Episode 388 Deep Dive: Dean Saunders | The Breach That Won't Look Like a Breach: Why AI Security Starts With Your Data

Most boards approved AI for the productivity gains, and far fewer asked what it would expose.

Dean Saunders says conversations with large organisations usually start with models and end up on data: where it lives, who can reach it, and how quickly an agent can move it once staff have gone home.

KB and Dean talk about shadow AI, approved tools used on personal accounts, and trusted apps that quietly add AI features without security knowing. They also get into why compliance keeps getting mistaken for security, and why regulators now want proof of what you did rather than the policies you wrote.

About Dean: Dean Saunders is the Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Forcepoint, where he supports customers and partners in protecting sensitive data across modern cloud, SaaS and AI‑enabled environments. He focuses on expanding Forcepoint’s data security footprint in the region, helping security leaders strengthen visibility and control over high‑risk data through the company’s portfolio.

With more than two decades of leadership experience in enterprise software, cybersecurity, SaaS, channel strategy and go‑to‑market execution across Australia and the broader Asia Pacific, Dean has built a strong track record driving regional growth. His background includes leading high‑performing sales teams, developing partner ecosystems and supporting technology organisations competing in complex markets.

Before joining Forcepoint, Dean held senior commercial and leadership positions at Cyara, Forticode, Unitrends/Kaseya, Teradici, CommVault and Total Defense. His diverse experience spans direct sales, channel and alliances, partner‑led growth and strategic market development, complemented by advisory work focused on improving sales execution and market strategy. He holds an MBA from the University of the Sunshine Coast and has completed extensive professional development in enterprise selling, leadership, key account management and media training.

Keywords: AI data security, data security posture management, agentic AI, shadow AI, data loss prevention, DLP, data discovery and classification, AI governance, compliance vs security, insider risk, Forcepoint, cyber risk, board cyber governance, KBKast