In the latest episode of Secure Insights, Rosie sat down with Mohit Tiwari, the Founder and CEO of Symmetry Systems, to dive into Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) and its pivotal role in protecting data across cloud environments. With his extensive experience in cybersecurity, Mohit provides deep insights into the current and future landscape of data security, particularly how DSPM is becoming a critical solution for organizations to secure their data in a cloud-driven world.

Key Insights from Mohit Tiwari:

According to Mohit, the critical first step for organizations is identifying their primary use case and implementing DSPM without hesitation. He advises, "If you're already using a CSPM product that has an embedded DSPM, just start using it. Don’t wait." Mohit emphasizes that DSPM doesn’t need to be an isolated solution, it can coexist with existing security products, even if they are part of privacy or cloud security tools. The key is understanding how identities, both human and non-human, access and use data across multiple platforms.

As businesses move toward more sophisticated data access control, Mohit foresees DSPM and AI evolving into their own distinct category within cybersecurity. "It’s about abstracting how permissions and data flows are managed across infrastructure," he explains. This abstraction layer, he notes, can help answer complex questions such as whether a privileged user accessed sensitive information or if contractors are handling data correctly. The integration of data and identity authorization into a single layer will be essential for compliance, incident response, and security architecture as organizations seek to protect their sensitive data.

The Role of AI in DSPM

AI’s growing role in DSPM is also a major topic in the conversation. Mohit highlights that AI is becoming a security standard, making data security tools smarter and more proactive. At Symmetry Systems, AI is used to provide highly specific analysis while maintaining privacy by not pulling customer data out of their environment. "We use purpose-built AI for very specific questions to reduce noise and improve precision," says Mohit. This ensures that AI-powered tools can offer deep insights without inadvertently exposing sensitive information.

However, Mohit also stresses the importance of using AI with caution. "The biggest risk is using AI without proper safeguards," he cautions. Malicious actors could exploit AI models to inject harmful actions or manipulate data. To mitigate this risk, he recommends applying AI in DSPM carefully and ensuring that security systems are designed with robust integration capabilities to create a seamless, secure experience across various tools and platforms.

The Future of DSPM

Looking ahead, Mohit sees the DSPM field growing rapidly, with a wide variety of solutions emerging. Symmetry Systems has positioned itself as a leader by focusing on customer-specific solutions that map identities and operations rather than just classifying data. "We’re barely scratching the surface of measuring security posture across multiple clouds," he says, hinting at the company’s plans to expand its reach in this space.

Data security and AI are increasingly intertwined, Mohit’s insights underscore the importance of proactive security measures that go beyond traditional methods. As DSPM continues to mature, organizations must quickly adapt to stay ahead of emerging threats and protect their most valuable asset; data.

Listen to the full episode now wherever you get your podcasts. Stay updated with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity. Be sure to subscribe for future episodes!