The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and the empowerment of women in technology is reshaping the landscape of the tech industry. Nicole Carignan, Vice President of Strategic Cyber AI at Darktrace Holdings Ltd, stands as a testament to this transformative intersection.
In a recent interview with theCUBE host Savannah Peterson at the Women in Data Science Worldwide Conference, Carignan discussed the evolution of her 25-plus year career and emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the field. She highlighted the need to mentor and learn from younger professionals to continue pushing the industry forward and create a more inclusive work environment for everyone.
Carignan's role at Darktrace revolves around navigating AI and cybersecurity challenges, including developing machine learning models and enhancing security solutions. She noted the significant impact of generative AI technologies on the cybersecurity threat environment, with adversaries leveraging AI to execute sophisticated phishing and social engineering attacks.
The rise of AI-facilitated threats, as described by Carignan, underscores the urgency for cybersecurity professionals to adopt innovative and proactive approaches. She highlighted a 135% increase in novel social engineering attacks following the emergence of generative AI tools, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance in combating evolving threats.
Looking ahead, Carignan emphasized the transformative potential of AI across various domains, including cloud, SaaS, IT, OT, and network endpoints. She anticipates a dramatic shift in the threat landscape over the next 12 to 24 months, driven by advancements in multi-hop reasoning and autonomous agent decision-making.
Beyond the technical aspects of AI and cybersecurity, her presence at the Women in Data Science conference serves as a powerful testament to the role of women in shaping the future of technology. Reflecting on her journey from high school fascination with logic and patterns to her current leadership role in cybersecurity, Carignan highlighted the importance of diversity in driving innovation.
She urged decision-makers to strive for diversity in hiring practices, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Her story serves as inspiration for women navigating careers in technology, illustrating the diverse trajectories through which they can make a profound impact on the tech ecosystem.
Carignan's insights underscore the pivotal role of women in steering the future of AI and cybersecurity. As the tech industry continues to evolve, embracing diversity and inclusion will be crucial in addressing complex challenges and driving innovation forward.