If you aren’t investing in AI, you’re going to get left behind. Today, Phillip and Alistair welcome Ray Ellis, Head of AI Security at Philip Morris International (PMI). Ray, an AI enthusiast with a background in information security, discusses his journey from the Royal Tank Regiment to leading AI security initiatives at PMI. He shares insights on AI-driven security strategies, the importance of gamifying training, and the challenges of integrating AI securely. Ray highlights PMI's approach to AI adoption, including decentralized assessments, third-party risk management, and future-proofing against emerging technologies like quantum computing. The episode also delves into the successes and obstacles faced in AI security, offering valuable advice for those looking to enter the field.

Takeaways:

• Educational Gamification: Explore innovative training methods, such as gamification, to enhance engagement and learning. Consider creating interactive, game-based training modules for your team to learn about AI security risks and compliance.
• Understand AI Risks: Develop a comprehensive understanding of AI-related risks, such as prompt injection and data hallucination. Identify these risks early and design controls to mitigate them effectively.
• Maturity Models: Use maturity models to assess and improve the security readiness of AI solutions within your organization. Track your progress and update your strategy as your organization matures.
• Strategic Risk Management: Implement a risk management framework to evaluate AI initiatives based on their impact on productivity and information security value.
• Security by Design: When developing AI solutions, integrate security measures from the outset rather than as an afterthought. Ensure that all stages from ideation to deployment consider security implications.
• Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of AI systems and their security frameworks to identify and rectify any potential vulnerabilities. This could include both internal audits and third-party assessments to ensure a comprehensive review.

Quote of the Show:

• “The only thing stopping you is you.” - Ray Ellis

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-ellis-/
• Website: https://www.pmi.com/
• AI Cyber Hunter 1: A New Risk: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_1/ (This introduces the New Risk of AI, and you need to speak to the SOC and CTI to understand the risks)
• AI Hunter 2: Agents Strike Back: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_2/ (This is focused on Agents and the new types of risk that they bring)
• AI Hunter 3: Return of the Governance: https://ray51773.github.io/AI-Hunter_3/ (This is focused about AI governance and what the types of checks will be carried out and why)

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

There is more to AI security than just technology! Taiye Lambo, a cybersecurity expert and the Founder and Chief AI Officer at Holistic Information Security Practitioner Institute, joins the podcast today to dive into AI security. Taiye discusses his background, including his role as the first CISO of Atlanta and his work with the Federal Reserve Bank. He delves into the future he aims to solve for: creating a world where technology, particularly AI, is a force for good. Taiye emphasizes the importance of identifying and mitigating AI risks while ensuring global cooperation for safe and responsible AI innovation. He also touches on the impact generative AI is having on the security industry and the need for a balanced approach that integrates human oversight. The episode concludes with Taiye's insights on the importance of responsible AI practices and the role of trust and accountability in AI systems.

Takeaways:

• Focus on People and Processes: While technology is important, addressing weaknesses in people and processes can mitigate a significant portion of security threats. Invest in training and process improvements.
• Adopt a Trustworthy AI Model: Establish trust by implementing responsible AI practices, such as accountability, transparency, security, and privacy.
• Prepare for AI’s Impact on Jobs: Anticipate how generative AI might reduce the need for certain manual tasks. Consider how AI can be used to enhance job functions rather than merely replace them, and prepare to upskill employees accordingly.
• Prioritize Data Governance: Effective data governance is crucial. Implement robust data classification programs to prevent the mishandling of sensitive information.
• Accountability in AI Deployment: Ensure that there is clear accountability at the highest organizational levels for AI systems, especially those with the potential to cause significant harm if they fail.
• Positive Thinking and Innovation: View technological advancements as opportunities to solve real problems. Approach projects with a mindset of finding those win-win scenarios where AI can be a force for positive change.
• Learn from History: Avoid repetition of past mistakes by learning from historical problems and solutions. Use this knowledge to inform current practices and future innovations.

Quote of the Show:

• “AI's having a major impact, but I feel like we shouldn't be afraid of it. We should embrace it.” - Taiye Lambo

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiyelambo/
• Website: https://taiyelambo.com/
• Website: https://www.hispi.org/

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI

What happens when AI agents start filling the boxes on an organization's org chart? This week's episode tackles this question and many more, with guest Ron Schwartz, a change management guru and Founder of Brass Tacks, joining Phillip and Alistair. The discussion explores the changing dynamics of trust, culture, and control in a world where humans and autonomous agents are increasingly intertwined. From the nature of trust to the future of operations, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the agentic revolution.

Takeaways:

• Focus on Culture: Consider how to embed corporate culture into AI and agent behavior to ensure alignment with organizational values and goals.
• Improve AI Ethics: Organizations should think about appointing Chief AI Ethics Officers to oversee and guide ethical AI deployment and management.
• Prepare for Change: HR departments should prepare for the upcoming changes by educating employees, perpetuating supportive narratives about AI, and focusing on training and development.
• Embrace Transparent AI: Transparency and explainability in AI decision-making are crucial for building trust. Ensure that AI systems can clearly explain their decisions.
• Understand Multi-Agent Systems: Keep an eye on the developments in autonomous multi-agent systems and their implications on organizational and social structures.
• Communicate AI Benefits and Risks: Effective communication about the benefits and potential risks of AI can help reduce fear and resistance, encouraging smoother adoption.

Quote of the Show:

• “ Each agent will be slightly different, but we can still use that system to be able to enhance and encourage the culture that we're looking for.” - Ron Schwartz

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-schwartz-79755685/
• Website: https://brasstacks.net.au/
• Email: ron@brasstacks.net.au

Ways to Tune In:

• Transistor: https://agenticinsider.show/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2fCCuVl6tL5p2kEAwFCQNJ
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-agentic-insider/id1807346381
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9fe0482d-d798-4420-a93a-fc6653bce437
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/the-agentic-insider-6057241
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iridiusAI