Beyond AI for Security Hype: What Really Matters in Cyber Defense

Nov 5, 2025
42 mins

Episode Description

In this episode of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast, host⁠ ⁠⁠Sherrod DeGrippo is joined by Zack Korman, CTO of cybersecurity startup Pistachio. They explore the reality of AI in security, cutting through hype to discuss where AI is both brilliant and flawed, how vendors AI-wash outdated tech, and why Zack believes AI won’t replace jobs but instead scale human creativity. They also dive into phishing simulations, human psychology behind social engineering, AI-powered attacks, jailbreak chaining between AI systems, and the future risks and opportunities AI introduces in cybersecurity.  


In this episode you’ll learn:      

  • How to evaluate whether a vendor is truly using AI in their product 

  • The psychology behind why people fall for phishing attacks 

  • Why human judgment will remain essential in the era of AI-driven security. 

Some questions we ask:     

  • How can AI unlock new capabilities in cybersecurity? 

  • What questions should people ask AI security vendors? 

  • Why do trained security professionals still fall for phishing attacks? 


Resources:  

View Zack Korman on LinkedIn  

View Sherrod DeGrippo on LinkedIn  

 

Related Microsoft Podcasts:                   

 

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  

 

Get the latest threat intelligence insights and guidance at Microsoft Security Insider 

 

The Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast is produced by Microsoft and distributed as part of N2K media network. 

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