Bad Actors E40: Redefining Cyber Adversaries with Ben April
Nov 10, 2025
Ben April, CTO of Maltego, shares insights on the evolving landscape of threat intelligence and the necessity for advanced investigative tools. He emphasizes the importance of AI as a supportive assistant rather than a decision-maker, tackling challenges like information overload in investigations. Ben highlights the professionalization of cybercrime and warns about AI fueling mass phishing. He also touches on the shift in learning approaches in cybersecurity, advocating for proactive education to cater to the skills gap in the industry.
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Investigator-First Origins
- Maltego began as an investigator-built tool that spread rapidly through the community.
- The company matured into a GDPR-aware, German-engineered platform after formalization and acquisition.
Same Process, Different Data
- The investigative process (find clues, pivot, map relationships) is broadly consistent across industries.
- Different verticals require distinct data sets to answer their specific questions.
Treat AI As An Assistant
- Use AI as an investigative assistant that can ask for consented data and provide analysis.
- Avoid letting AI perform the final investigative decision or 'solve the case' for you.
