AI x Cybersecurity: Incoming innovation, challenges and insights for entrepreneurs
With the cybersecurity market projected to exceed $200 billion, the democratization of AI promises not only to fortify existing defenses but also to introduce new complexities. This week we hosted “AI x Cybersecurity,” an exclusive event at AGI House, the Bay Area’s premier hacker house for AI researchers, alongside our friends at Premji Invest.
Investors, entrepreneurs, and cyber industry experts, including Kevin Mandia and Jake Seid from Ballistic Ventures, Lavanya Ramani from our portfolio company WitnessAI, Rami Habal, formerly of Abnormal Security, and Loris Degioanni of Sysdig, convened to talk about the ways in which AI is reshaping the cyber landscape and creating new and emerging threats in the field. Ahead of the event recap, we want to extend our thanks to those who joined us at the event and all who share in our passion for AI and cybersecurity. So let’s get into it: What’s ahead for AI and security?
Cyberattack realities and AI’s role
Kevin Mandia, Co-founder and General Partner of Ballistic Ventures, underscored a fundamental truth: “Until we have world peace and no criminals, there will be cyberattacks – end of story.” But AI adds to the story, and it introduces both new challenges and solutions. Mandia noted how advancements in AI, including 0day innovations, as well as enhanced language-translation capabilities are making bad actors’ jobs easier across continents. AI is leveling the playing field among nation-states in cyberspace, and paving the way for automated, ruleless engagements in future conflicts. The message was clear: AI’s role in cybersecurity is transformational, marking a major shift in both the methods of attack and defense.
Proactive approaches and maintaining security posture with AI
Rami Habal, former CPO of Abnormal Security who is currently building a company, emphasized the need for a “shift left” approach to AI and security, focusing on preventative strategies like pre-attack intelligence and training. In a landscape where AI-driven automation is the norm, cybersecurity solutions must be integrated into every layer of the digital ecosystem. Habal highlighted that building to prevent “posture drift” is essential as more companies adopt agentic AI.
AI’s new frontier: Attacks against other AIs
Loris Degioanni, CTO and Co-founder of Sysdig, introduced a fascinating possibility: in the not too distant future, large language models (LLMs) will target one another. As LLMs increasingly operate autonomously, the risk of AI vs. AI attacks become a new frontier for cybersecurity innovation. He went on to note that the task of finding a “needle in the haystack” persists in cybersecurity. As data grows exponentially and the importance of signal detection within massive datasets becomes even more critical, entrepreneurs should consider this an area ripe for innovation.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs
As Jake Seid, Co-founder and General Partner at Ballistic Ventures, pointed out, the shift from on-premises to SaaS created significant hurdles for companies unable to adapt. Drawing from these lessons, Mandia advised founders to focus on data quality, stressing that high-quality data is a key differentiator. The goal isn’t simply to implement AI but to rethink business models fundamentally – advice that has propelled companies like Palantir to success.
Both Habal and Degioanni shared insights on customer-centricity when it comes to AI, with Degioanni adding that “GPUs are now a form of capital.” For Degioanni, the true opportunity for AI lies in workflow innovation and user interfaces. In five years, he predicts, industries like banking, healthcare, and cybersecurity will see entirely new user interactions and workflows emerge, all powered by AI.
Need AI guardrails for your enterprise?
Lavanya Ramani, Head of Engineering for WitnessAI, gave a fascinating demo of what her company is working on. WitnessAI has the guardrails that make AI safe, productive, and usable. Their platform – the first enablement platform for safe AI use – allows enterprises to innovate and enjoy the power of generative AI, without losing control, privacy, or security.
If you’re reading this post and need help with safe AI use within your organization, check out WitnessAI. Ramani also mentioned WitnessAI is hiring. You can also read this blog post on why Ballistic Ventures incubated in WitnessAI.
Closing thoughts: The power of collaboration and embracing change
Mandia’s final advice? “Identify the best experts and collaborate. Focus on your core strengths and team up with those who excel in other areas.” Habal encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to join experienced teams to gain crucial insights and learn the art of building impactful companies.
Degioanni left the audience with a powerful call to action: “We’re in the middle of the biggest change technology – and perhaps humanity – has ever seen. Get involved, find your niche, and be the best in it.”
The sentiment was echoed throughout the evening: AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity, and the possibilities for those willing to engage are boundless.