Cybersecurity’s AI Paradox

It's no secret that criminals are using AI to streamline computer hacks in hopes of emptying out people’s bank accounts (never has it looked more appealing to stash cash under the mattress!). Cybersecurity executives, meanwhile, are rubbing their hands with glee at the influx of business they expect to get as a result. 

“What I see is AI driving structural demand for cybersecurity that compounds, not decelerates,” said CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz on a conference call Wednesday night. Similarly, on Wednesday Netskope CEO Sanjay Beri said, “The rise of AI is exponentially increasing the pace and potency of attacks and the misuse of sensitive data.…This is the era that Netskope was built for.” Investors have responded, driving up stocks of companies like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks by more than 50% this year. And yet these companies’ growth rates don’t show as much improvement as this boom time in cybercriminality should be creating.