Cybersecurity a national priority as AI pushes threat landscape, digital adoption, says Palo Alto’s Nicole Quinn

Cybersecurity today is not just a technical problem, it is a core national priority that touches economic growth, public trust and digital safety as both the threat landscape and digital adoption evolve rapidly, a top Palo Alto Networks executive said.

“AI is a double-edged sword,” Nicole Quinn, vice president, policy and government affairs, for Japan and Asia Pacific at Palo Alto Networks, told ET. “Bad actors use it to scale scams, phishing and malware with speed that outpaces human response. Defenders must use AI too. We cannot secure modern infrastructure without machine-to-machine capabilities.”

She explained that the US cybersecurity major uses AI to correlate massive data flows. Human intervention happens only when it truly matters.


Governments are increasingly focused on how to govern artificial intelligence and secure digital systems, Quinn said, but noted that policymakers often lag technology.

“Regulation tends to be reactive,” she said. “We recognise cyber and AI are critical, but building legislative frameworks takes time.”

She stressed that cybersecurity is now tied to economic and national security, not just IT. “The boardroom is talking about it because it affects business risk.”

Quinn believes cybersecurity must evolve with AI. “We need secure-by-design AI with controlled behaviour,” she said. This will help society stay ahead of threats without halting innovation.

She also highlighted the human factor. “People still click malicious links and fall for scams.”

She advocated stronger awareness and training alongside secure systems built from the start.

On the debate around social media restrictions for minors, Quinn noted that several countries are experimenting with stronger safeguards. Australia has moved to tighten age verification norms, while the UK and France have advanced stricter online safety frameworks for platforms.

"The intent is to protect children," Quinn said. "But enforcement and unintended consequences need careful consideration."

In India as well, states such as Goa and Andhra Pradesh are exploring similar measures amid rising concerns about online harm to children.

India recently tightened its rules requiring social media platforms to remove unlawful content within three hours of being notified, a significant change from the earlier 36-hour timeline.

Quinn said rapid takedown rules can help limit harm, but clarity and practicality are critical. “Speed matters when harmful content spreads quickly,” she said. “But platforms also need clear definitions and workable processes to act responsibly.”