The Control Layer for AI™
The Control Layer for AI™
An Enterprise Architecture for Governing Intelligence
AI is moving from tools that assist to systems that decide. As intelligent systems begin influencing decisions and taking action, traditional cybersecurity and governance practices alone are no longer enough. In The Control Layer for AI™, cybersecurity executive Michael A. Echols introduces a new architectural discipline that helps organizations keep control as intelligence becomes an enterprise capability — built around Enterprise Intent, Enterprise State and Intelligent Behavior.
- Why control is shifting to the layer that determines outcomes
- The three elements: Enterprise Intent, Enterprise State and Intelligent Behavior
- How to govern, authorize and assure AI across the enterprise
- What boards and executives should ask before AI acts on their behalf
- How the architecture applies in transportation, aviation, energy, healthcare, manufacturing and government
CIOs, CISOs, enterprise architects, board members, regulators and every leader accountable for AI.
Ordering for a team? See bulk pricing| Publisher | Max AI Holdings Inc. |
|---|---|
| Published | November 7, 2026 (Kindle) |
| Formats | Kindle · Paperback · eBook · Audiobook |
| Series | The Control Layer for AI™ |
| Author | Michael A. Echols |
Just released — be one of the first to review it on Amazon.
Review on Amazon
Michael A. Echols is a former Director of the Cyber Joint Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, founder of Max AI Holdings Inc., and creator of The Control Layer for AI™.
Full biographyYou may also like
AI CHAOS
AI CHAOS
The Shield
The Shield
Secure Cyber Life
Secure Cyber Life
AI CHAOS
AI CHAOS
The Silent War for Control of Smart Systems
When AI moves into operational technology — the systems that run power grids, water plants and transit — cyber risk stops being digital and becomes physical. Drawing on decades of frontline cybersecurity leadership, Mike shows how threat actors exploit smart environments, often without organizations realizing it, and lays out a path forward before it is too late.
- How AI is converging with operational technology (OT)
- Why smart environments create new paths for attackers
- The hidden threats inside energy, water and transit systems
- What leaders can do now to regain control
Critical-infrastructure leaders, OT and security teams, policymakers and anyone who depends on smart systems.
Ordering for a team? See bulk pricing| Published | June 11, 2025 (Kindle) · June 16, 2025 (paperback) |
|---|---|
| Pages | 244 (paperback) |
| ISBN-13 | 979-8284047002 |
| Formats | Kindle · Paperback · Hardcover |
| Author | Michael A. Echols |
7 ratings on Amazon
Michael A. Echols is a former Director of the Cyber Joint Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, founder of Max AI Holdings Inc., and creator of The Control Layer for AI™.
Full biographyYou may also like
The Control Layer for AI™
The Control Layer for AI™
The Shield
The Shield
Secure Cyber Life
Secure Cyber Life
The Shield
The Shield
Protecting Seniors from Hackers
Older adults are among the most targeted people online. The Shield is a plain-language guide to the scams aimed at seniors — from romance cons to Medicare fraud — and to the family conversations and simple safeguards, like credit freezes, that stop them.
- How scammers find and manipulate older adults
- Romance scams, Medicare fraud and other common cons
- Simple safeguards, including credit freezes
- How families and communities can protect the people they love
Seniors, their families and caregivers, and community organizations.
Ordering for a team? See bulk pricing| Published | November 8, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Paperback · Kindle |
| Author | Michael A. Echols |
2 ratings on Amazon
Michael A. Echols is a former Director of the Cyber Joint Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, founder of Max AI Holdings Inc., and creator of The Control Layer for AI™.
Full biographyYou may also like
The Control Layer for AI™
The Control Layer for AI™
AI CHAOS
AI CHAOS
Secure Cyber Life
Secure Cyber Life
Secure Cyber Life
Secure Cyber Life
The Government Is Not Coming to Save You
Important systems and networks are exploited every day, and eventually everyone becomes a victim of a costly cyber exploit. A former Department of Homeland Security cyber official explains why individuals can’t wait for government protection — and how to practise everyday digital self-defense.
- Why the government cannot protect every person online
- Everyday digital self-defense for you and your family
- How to spot the risks in your own environment
- Habits that reduce your chance of becoming the next victim
Individuals, families and small businesses who want to take control of their digital lives.
Ordering for a team? See bulk pricing| Published | February 18, 2020 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Paperback · Kindle |
| Author | Michael A. Echols |
14 ratings on Amazon
Michael A. Echols is a former Director of the Cyber Joint Program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, founder of Max AI Holdings Inc., and creator of The Control Layer for AI™.
Full biographyYou may also like
The Control Layer for AI™
The Control Layer for AI™
AI CHAOS