the necessary ⁣skills‍ to understand and manage AI security risks.

*⁣ **Staying⁢ informed:** Keeping up-to-date on the ⁣latest AI security threats‍ and best practices.





**Thank you, Vasu Jakkal, ⁤for‍ sharing your insights with us today. Your expertise provides valuable guidance as we⁣ navigate the exciting and complex world of AI.**