In a recent conversation with ET Edge Insights, Anil Valluri, MD, India & SAARC, Palo Alto, shared his perspectives on the complex and dynamic landscape of automated security operations. With a backdrop of ever-evolving cyber threats, he emphasised the necessity of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to safeguard against sophisticated adversaries.

The changing nature of cyber threats

Valluri highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks. Adversaries are now equipped with advanced AI and machine learning (ML) technologies, allowing them to execute breaches and data exfiltration at unprecedented speeds. The mean time to detect and remediate these threats has drastically decreased from days or weeks to mere hours, underscoring the importance of early detection and rapid response.

AI plays a crucial role in countering AI-driven threats. Automated security operations centres (SOC) are now imperative to enhance detection and response capabilities. Valluri pointed out that while manual threat detection has an efficacy rate of around 60%, automation can push this rate to over 90%. This efficiency is critical given the sheer volume of threats organisations face daily.

Holistic security measures

Valluri stressed the importance of securing the entire attack surface, which includes cloud presence, applications, remote and local user access, and various devices. Palo Alto Networks addresses these through solutions like Prisma Cloud for cloud security, Prisma SASE for remote access, and Cortex for device security. These solutions, infused with AI under the umbrella of Precision AI, enable detection, remediation, and sometimes auto-healing of threats.

While industry standards and compliance regulations exist, Valluri cautioned that compliance alone does not equate to security. “Organisations must go beyond ticking boxes and adopt a zero-trust model, ensuring that every access attempt is authenticated and authorised. This approach minimises the risk of lateral movement within the network and protects sensitive data,” he stated.

Future of cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Valluri predicted that cybersecurity would continue to be one of the most dynamic and innovative fields. Innovations in OT, IoT, 5G, and AI will shape the landscape, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The integration of AI in cybersecurity must be secure by design to effectively counter the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.

Valluri emphasised that cybersecurity is a journey requiring constant innovation and vigilance. Organisations must adopt a comprehensive and proactive approach, leveraging advanced technologies and fostering a culture of security awareness among stakeholders.