Takeaways from RSA 2023: LLMs, National Defense and identity as the new cybersecurity perimeter

The 2023 RSA Conference in San Francisco showcased cutting-edge developments in the cybersecurity landscape, focusing on the potential and challenges Large Language Models (LLMs), the increasing importance of identity as the new perimeter for cyber defense, and the cybersecurity imperative for national defense. In this blog, I’ll be diving into the three key themes that emerged from the conference and how they are shaping the future of cybersecurity. 

Large Language Models 

Large Language Models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-4, can solve complex problems by asking higher-level questions and identifying interconnected queries. By leveraging the power of these AI models, cybersecurity professionals can gain deeper insights and develop comprehensive strategies to stay ahead of potential threats.  

Being able to regulate and control AI models is a crucial first-step before deploying this technology into enterprise customers. Rumman Chowdhury, a pioneer in the field of applied algorithmic ethics, spoke on the difficulty of determining the readiness and security of large language models (LLMs) for corporate implementation. LLM “enterprise readiness” remains a challenge, particularly given the swift transition of AI research and open-source elements into these products without comprehensive security reviews.  

SailPoint will continue to innovate to improve our user experience through these newer AI technologies but only when they meet our own and our customer’s security standards.  SailPoint has already investigated ways to incorporate LLMs into our products. As the leading identity security company, we will ensure that any products we ship will also define the standard for implementing LLMs that respect customer data security, privacy and compliance. 

Identity: The new perimeter for cyber defense  

The focus around cyber defense has evolved to emphasize the importance of securing and protecting identities, as the fragmentation of identities poses a significant challenge to companies’ security programs. Fragmentation can lead to lack of clarity in an access model, holes in a security posture and increased auditor concerns, especially in regions with strict data regulations like the EU. Prioritizing identity in a security program enables organizations to strengthen their defenses and effectively mitigate risks. 

National defense and the cybersecurity imperative  

Achieving national political resilience relies on safeguarding critical infrastructure and government systems against cyber threats. The conference highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures to maintain the integrity of government institutions and protect national stability.  

The 2023 RSA Conference illuminated the pressing need to harness the power of AI and Large Language Models, emphasize identity as the new perimeter for cyber defense, and prioritize cybersecurity in national security. By focusing on these three key themes, organizations, governments, and cybersecurity professionals can work together to create a safer and more resilient digital world…that’s just what we intend to do at SailPoint.