BackBox Integrates Artificial Intelligence into Network Automation

Serdar HocamAuthor & Editor

BackBox has announced the Kilter AI layer, which delivers AI-based analysis and recommendations. The system leaves all automation approvals under the supervision of human administrators.

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BackBox brings AI to network automation but keeps humans in control

Network automation provider BackBox has introduced the Kilter AI layer, bringing artificial intelligence capabilities to its network resilience platform. The new system delivers AI insights across complex multi-vendor environments while requiring that critical decisions and automation approvals be made by human administrators.

Kilter AI and Human Control

Network automation provider BackBox has rolled out the Kilter AI layer, adding AI-powered analytics and recommendations to its network resilience platform.

The company has rebranded its network platform as Kilter AI, introducing AI capabilities that operate across lifecycle, configuration, and vulnerability management functions.

Automations generated by artificial intelligence are designed so that they will strictly not be executed until an administrator reviews and approves them.

The Smart Intern Approach

BackBox CEO Rekha Shenoy noted that customers are getting used to automation but remain hesitant about AI, drawing attention to the issue of accountability.

Much like a smart intern, Kilter AI analyzes large amounts of network and vulnerability data to identify areas requiring attention and recommends actions.

Although the system examines complex vulnerability data to determine whether patches or configurations are needed, it leaves the execution decision to engineers.

Visual Workflows and Testing Processes

When necessary, Kilter AI can prepare automation by presenting a human-readable visual chain that displays each step before it is run.

Administrators can review these AI-generated automations, test them in non-production environments, and then grant approval for production.

If a change fails, the system can generate a ServiceNow ticket for further investigation.

Complex Infrastructures and the Future

Recommendations are fed by vendor information, a library of over 5,000 tested automations spanning more than 180 vendors, and activity within the enterprise environment.

While infrastructure needs driven by AI increase the number of network devices, BackBox avoids a system that allows the software to make changes on its own.

Offered as an upgrade to existing BackBox customers, Kilter AI gives users the ability to automate time-consuming tasks without losing control.