Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning , Events , Next-Generation Technologies & Secure Development

Proof of Concept: Opening Up the AI 'Black Box'

Panelists Make Case for Explainability, Trust in Areas Such as Healthcare, Banking
Clockwise, from top left: Anna Delaney, Tom Field, Sam Curry and Heather West

In the latest "Proof of Concept," panelists Sam Curry of Zscaler and Heather West of Venable LLP discussed the crucial role of explainability and transparency in artificial intelligence, especially in areas such as healthcare and finance, where AI decisions can significantly affect people's lives.

See Also: AI and ML: Ushering in a new era of network and security

Curry and West, who are both members of the CyberEdBoard, said it's time for AI tech companies to demystify the "black box" and prioritize explainability for AI decisions that are tailored to users without diluting AI's complexity. Through informed and ethical use, the relatively young AI industry can build trust with better informed users, they said.

AI has the potential to be more transparent than human beings, who often make poor witnesses in court because they don't really understand how they are arriving at decisions. "But with machines, we have an opportunity to be far better," said Curry.

Curry and West joined Anna Delaney, director of productions and Tom Field, senior vice president of editorial, to discuss:

  • The importance of distinguishable AI models for critical decision-making;
  • Strategies for aligning AI models with evolving global regulations;
  • The role of interdisciplinary collaboration in understanding AI decisions.

Curry, who leads cybersecurity at Zscaler, previously served as chief security officer at Cybereason and chief technology and security officer at Arbor Networks. Prior to those roles, he spent more than seven years at RSA - the security division of EMC - in a variety of senior management positions, including chief strategy officer and chief technologist and senior vice president of product management and product marketing. Curry also has held senior roles at Microstrategy, Computer Associates and McAfee.

West focuses on data governance, data security, digital identity and privacy in the digital age at Venable LLP. She has been a policy and tech translator, product consultant and long-term internet strategist, guiding clients through the intersection of emerging technologies, culture, governments and policy.

Don't miss our previous installments of "Proof of Concept," including the Jan. 31 edition on how to ensure ethical AI systems and the Feb. 27 edition on how to secure elections in the age of AI.


About the Author

Anna Delaney

Anna Delaney

Director, Productions, ISMG

An experienced broadcast journalist, Delaney conducts interviews with senior cybersecurity leaders around the world. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of the website for The European Information Security Summit, or TEISS. Earlier, she worked at Levant TV and Resonance FM and served as a researcher at the BBC and ITV in their documentary and factual TV departments.




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