AI, Patch Management & Endpoint Security: Mike Walters on the Future of Cyber Security – Episode 73

In this episode of Cyber Security Matters, brought to you by neuco, we speak with Mike Walters, President and Co-Founder of Action1. Mike explores why patch management remains one of the most critical, and often overlooked, areas of cyber security, how AI is transforming vulnerability management, and what organisations need to do to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats.

Mike reflects on the journey from co-founding Netwrix to launching Action1, sharing lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, hiring, and building a founder-led business with long-term vision. The conversation also examines the future of autonomous patching and why endpoint security is becoming an even greater priority as AI accelerates both cyber attacks and defence.

Key topics covered:

• How Mike’s first computer at the age of nine sparked a lifelong passion for technology and cyber security
• The entrepreneurial influence of the founders behind Veeam and the belief that building a global success story was possible
• Bootstrapping Netwrix through determination and execution without outside investment
• Why maintaining focus became the most valuable lesson carried into Action1
• The advantages of remaining founder-led and making decisions with a long-term perspective
• Building high-performing teams by hiring for curiosity, adaptability, and passion over specific domain expertise
• Why endpoints remain one of the most vulnerable attack surfaces for organisations
• The importance of effective patch management and why it is often neglected despite its critical role in reducing cyber risk
• How customer demand established patching as Action1’s core use case
• The impact of AI-powered vulnerability discovery and attackers operating at machine speed
• The future of autonomous patch testing, with AI dramatically reducing deployment timelines
• Mike’s advice for cyber security professionals on continuous learning and adapting to an AI-driven landscape

Guest Bio:

Mike Walters is President and Co-Founder of Action1, an autonomous endpoint management platform trusted by thousands of organisations managing millions of endpoints worldwide. A serial cyber security entrepreneur, he previously co-founded Netwrix, helping grow the business into a global leader before its acquisition by TA Associates. At Action1, Mike leads product strategy and go-to-market initiatives while championing innovation through founder-led leadership.

Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cyberwalters

About neuco:

neuco is a global executive search and recruitment partner specialising in Cyber Security, Media & Sports Technology, and Satellite, Space & Defence. By combining deep sector expertise with an extensive international network, neuco helps organisations secure exceptional leadership and technical talent while providing market insights through industry-focused content, events, and the Cyber Security Matters podcast.