Security Consolidation, Improved Efficiency, and Network Performance Make Bechtel AI-Ready

Bechtel is harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to better meet these expectations. “AI is a top priority,” Noon says. “It’s transforming how we execute and deliver projects. We’re helping employees understand how AI can support them in their roles.”

Supporting both AI initiatives and the company’s engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) tools requires reliable connectivity in every corner of the globe. “A network outage is not an option for Bechtel,” Noon says. “Nor is high latency. Our EPC processes are tightly integrated, and our tools must move data reliably.”

For example, 3D modeling tools transfer data into construction applications so that teams know which materials to purchase and in what quantities. “If network latency is high, professionals at jobsites may be forced to wait before getting started,” Noon says. “That can cause delays and increase costs.”

More recently, Bechtel deployed Netskope One AI Guardrails, enabling Noon’s team to secure threat vectors that traditional security tools cannot see. AI Guardrails mitigates sophisticated attacks, including prompt injection and jailbreak attempts. It enforces responsible AI use by analyzing the entire user prompt and response to filter harmful or discriminatory content – including hate speech and references to violence, weapons, and crimes.

The tool automatically detects risky user behavior and integrates with data protection to block sensitive data from entering AI models. “We can identify when users may be at risk of leaking sensitive information or encountering prompt injection attacks,” Noon says. “AI Guardrails helps guide users toward safer behavior.”

Data quality is another top priority for Bechtel, particularly because effective AI depends on high-quality data. “We are continually refining our data strategy to improve quality and unlock the full value of AI,” Noon says. This effort brings together security and networking teams across the organization.

“I don’t operate with silos,” Noon explains. “That’s key to success. Whether it’s security, infrastructure, cloud, software delivery, or project delivery, we collaborate and make decisions together. Everyone understands what we’re working toward.” Deploying Netskope One has strengthened this collaboration by unifying network and security teams on a common platform.

“Bechtel’s relationship with Netskope is fantastic,” Noon concludes. “I appreciate that Netskope’s AI innovation is grounded in practical use cases. They focus on delivering a few capabilities well – ones we can rely on – before expanding further. The alignment between Netskope’s vision and Bechtel’s needs gives me confidence in implementing new technologies.”