Securing the Future: Vasu Jakkal on the Critical Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
As artificial intelligence (AI) evolves at a breathtaking pace, we are stepping into a future where AI agents will act as personal companions and digital co-workers. But this future hinges on one vital element: security. At TiEcon 2025, Vasu Jakkal – Corporate Vice President, Microsoft’s $20 billion security business, delved into the intricate relationship between AI and cybersecurity, explaining why building secure AI systems is non-negotiable.
AI Is Advancing Fast, But So Are the Threats
Jakkal painted a vision of AI agents managing everything from our schedules to tutoring our kids. But this power also opens the door to cyber risks. Consider these alarming trends:
- 7,000 password attacks tracked per second by Microsoft (up from 4,000 last year).
- Threat actors increased fivefold from 300 to 1,500.
- Cybercrime costs are hitting $9.2 trillion globally every year.
As Jakkal says, “Human defenses need to scale at the speed of AI.”
AI: A Boon or a Threat in Cybersecurity?
AI holds immense potential to strengthen cybersecurity:
- Faster threat detection and response.
- Microsoft’s Security Copilot improves accuracy and defender efficiency.
Yet, the same tools used for protection can also be used by attackers. The challenge now is not just using AI for security, but also securing AI itself.
How to Build AI Securely from Day One
Jakkal emphasizes a security-first culture in AI development. Key components include:
- Strong identity strategy
- Data protection and privacy protocols
- Insider risk management
- Governance and accountability
Microsoft is already leading by example, training employees, testing rigorously, and continuously monitoring for threats
The future of AI is filled with possibilities—but without robust cybersecurity, those possibilities are at risk. As Vasu Jakkal emphasizes, building trust in AI starts with securing it from the ground up. From identity protection to data privacy and governance, the path forward demands action, awareness, and innovation.
Security isn’t just an IT concern, it’s a business, social, and human imperative.To dive deeper into these powerful insights and learn how leading companies like Microsoft are preparing for the AI-powered future, watch the full video now.