In anticipation of GSX, we sat down with presenters of upcoming sessions in order to get a better understanding of the topics at hand. This week we are featuring, “Demystifying Artificial Intelligence for Security Professionals: How to Distinguish Real Value from Hype” presented by Dean Drako, CEO and Founder at Eagle Eye Networks, and Navanee Sundaramoorthy, Director of AI Products at Eagle Eye Networks. We spoke with Dean Drako about his session – read on for what he had to say and don’t forget to register for GSX 2023!
Q: How did you become interested in your topic?
DD: I have always been interested in solving problems. In fact, that’s been the impetus behind all of the companies I’ve founded, including Barracuda Networks and Eagle Eye Networks. I founded Eagle Eye Networks because I had a problem finding a video surveillance system that I could use to safeguard Barracuda Networks offices around the world. I wanted a cybersecure system that could be centrally managed, and that was non-proprietary (i.e. it could work with new or existing security cameras from any manufacturer). All of the business systems at Barracuda had been converted to cloud, so I assumed I could find a cloud video surveillance system that would offer all the benefits of cloud. This was ten years ago, and such a system did not exist. I figured that I was not the only business owner with this problem. That’s why I founded Eagle Eye Networks.
I’ve been following AI developments over the past several years. It’s probably important to mention that although Eagle Eye Networks is a video management system, we are a true cloud provider, delivering an open system that integrates with an unlimited number of tech partners. The open API allows integrations that expand the power of the video management system and address the unique problems of enterprise businesses around the world. There are many useful and specialized technologies in the security industry, and I’ve followed them all, but AI is a true game changer. It is already starting to solve long-standing, historical problems in the security industry–namely with smart search and smart alarms, but that’s just the beginning.
Q: Tell us about your presentation and why should security professionals have this topic on their radar?
DD: Security professionals’ jobs are going to change as a result of AI technology. The product that integrators sell, and that security practitioners use is going to morph from a Video Management System to an AI Security System. In the future, no one is going to be staring at a wall of monitors watching video. That is going away. This is a positive development for all involved, but this is a session for security professionals who want to understand where we are today with AI and to plan for the future. It’s designed to help them easily navigate the AI jargon, and to understand what the technology is and how it works.