How Hackers are Using A.I. in 2026 - Episode 200

On this milestone 200th episode of "Compliance Unfiltered," The CU Guys delve into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on how AI is being leveraged by both defenders and attackers. They explore the dual nature of AI, highlighting its potential to enhance security measures while also lowering the barriers for cybercriminals. From AI-generated malware to sophisticated social engineering tactics, this episode provides a comprehensive look at the current arms race in cybersecurity. Join Todd and Adam as they discuss the implications of these advancements and the importance of staying vigilant in an ever-changing digital world.

Episode Transcript:

Honestly, we have to go do some digging and some research, but I'm not sure how many compliance-related pods have 200 episodes. So I think it's fair to say we're in a relatively elite group, if you will, but no, it's been fun doing what we do. It's fun to be able to bring data, information, topics, and discussions to folks in the compliance space. Hopefully, they've enjoyed the ride as much as we have, but hey, we'll keep cracking. You and I were talking a little bit ago, we'll do something a little more spectacular for episodes like 250 or something, as we get to that point. It's been fun, been a good ride, but I'd also echo the notion, for the folks that are listening, do us a favor, honestly, what do you want to hear about? Did you hear about something cool, some new topic in the security or compliance space that you want to know more about, something that, in your retrospective, you think that we haven't quite covered in its entirety, something else that we could hit? Follow me, give us the ideas. We love receiving the feedback and the input, always looking for neat new stuff to chat about, so pretty cool.

Absolutely. Well, today we're going to chat about, you know, a hot topic, I would say, and that's specifically how hackers are using AI in 2026.

So there is a lot of talk of AI being used for good, but at a high level, how is AI helping the bad actors out of it?

Well, I mean, with any technology, as it goes from its infancy and starts to blossom, if you will, it has the capability for being used to help those which are protecting organizations or that are outsourcing security-related functions to companies, things along those lines. And so, for the good guys, there are certainly added benefits to the notion of AI, but most certainly, there's no question that the bad actors out there, they similarly, it's almost like getting into an arms race, where they're able to use that same technology for evil.

And taking advantage of capabilities for increased speed, automation, more advanced attacks, things along those lines. So, we'll get into a number of those topics today, but now it's being used on both sides of the fence, and it very much feels like an arms race unfolding, as we speak, if you will.

No, no, most definitely. Now, for many cybersecurity professionals, the best offense is a great defense. But how is AI lowering barriers to entry for the bad guys?

Well, you know, for the bad guys, you know, they're developing, you know, they're developing tools. It used to be that, you know, you have that or whatever. Let's say we go back 10 years, right? You know, you had to have a certain level of capability, level of skill, things along those lines that, you know, that would be, you know, that would be happening.