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Netskope’s Sanjay Beri on Data Risk, Agent Visibility, and Enabling AI Safely
The landscape of corporate security is evolving rapidly as enterprises struggle to keep pace with the accelerating deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In a noteworthy statement, Sanjay Beri, co-founder and CEO of Netskope, emphasized that organizations are not sufficiently securing AI; instead, they are trying to catch up with its swift adoption. This sentiment highlights a crucial concern for security teams, echoing past patterns observed during the rise of cloud technology.
Beri articulated that the primary risk organizations face revolves around data loss. As employees increasingly submit sensitive information to public large language models, the immediate productivity gains often eclipse concerns about security. As a result, companies find themselves exposed to vulnerabilities that they are unprepared to manage effectively. The lack of established security guardrails raises alarms, indicating that many employees are operating without adequate oversight.
In Beri’s assessment, traditional methods of data classification are insufficient. He argues that what is truly essential is context. Understanding how data moves and where it goes is vital. Without this contextual awareness, security measures become ineffective. Beri asserts that organizations need to implement guardrails that empower personnel to share data responsibly, ensuring that information is used appropriately and preventing its misuse.
During a recent video interview with Information Security Media Group at the renowned RSAC Conference 2026, Beri elaborated on several critical aspects of AI security. He discussed the importance of real-time monitoring of both prompts and outputs generated by AI tools, noting that such vigilance can significantly reduce the chances of data exposure.
Another compelling point raised during the interview was the observation that a staggering 90% of AI usage originates from business units or individual users, rather than being directed or controlled by IT departments. This trend raises questions about accountability and the need to enhance collaboration between technical teams and end-users as AI becomes more commonplace within organizations.
Furthermore, Beri highlighted the influence of geopolitical instability and the increased activity of nation-state cyber threats, which have further intensified the demand for data sovereignty. Organizations are now more mindful than ever of their need to protect sensitive data in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape. The implications of these threats go beyond traditional security measures, calling for a reevaluation of how data governance is approached.
Beri boasts over two decades of experience in the cloud, networking, and security sectors. His expertise has been a crucial factor in Netskope’s development since its founding in 2012. Prior to establishing Netskope, Beri held a prominent position as vice president and general manager within Juniper Networks’ secure access business unit, where he played a pivotal role in driving the company to market leadership. Additionally, he co-founded Ingrian Networks, recognized as one of the world’s first data center encryption companies, further solidifying his credentials in the field.
As enterprises continue to embrace AI technologies, the insights shared by Sanjay Beri underscore the imperative for organizations to reexamine their security protocols. The dual challenge of harnessing the benefits of innovation while managing new risks will be crucial for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data in the AI age.