David Hughes, SVP and GM of SASE & Security at HPE, discusses the convergence of networking and security in an era of rapid AI advancement. Filmed during a self-driving car ride from RSA 2026 in San Francisco, Hughes explores how AI is transforming network operations while simultaneously creating new cybersecurity challenges. He examines the role of network telemetry and data lakes in detecting zero-day threats, the evolution of agentic AI systems that can autonomously troubleshoot and remediate network issues, and why defense-in-depth strategies require closer collaboration between security and networking teams. Hughes shares real-world examples of AI-driven problem resolution and offers his perspective on the accelerating pace of autonomous network management capabilities.
**Topics**
– How AI-powered systems are enabling self-driving network capabilities
– The dual nature of AI as both a cybersecurity enabler and threat vector
– Why network telemetry serves as a critical sensor for detecting anomalous behavior
– How agentic AI automates the complete cycle from problem detection to remediation
– The importance of integrating security and networking teams for comprehensive defense
– Real-world applications of AI in improving user experience and network operations
– The evolution from AI recommendations to autonomous network configuration changes
📚 CHAPTERS:
0:00:00 – Introduction and Background at RSA 2026
0:00:40 – The Convergence of Security and Networking
0:02:15 – AI-Driven Network Operations and User Experience
0:04:23 – AI as Both Enabler and Threat in Cybersecurity
0:06:40 – Network Telemetry and Data Lake Intelligence
0:08:38 – Defense in Depth and Security-Network Integration
0:10:20 – Real-World Agentic AI: Automated Problem Resolution
0:13:00 – The Future of Autonomous Network Management
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