Agentic AI
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Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
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Data Security
Why AI Agents and Expanding Cloud Access Drive Demand for Unified Data Controls
Combining Proofpoint and Varonis will help customers to protect information throughout its life cycle, from provisioning and access to active use, said Proofpoint CEO Sumit Dhawan.
See Also: Frictionless Security: How AI is Redefining Access in Highly Regulated Industries
Proofpoint, which last week announced plans to buy Varonis, primarily protects data by monitoring human and artificial intelligence behavior and identifying activities that could lead to data loss. Meanwhile, Varonis specializes in discovering, classifying and controlling access to data at rest. Dhawan said the companies complement each other because while Proofpoint focuses on endpoint-centric protections, Varonis has capabilities for AI agents operating in cloud environments and data platforms (see: Proofpoint to Buy Data Security Stalwart Varonis for $6.3B).
“Data is what makes AI powerful, and data is what can leak if it doesn’t have the right privileges,” Dhawan said. “It’s the two ends of the spectrum. We are protecting data when it’s being used. Varonis is protecting data when it’s being provisioned and accessed, and the two provide the best and the most comprehensive data security solution in the market.”
In this video interview with ISMG, Dhawan also discussed:
- Why AI has a growing effect on enterprise data risks;
- How to create a consolidated data security platform;
- Why a larger cybersecurity company is appealing to investors.
Dhawan leads Proofpoint’s human-centric security strategy and growth, focusing on protecting people and data from evolving threats. He brings deep operating experience from VMware, Instart and Citrix, with a track record of scaling enterprise software businesses, go-to-market execution and transformation.
