Cybersecurity is the seatbelt for AI, say experts at GISEC 2026

Cybersecurity is viewed as essential for AI, much like a safety feature in a car, according to cybersecurity experts who attended GISEC 2026 in Dubai. Pradeep Menon Perinchery, the Chief AI and Security Officer at Paramount Assure, compared AI to a vehicle that requires cybersecurity as the "seatbelt" to ensure safe and controlled operation.

Menon stated that cybersecurity enables rapid progress in AI while maintaining safety. Similarly, mobile security tools are now embedded in smartphones, indicating that security is becoming an inherent part of everyday devices. Yassin Watlal, Head of Systems Engineering and Solutions Architect at CrowdStrike, highlighted the rapid evolution of cyber threats, noting that the time frame between an attacker gaining initial access and moving laterally across a network has decreased from hours to mere seconds.

He emphasized the importance of "inference speed," the time it takes to detect and respond to threats, which is now measured in just a few seconds. Watlal also pointed out that "identity monitoring" is a critical area that organizations often overlook, affecting both human users and AI systems. With AI becoming a part of various business functions, Menon stressed that cybersecurity is not an optional feature but a fundamental requirement for maximizing AI's potential.

The conclusion, according to GISEC 2026, is that cybersecurity is not a hindrance to AI's progress but a necessary component that enables the journey forward.