From Offense to Innovation: What AI Teaches Us About the Future of Cyber Defense with Dave Kennedy
Season 2, Episode #6
Cybersecurity visionary Dave Kennedy joins Host Mick Leach on SOC Unlocked to explore how artificial intelligence is redefining the balance between attacker innovation and defender resilience. From building custom large-language models to outsmart attackers at scale to proving that humans still belong at the center of the SOC, Dave reveals what it really takes to stay ahead in an age of machine-speed threats.
Together, Mick and Dave unpack how AI is accelerating the attacker’s toolkit, transforming the analyst’s workflow, and redefining what “defense in depth” means today. The discussion blends technical insight with practical wisdom—a candid look at innovation, leadership, and why the best security strategies still start with people.
Insights
AI is changing both sides of the fight, giving attackers new speed and defenders new clarity.
Humans remain essential, as AI enhances—not replaces—the analyst’s role.
Strong data builds strong AI, and poor data guarantees poor outcomes.
Defense wins with creativity, using behavior and deception to outsmart automation.
The basics still matter, because no AI can fix weak security foundations.
Interested in being on the podcast?
Contact us at SOCUnlockedPodcast@abnormalsecurity.com
Guests
“We’re in a hype cycle, but the reality is this: AI makes us faster, not flawless.”
“Good models come from good data. If your training data isn’t relevant to your organization, your AI will fail—it’s that simple.”
“Attackers are innovating at machine speed, but defenders can still win with creativity, context, and collaboration.”
“Our mission is to make the world a safer place. That starts with people—because humans, not systems, are the real targets.”
