A new era of digital finance is emerging as the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical. In a recent episode of FintechTV, Remy Blaire spoke with Summit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint, a leading cybersecurity firm that protects more than two million organizations, including 80% of the Fortune 100. Their discussion explored the delicate balance between leveraging AI for productivity gains and protecting sensitive enterprise data.
Central to the conversation was a powerful analogy shared by Dhawan, who warned that deploying agentic AI without proper security is akin to “handing the keys to the castle without checking the locks.” The comparison highlights the vulnerabilities that accompany rapid adoption of advanced technologies. While AI is driving productivity improvements and stronger financial performance, it is also expanding risk exposure, particularly in data-sensitive industries such as financial services and healthcare.
Dhawan emphasized that although AI technology is widely accessible, successful adoption depends on strong governance and effective change management. He noted that boardroom discussions are evolving, with leaders increasingly recognizing that technological innovation must be paired with governance frameworks. According to Dhawan, AI governance should be embedded into operational processes and board-level dashboards, as the challenge is no longer access to technology but rather how it is implemented responsibly.
As AI adoption accelerates, risk management has become a top priority. Dhawan stressed the role of leadership accountability, particularly among Chief Information Security Officers and CEOs, in preventing breaches and ensuring compliance. While technology providers such as Proofpoint can supply foundational security tools, ultimate responsibility lies with executive leadership to ensure governance and compliance structures keep pace with the evolving AI environment.
Discussing potential outcomes, Dhawan outlined the severe consequences of overlooking security risks. Major breaches threaten not only data integrity but also business continuity, customer trust, and revenue streams. The layering of AI onto existing digital infrastructures significantly expands the attack surface, making proactive and comprehensive risk management essential.
Dhawan acknowledged that concerns about complexity should not deter organizations from adopting AI. He explained that AI systems operate differently than humans and do not inherently follow ethical boundaries, creating vulnerabilities if governance measures are insufficient. Without robust oversight, AI implementations can introduce chaos rather than efficiency. Strong governance, he argued, is key to ensuring AI serves as an asset rather than a liability.
Looking forward, Dhawan shared Proofpoint’s vision for what he described as “human and agent-centric security.” This next-generation approach aims to protect both people and AI agents as AI-driven threats grow more advanced. He noted that just as humans are susceptible to social engineering attacks, AI systems can be manipulated through techniques such as prompt engineering. As these vulnerabilities converge, reinforcing security controls becomes increasingly critical.
With more than $2 billion in annual revenue, Proofpoint continues to evolve its cybersecurity strategy to address emerging risks. By expanding its focus beyond human-centric security to include AI agents, the company is responding to the growing complexity of the cybersecurity landscape. As fintech, blockchain, and AI technologies advance, the integration of cybersecurity and governance will play an increasingly central role in enterprise resilience.
Ultimately, the conversation delivered a clear message for business leaders: artificial intelligence offers tremendous potential for growth and efficiency, but it must be deployed with a clear understanding of risk and governance. As organizations navigate the rapidly changing digital and financial environment, collaboration between technology teams, executive leadership, and cybersecurity professionals will determine long-term stability and success.