Microsoft has been making significant strides in integrating generative artificial intelligence into its cybersecurity operations. Vasu Jakkal, a Microsoft security executive, spoke with CNBC’s Jim Cramer earlier this week and drew attention to the critical role of generative AI in enhancing the company’s cybersecurity capabilities.
Jakkal — who has been in the role since 2020 — highlighted the increasingly complex and sophisticated nature of cyber threats, noting that Microsoft is currently experiencing as many as four thousand password attacks every second. She identified two primary cybersecurity concerns: espionage linked to geopolitical matters and financially motivated cybercrime.
“We have the superpower of generative AI, which is helping us defend at machine speed and scale, especially given the cybersecurity talent shortage,” said Jakkal. “We also have to make sure that we leverage AI for real good, because it has this power to elevate the human potential, and it’s going to help us solve the most serious of challenges.”
Jakkal believes that utilizing data to train AI models is key to understanding and mitigating these threats. In her view, the battle against cybercriminals requires a collaborative approach. To this end, Microsoft has established partnerships with over 15,000 companies and organizations. Additionally, 300 security vendors are developing solutions on Microsoft’s platforms.
“We need deep collaboration and deep partnerships because the bad actors work together,” she said. “No one company can do this without others.”
Underlining the significance of these efforts, Microsoft’s security division has seen rapid growth, now boasting a valuation of over $20 billion. This growth has coincided with a notable achievement for the company’s stock, which reached an all-time high of $378.61 at the close of trading on Monday.
Jakkal’s point on the critical role generative AI will have in combating complex cyber threats like espionage and financial cybercrime, as well as in managing the high frequency of password attacks, is an important first step in securing our futures. It will take experts like her — and others — to make that important first step.
Featured image: Credit: CNBC
