*Cloud Security Podcast* Features Harmonic Security CTO on AI Adoption Challenges and the Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Cloud Security Podcast welcomes Brian, CTO and co-founder of Harmonic Security, a company specializing in securing AI adoption in enterprises. The discussion focuses on the challenges of integrating AI, particularly the Model Context Protocol (MCP), designed to standardize interfaces between APIs and AI models to facilitate secure usage. Approximately 70% of MCP servers operate locally, raising governance and data control risks. Organizations adopt two approaches—restrictive or permissive—but struggle to differentiate experimentation from production use. Harmonic proposes MCP gateways to provide visibility into tools used, enforce access controls, and coach users in real time. Companies aim to boost employee productivity tenfold through AI but must manage risks like data leaks or prompt injection attacks. A three-level maturity model is discussed: basic visibility, understanding usage and intentions, and implementing controls with coaching.