By enabling real-time anomaly detection, adaptive access control, and more secure digital environments, AI is reshaping how state, local, and education (SLED) organizations approach cybersecurity. However, as adoption grows, leaders are learning that implementing AI-powered cyber defenses isn't just about technology; it also involves user education, evaluating vendors wisely, and fostering a culture of trust and transparency.

In part one, Government Technology Insider podcast, host Luas Hunsicker spoke with Aaron McAllister, Principal Solutions Architect for SASE at Cloudflare, and MT Robertson, Director of Cybersecurity at Presidio about the foundation of AI-powered Zero Trust solutions. They covered topics like the role of explainable AI, the significance of data ethics, and how automation can strengthen defenses in understaffed environments.

In part two, their discussion shifts from theory to application. The guests look at the human aspect; how to explain the practical applications of AI to administrators, educators, and IT teams without overwhelming them with technical terms. Robertson emphasized the need for engaging and scalable user training, saying: “There’s an element of gamification that goes into it... leaderboards, that type of thing can be powerful in helping train on what to be looking out for, what not to do, and what to do.”

They also explore key questions that SLED organizations should consider when evaluating AI and Zero Trust vendors, such as how well AI can integrate into existing systems and how transparent and accurate they are. For vendor partnerships to deliver true value, McAllister emphasized that they must go beyond industry buzzwords.