Exclusive: David Nuti reveals how Extreme Networks is driving AI-powered security innovation

The rapid evolution of cybersecurity and networking technologies is pushing enterprises to rethink their digital strategies.

Extreme Networks is a leader in AI-driven cloud networking and is at the forefront of this transformation.

David Nuti, Head of Security Strategy at Extreme Networks, recently spoke about the company's approach to integrating AI and automation into security frameworks to simplify and enhance cybersecurity for businesses.

With a 15-year career in the industry, Nuti explained to TechDay that he's had "a front-row seat to the convergence of security and networking into single platform approaches."

He joined Extreme Networks six months ago, drawn by the company's commitment to innovation in "both networking and cybersecurity."

Bridging Networking and Security

In his role, Nuti serves as a critical link between Extreme Networks' product and sales organisations, ensuring alignment in a rapidly changing landscape.

"The function serves as a very important bridge between sales, partner organisations, and product development," he explained. This collaboration is essential, given the industry's increasing complexity and demand for seamless security solutions.

A key focus for Extreme Networks is addressing the growing diversity of connected endpoints in modern enterprises. "The biggest challenge enterprises face today is the variety of endpoints they need to accommodate," Nuti said. "You cannot execute world-class security without world-class networking that accounts for every user, application, and destination, whether in the cloud, SaaS, or on-premise."

This diversity extends to users working remotely, in coffee shops, hotels, or offices, using multiple devices across various networks. Additionally, non-human Internet of Things (IoT) devices present new security risks, with past breaches originating from unexpected sources such as air conditioning units.

"The complexity of managing security at the edge and shepherding all of that into security protections and policies - that is the name of the game now," Nuti added.

Simplifying Security Through AI

AI has become an integral part of Extreme Networks' security strategy. The company's Extreme AI Expert is the conversational interface within Extreme Platform ONE.

With Extreme AI Expert, AI is now actively involved in helping businesses navigate their security challenges.

"We've been talking about network and security convergence since 2019," Nuti said. "The challenge has always been closing the talent gap, improving efficiency, and reducing the time required to design and implement policies."

The AI-powered Extreme Platform ONE aims to tackle these challenges head-on. "Customers can engage with AI at whatever level they want. If they just want to converse with it, they can. If they want to collaborate on policy, they can. If they want to provide full agency to AI to adjust and configure policy based on learning, they can do that too," Nuti explained.

This level of automation enables businesses to operate at a level previously only achievable by Fortune 50 companies. "It's a game-changer," Nuti added. "AI becomes the third party in the conversation, bridging the gap between networking and security."

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

A key component of Extreme Networks' security framework is its Universal Zero Trust Network Access (Universal ZTNA) solution, which ensures that no device or user is trusted by default. "Essentially, you are never trusted—you are guilty until proven innocent," Nuti explained. "Every step of the way, you are monitored on where you're going."

By enforcing identity-based policies, organisations gain full visibility over who is accessing their network, from where, when, and on what device. "If at every point in time I know who is in my office, what they are allowed to access, and their role in the company, I can optimise everything—from user experience to security policies," Nuti said. "That is the radical shift we're bringing to market."

The Future of Networking and Security

Nuti expects AI, networking, and security to continue to converge in the next few years.

"With Extreme Platform ONE, we've been working towards this for years. It's not just a new interface - it's a completely customisable platform that simplifies where there was once complexity," he said.

This simplification is key to helping businesses of all sizes scale their security operations efficiently. "Customers are tired of being told they don't have enough people to manage security, or that they lack the talent. Extreme is changing that with AI-driven automation," Nuti added.

Moreover, AI is drastically reducing training times for new security personnel.

"Traditionally, getting a new hire up to speed could take 90 days. With AI tools, we can now train someone within a week," he said.

Quoting Extreme Networks' CTO, Nabil Bukhari, Nuti said: "You won't be replaced by AI, but you will be replaced by someone who knows how to use AI."

A Customer-First Approach

Extreme Networks' commitment to its customers is evident in its approach to security. "Customers leave other vendors to come to Extreme, but they never leave Extreme to go to the other guy," Nuti said.

The company's annual Extreme Connect conference, held this year in Paris from May 19-22, will showcase the latest innovations in AI-powered security solutions.

For Nuti, the key to maintaining strong customer relationships is engagement.

"We meet customers wherever they are - whether they are sceptical of AI or fully ready to embrace it. We are here to simplify and support their security journey," he said.

Advice for Businesses

For Australian businesses looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, Nuti emphasises simplicity and scalability. "It is nearly impossible to piece together a security solution from multiple providers and expect seamless operations," he explained. "Work with a provider that has already managed the complexity for you."

When advising customers, Nuti asks them to imagine their ideal security state: "What does Valhalla look like for you? How are you executing? How is your team operating at its best?" He then aligns Extreme Networks' platform capabilities to meet those objectives.

The Growing Cyber Threat

As cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, Nuti warns against underestimating the scale of the challenge.

"You are wildly outnumbered, and do not try to go into that fight alone," he said. "The bad guys collaborate, using AI against you to find mistakes. Partner with the good guys to even the playing field."

The best security posture, according to Nuti, is one of "constant vigilance."

"You are never fully optimised. Your best bet is to act like you are under a constant state of breach. If you wait until an attack happens to respond, you've already waited too long," he said.

With AI-driven automation, Zero Trust policies, and seamless integration between networking and security, Extreme Networks is positioning itself as a leader in networking cybersecurity innovation. As businesses continue to grapple with increasing threats, the company remains committed to providing the tools necessary to navigate this evolving landscape.

"Relentlessly pursuing simplicity for our customers - that is at the heart of what we do," Nuti concluded.