Steve Wilson emphasizes the importance of responsible AI adoption and measurable outcomes in a recent episode of the CAIO Connect Podcast.
In a recent episode of the “CAIO Connect Podcast,” hosted by Sanjay Puri, cybersecurity innovator Steve Wilson, the chief AI and product officer at Exabeam, shared insights from his extensive career in artificial intelligence. Wilson’s journey began with early AI experiments in the 1990s and has evolved into a prominent role in advocating for secure AI adoption.
Reflecting on his career, Wilson noted, “I started my first AI company with some friends when I graduated from college in the early 1990s.” However, the rapid growth of the internet in 1995 prompted him to shift his focus away from AI for several years. “I set aside AI for a while and didn’t really come back to it till the [2010s],” he explained.
His return to the field was catalyzed by the emergence of generative AI, particularly with the introduction of ChatGPT. While leading product initiatives at Exabeam, Wilson became increasingly interested in the security implications of these new AI models. This interest led him to establish a research initiative at the OWASP Foundation, where he authored the first draft of the “OWASP Top 10 for Large Language Models,” a document aimed at helping organizations navigate the complexities of these technologies.
As Exabeam’s first Chief AI Officer (CAIO), Wilson is at the forefront of AI transformation within the company, overseeing advancements in both cybersecurity products and internal operations, including sales processes and engineering workflows.
During the podcast, Wilson shared his insights on how enterprises can adopt AI responsibly and effectively. When asked about governance in an era of autonomous AI systems, he articulated the challenge clearly. He noted that while AI risks such as prompt injection and hallucination may seem novel, the underlying task of ensuring security is familiar. “Every technological shift required understanding a new layer of security,” he stated.
Wilson emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of AI behaviors, stating, “We need to understand their normal patterns. When they get out of normal, we need to be able to detect that.” He reiterated that foundational principles still apply: organizations must know their data, understand the tools at their disposal, collaborate with CIOs and CISOs, and establish clear policies without stifling innovation.
Highlighting the challenges faced by many organizations, Wilson referenced an MIT study revealing that “95% of the AI projects that have been rolled out the last few years have not been successful.” He remarked on the fear of being left behind, comparing it to companies that faltered during the internet boom. “You don’t want to become the next Blockbuster video or Sears Roebuck that becomes a memory,” he cautioned.
A particularly striking moment in the conversation arose when Wilson addressed the phenomenon of “AI theater,” where companies invest heavily in AI initiatives without achieving measurable results. He asserted, “What I am suggesting is that just spending money to roll out AI and give tools to your workforce, they will not all figure out by themselves how to get better.”
Wilson proposed a straightforward approach: begin with key performance indicators (KPIs) rather than focusing solely on the technology itself. At Exabeam, this strategy involves identifying bottlenecks, such as sales exception processing areas, where AI can directly enhance revenue and efficiency. He differentiated between “horizontal” tools, which are broadly available to all employees, and “vertical” use cases that address critical business challenges.
“Those are the ones where you can invest, spend the time, and then figure out that you can measure the success and see how that’s going to impact your business,” Wilson explained.
As organizations rush to implement AI solutions, Wilson’s insights underscore a crucial message: the most successful adopters will not necessarily be the fastest, but rather those who approach innovation with intention and a focus on measurable impact.
Source: Original article