Data security is becoming a top priority as technology rapidly transforms industries, driving innovation in artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics.

Businesses are leveraging these advancements to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences and boost efficiency, but the fast-paced evolution comes with pressing challenges. From ethical concerns to the growing threat of cyberattacks, companies must navigate a complex landscape while ensuring responsible and secure implementation, according to Jeetu Patel (pictured), executive vice president and chief product officer of Cisco Systems Inc.

Cisco’s Jeetu Patel talks to theCUBE about data security.

“As you have many, many models, you’re going to need to make sure that the safety and security can’t be relied just solely on the model providers,” Patel said. “You need to have a common substrate of safety and security across every model, and that’s what we provide.”

Patel spoke with theCUBE’s Dave Vellante and Bob Laliberte at MWC25, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed how artificial intelligence, automation and data analytics are transforming industries, as well as the need for strong data security measures, ethical AI implementation and sustainable technology solutions to navigate these emerging challenges. (* Disclosure below.)

Data security and AI shaping the industry’s future

One of the most prominent themes Patel spoke about is the impact of AI and automation in enhancing operational efficiency. AI-driven solutions are increasingly being used to optimize workflows, predict market trends and improve decision-making processes. While the adoption of these technologies presents undeniable benefits, it also raises questions about job displacement and the need for upskilling the workforce.

“Don’t just try to be 10% better than the market because that doesn’t make customers change their mind on the shift of the platform,” Patel said. “When you’re 10 times better, it’s impossible to ignore. I think that being 10 times better is hard.”

In addition, data analytics is playing a crucial role in driving informed business strategies. With an ever-growing pool of data available, companies are leveraging sophisticated analytics tools to extract meaningful insights, personalize customer interactions and identify market opportunities. The ability to harness data effectively has become a key differentiator for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition. However, data security remains a pressing concern, with the rise of cyber threats prompting organizations to invest in strong security frameworks, Patel explained.

“The network traffic that’ll flow between data centers will be exponentially higher. Even campuses and branches, they’ll now have edge devices, robotics, humanoids agents, those will actually go up in volume,” Patel said. “There’s going to be more traffic flowing through the network, there’s going to be more need for security and safety and there’s going to be more need for making sure that there’s an ecosystem effect.”

As the industry moves forward, collaboration between technology developers, businesses and policymakers will be critical in ensuring that advancements are implemented ethically and effectively. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these topics underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic foresight and a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with technological progress.

“I think generative AI in general was a massive catalytic event for us,” Patel said. “I think there’s only going to be two kinds of companies in the world as you move forward. There’s going to be companies that are very dexterous with the use of AI, and then, there are going to be companies who are going to struggle for relevance.”

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of MWC25:

(* Disclosure: Cisco Systems Inc. sponsored this segment of theCUBE. Neither Cisco nor other sponsors have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE