Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Canadian Government Executive Radio


Jul 2, 2019

Governments around the world are increasingly relying on cloud-based IT services to fulfill their technology needs, so it is therefore vital to ensure that policymakers account for the “shared responsibility” in the cloud. That is, while cloud service providers secure the infrastructure of the cloud itself, data owners must secure their information within the cloud and across a comprehensive network ecosystem, ensuring consistent visibility and security across the entire network.

Now as the cost of computing continues to decline, digital adversaries are able to conduct increasingly automated, successful attacks at minimal cost. Network defenders, on the other hand, are generally relying on legacy security technologies to manually defend against these automated, machine-generated attacks. Incorporating AI and automated machine learning into cybersecurity capabilities provides a strong tool for identifying cyber threats and preventing successful attacks. 

In the show today, J. Richard Jones talks with Coleman Mehta, Senior Director, U.S. Policy, Palo Alto Networks, about these two important topics that are transforming the cybersecurity industry: cloud computing and AI.

Hear about some of the unique challenges that both public and private sector organizations face when securing the cloud. What is the Shared Responsibility Model and what should organizations consider when developing a modern cybersecurity strategy? How can organizations stay ahead of the cyberthreats as the volume and sophistication of attacks continues to rise? What role does AI play in today’s cybersecurity and how is Palo Alto Networks helping customers – both in the public and private sector – identify and prevent cyberthreats? 

Coleman Mehta serves as Senior Director, U.S. Policy, Palo Alto Networks. In this role, he is responsible for the company’s engagement on public policy issues such as cybersecurity and data privacy, IT modernization, cloud computing, high-skilled immigration, and more.

Coleman previously worked as a career civilian U.S. government official at the White House National Security Council, serving as Director for Legislative Affairs. He led the NSC's legislative strategy on cybersecurity and technology issues – including encryption policy and data privacy – plus other homeland security, intelligence, and foreign policy issues. Prior to his tenure at the White House, Coleman worked at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the Department’s negotiations with Congress on several high-profile cybersecurity bills, including the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, Federal Information Security Modernization Act, and National Cybersecurity Protection Act. 

A security fellow of the Truman National Security Project and former Presidential Management Fellow, Coleman was named a 2018 “Tech Titan” by Washingtonian magazine. He holds degrees from North Carolina State University, the University of Virginia, and Bard College at Simon’s Rock.

To learn more about Palo Alto Networks, go to https://www.paloaltonetworks.com.