Tech Talks Cybercrime in the Age of Accelerants: Robert McArdle on AI, Risk & Readiness
Jun 19, 2025
Robert McArdle, Director of Forward-Looking Threat Research at Trend Micro, dives into the shifting economics of cybercrime shaped by AI. He emphasizes the rise of TikTok-style malware and the importance of adaptive security measures. McArdle warns against misconceptions regarding organizational vulnerability and stresses the need for proactive cybersecurity, particularly through a zero-trust approach. He highlights how awareness and simple governance steps can keep risks manageable, making the digital world safer for everyone.
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Cybercrime Risk as City Streets
- Cybercrime risk should be like walking down a well-lit street: generally safe with precautions.
- If you stray into risky areas online, danger and chaos increase similarly to a back alley in a city.
AI Powers Both Offense and Defense
- AI and large language models improve cybersecurity defenses and also empower attackers.
- Cybersecurity must adapt by leveraging AI to detect threats faster and more effectively.
Opportunistic Nature of Cybercrime
- Cybercrime behaves opportunistically, targeting vulnerable victims rather than highly strategic targets.
- Similar to real-world crime, risks can be minimized with proper precautions and awareness.