Revolutionizing Network Security: Tenable’s Latest AI-Aware Solution

Exclusive interview with Maher Jadallah, Senior Director at Tenable

In an era of rapid digital transformation, cybersecurity has become more complex and critical than ever. Tenable, a leader in exposure management solutions, is at the forefront of addressing emerging technological risks, particularly those introduced by artificial intelligence. Through innovative approaches like their AI Aware solution, the company is helping organizations navigate the delicate balance between technological advancement and security. In this exclusive interview, Maher Jadallah, Senior Director at Tenable, offers profound insights into the evolving landscape of network security, the potential risks of AI integration, and strategies for maintaining robust digital defenses in an increasingly interconnected world.

How is Tenable showcasing its exposure management solutions in AI and cybersecurity?

In recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift as companies move their infrastructure to the cloud. This transition is essential as organizations look to offload the responsibility of managing local equipment. However, this shift introduces considerable risks. The more you expose your systems to the cloud, the greater the potential for identity and data vulnerabilities. This is where Tenable comes in—we aim to address these risks both in the cloud and across multiple cloud environments. By providing robust exposure management solutions, we help organizations manage these new threats effectively.

With so many AI-enabled tools emerging, what advice would you give to organizations looking to integrate these tools into their security strategies?

AI, in many ways, is an incredibly powerful tool, but it also introduces certain risks. We’re seeing more organizations integrating AI-based applications directly into their networks without proper vetting by security teams. This can lead to vulnerabilities. While AI is often used to identify and resolve vulnerabilities, it can also be misused to find threats or exploit weaknesses in a network. It’s crucial for organizations to ensure that AI tools are thoroughly tested and integrated into their security strategies before they are deployed, to minimize the potential for exploitation and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

How does Tenable’s AI Aware solution address the challenges posed by unauthorized AI usage and emerging AI-related security risks?

The AI Aware solution is a key part of our platform, designed to identify and report unauthorized AI applications within a network. When such applications are detected, our system immediately alerts the IT security team. This allows them to conduct a thorough review to ensure that the AI is being used appropriately and isn’t introducing any risks or vulnerabilities. If there are any issues, such as cyber-attacks or potential data breaches, the security team can take immediate action to mitigate those threats.

How long have you been associated with GITEX, and what innovations excited you the most this year?

Personally, I’ve been participating in GITEX for the past 28 years—it’s been a remarkable journey. Tenable has been involved in this event for nearly a decade, and we’ve seen it grow into a pivotal gathering for the tech and cybersecurity industries. We’ve always been excited to showcase our latest innovations, and this year is no different. GITEX continues to be an invaluable platform for connecting with industry leaders and exploring new solutions to today’s cybersecurity challenges.