Sterling Wilson joins us to unpack why immutability isn’t just for large enterprises and how Object First is making secure backup accessible, fast, and budget-friendly — all with a little help from their mascot, OOTBI. From agentic AI to cyber insurance pressures, this conversation breaks down the critical role of proactive, simple data protection in today’s security strategy.
When it comes to data protection, the word “immutability” often feels like it belongs in the realm of enterprise giants with complex infrastructure and massive budgets. But during this RSAC Conference conversation, Sterling Wilson, Field CTO at Object First, makes a strong case that immutability should be, and can be, for everyone.
Wilson brings a grounded perspective shaped by his experience on the floor at RSAC, where Object First made its debut as a sponsor. The energy, he notes, was contagious: not just among vendors, but also from practitioners expressing serious concerns about their ability to recover data post-incident. These conversations weren’t hypothetical; they were real worries tied to rising insurance premiums, regulatory compliance, and operational survivability. And at the core of all this? Trust in the data backup process.
Agentic AI, AI capable of making decisions independently, is one of the trends Wilson flags as both promising and risky. It offers potential for improving preparedness and accelerating recovery. But it also raises concerns around access and control of sensitive data, particularly if exploited by adversaries. For Sterling, the opportunity lies in combining proactive readiness with simplicity and control, especially for those who aren’t traditional security practitioners.
Object First is doing just that through OOTBI: Out of the Box Immutability. And yes, there’s a mascot: OOTBI. More than just a marketing hook, OOTBI represents a shift toward making backup and recovery systems approachable, usable, and, importantly, accessible. According to Wilson, the product gets users from “box to backup” in 15 minutes... with encrypted, immutable storage that meets critical requirements for cyber insurance coverage.
Cost, Wilson adds, is a key barrier that often prevents organizations from reaching data protection best practices. That’s why Object First now offers consumption-based pricing models. Whether a business is cloud-first or scaling fast, it’s a path to protection that doesn’t require breaking the budget.
Ultimately, Wilson emphasizes education and community as critical drivers of progress. From field labs where teams can configure their own Opi, to on-location conference conversations, the company is building awareness, and reducing fear, by making secure storage not just a feature, but a foundation.
This episode is a reminder that effective cybersecurity isn’t only about innovation; it’s about inclusion, practicality, and trust... both in your tools and your team.
Learn more about Object First: https://itspm.ag/object-first-2gjl
Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.
Guest: Sterling Wilson, Field CTO, Object First | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-wilson/
Resources
Learn more and catch more stories from Object First: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/object-first
Learn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25Learn more about Object First: https://itspm.ag/object-first-2gjl
