AI, Cybersecurity, and Quantum Risk: IBM CTO Sridhar Muppidi on What’s Coming

In this episode of The Long Game, host Elijah Wood sits down with Sridhar Muppidi, CTO of IBM Security, to talk about the evolving landscape of AI threats, cybersecurity strategy, and quantum computing risks.

With over 30 years at IBM and deep expertise in enterprise security, Sridhar shares what keeps him up at night—and what gives him hope. From AI-powered phishing attacks to malware agents with decision-making abilities, we dive into how attackers are using the same tools defenders rely on, and why crypto agility is the key to surviving what’s next.

We also explore the future of quantum-safe encryption, the decline of ransomware, and how organizations can prepare for AI-driven cyber attacks before it’s too late.

🎯 Topics Covered:
• The rise of AI-powered phishing and why it’s growing 74% YoY
• IBM’s strategy for proactive vs reactive cybersecurity
• What “crypto agility” means in the post-quantum era
• Real-world attack vectors: LIDAR hacks, prompt injection, poisoned models
• How the dark web is evolving with generative AI
• The urgent need for cross-industry collaboration in AI defense

🔐 “Security today is too reactive. We need AI systems that protect AI systems.” – Sridhar Muppidi

If you're a CISO, technologist, founder, or just curious about the future of cybersecurity, this one’s a must-listen.