CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Keshava Murthy: Founder of OptIQ.AI, Innovating Data Security and Transforming Rural Education
- Can you briefly explain your journey in the AI space and how OptIQ.AI came to be?
In 2022, Keshav Murthy and Harsh Sahu co-founded OptIQ.AI with the vision of creating an AI-powered data security platform that secures sensitive information across cloud infrastructures. Over the past 2.5 years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to building robust AI infrastructure for data security, driven by the belief that innovation and compliance can coexist harmoniously.
AI has transformed how the world works today, but it brings a whole lot of security risks. OptIQ was created with a vision to mitigate all the risks of AI & Data Infrastructure while enabling businesses to harness its immense potential. Our mission is to build a safer digital ecosystem by leveraging cutting-edge technologies to ensure data security, privacy, and compliance. By addressing both the opportunities and challenges of AI, we empower organizations to innovate confidently in a secure environment.
- As experts in AI, how do you see the intersection between AI technologies and data privacy regulations such as the DPDPA?
Navigating the intersection of AI technologies and data privacy regulations like the DPDPA has been a central focus for us. We recognize that while AI offers unprecedented capabilities in data processing and analysis, it also raises concerns about data privacy and security. Our experience has taught us that integrating privacy-by-design principles into AI systems is essential. By doing so, we ensure that our solutions not only comply with regulations but also build trust with users, fostering a responsible AI ecosystem.
AI and data privacy regulations like the DPDPA are intricately connected. While AI systems have the capacity to process and analyze vast amounts of data, frameworks like the DPDPA ensure that this is done responsibly. At OptIQ.AI, we view regulations as an opportunity to build trust and transparency into our AI systems. By designing solutions that prioritize privacy-by-design principles, we enable businesses to leverage AI’s power without compromising user data. This intersection ensures that AI innovation aligns with ethical and legal standards, fostering a sustainable tech ecosystem.
- The DPDPA aims to regulate personal data processing in India. From your perspective, what are the key challenges businesses face in complying with such data protection laws?
Through our collaborations with various organizations, we’ve observed several challenges businesses face in complying with data protection laws like the DPDPA:
- Data Discovery and Classification: Identifying and categorizing personal data across diverse systems can be daunting.
- Data Security Posture Management: Maintaining a robust security framework that adapts to evolving threats requires continuous effort.
- Data Detection and Response: Detecting and responding to data breaches promptly is critical to minimize potential damage.
- Data Access Governance: Ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data necessitates stringent access controls.
- Real-Time Threat Monitoring: Implementing systems that provide real-time alerts to potential security threats is essential for proactive defense.
- Compliance Management: Keeping up with regulatory requirements and demonstrating compliance can be resource-intensive.
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that combines advanced technology with a deep understanding of regulatory landscapes.
- AI systems often process vast amounts of data, including personal information. How do you ensure that OptIQ.AI’s solutions respect user privacy while still providing value to businesses?
At OptIQ.AI, we prioritize user privacy by embedding robust security measures into our AI solutions. Our platform automatically discovers sensitive data across AI infrastructure, cloud, on-premise, SaaS, and EDR applications, ensuring comprehensive data protection. By integrating these features, we empower businesses to harness the power of AI while maintaining the highest standards of data privacy and security.
Our approach at OptIQ.AI revolves around the principle of “privacy by design.” We embed robust privacy safeguards within our AI solutions, such as advanced data anonymization techniques, access controls, and real-time monitoring for potential privacy breaches. Additionally, we adhere to global standards and best practices for data protection, ensuring our clients can trust the solutions we provide. By prioritizing transparency and giving businesses control over how their data is processed, we ensure that our AI tools deliver actionable insights while maintaining user trust and regulatory compliance.
- Many businesses are concerned that data privacy laws could hinder innovation. What is your opinion on how the DPDPA strikes a balance between protecting personal data and fostering innovation in the tech industry?
We believe that data privacy laws like the DPDPA are designed to foster innovation by establishing clear guidelines for responsible data usage. By emphasizing transparency and user consent, the DPDPA encourages businesses to develop innovative solutions that respect user privacy. Our experience has shown that when companies prioritize data protection, they build trust with their users, which in turn drives sustainable innovation.
The DPDPA is a progressive step that acknowledges the dual need for privacy and innovation. While it sets stringent guidelines for personal data protection, it also encourages businesses to innovate within a structured framework. At OptIQ.AI, we believe such regulations challenge the tech industry to develop smarter, more secure technologies. By fostering transparency and accountability, the DPDPA builds consumer trust, which ultimately drives long-term innovation and adoption of cutting-edge solutions. We see it as a catalyst for businesses to rethink and optimize their data practices in creative ways.
- How can AI be leveraged to enhance data security and streamline compliance with data protection laws? Are there specific technologies or practices that businesses should adopt?
AI is a game-changer in data security and compliance. It can automate labor-intensive processes like data mapping, anomaly detection, and risk assessment. At OptIQ.AI, we utilize technologies such as natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs) to accurately classify sensitive information and machine learning models to identify and mitigate potential threats in real-time. These technologies not only enhance security but also ensure a proactive approach to compliance with evolving data protection laws.
- Data Discovery and Classification: AI algorithms can automatically identify and categorize data, ensuring that sensitive information is appropriately handled.
- Data Security Posture Management: AI-driven tools can continuously assess and improve an organization’s security measures.
- Data Detection and Response: AI can detect anomalies and respond to potential threats in real-time, minimizing the impact of security incidents.
- Data Access Governance: Implementing AI solutions to manage and monitor data access ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.
- Real-Time Threat Monitoring: AI systems can provide continuous monitoring for potential security threats, enabling proactive defence strategies.
- Compliance Management: AI can automate compliance-related tasks, such as generating reports and monitoring adherence to regulations, reducing the burden on human resources.
Adopting these AI-driven practices enables businesses to maintain robust data security and ensure compliance with evolving data protection laws.
- Finally, how do you envision the future of AI and data protection laws coexisting, and what role do you see OptIQ.AI playing in this future?
We envision a future where AI and data protection laws coexist harmoniously, each reinforcing the other. As regulations evolve to address the complexities of AI, businesses will be encouraged to adopt responsible AI practices that prioritize user privacy and data security. At OptIQ.AI, we are committed to leading this transformation by developing AI solutions that not only comply with data protection laws but also set new standards for AI deployment. Our goal is to empower businesses to innovate confidently, knowing that their data practices are both compliant and secure.
The future of AI and data protection laws lies in mutual reinforcement. As data protection laws evolve, they will push AI technologies to become more transparent, ethical, and robust. We envision a landscape where AI not only complies with these laws but also actively contributes to their enforcement through smarter compliance tools. OptIQ.AI is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation. By continuously innovating and aligning our solutions with global regulatory standards, we aim to empower businesses to thrive in a world where AI and data privacy coexist seamlessly.
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