AI and the Intersection of Humanity and Technology | Nathan Hamiel | Be Fearless Podcast EP 7

Be Fearless Podcast by SquareX

Can artificial intelligence reshape the future of cybersecurity? In this DEF CON 32 special episode of the Be Fearless Podcast, join SquareX Founder Vivek Ramachandran as he speaks to Nathan Hamiel, Sr. Director of Research at Kudelski Security. In his own words, Nathan is “fascinated about security at the intersection of humanity and technology” — hear directly on the beginnings of his journey with an Apple IIc, being an AI/ML/Data Science track lead at Black Hat, researching emerging technologies and more!
0:00 Introduction and how video games set Nathan on the path to cybersecurity
4:51 How Nathan got started with ML/AI
7:37 Highlights of Black Hat and the AI track
10:37 Nathan’s research and work on emergent technologies
15:17 How cybersecurity will change with LLMs
19:11 Nathan’s DEF CON experience
21:21 Advice for someone trying to break into cybersecurity
26:36 How being in Switzerland got Vivek started in cybersecurity
🔔 Follow Nathan and Vivek on:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhamiel/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivekramachandran/
📖 Episode Summary:
In this episode of the "Be Fearless Podcast," Nathan recounts how a challenge with restricted video games on a military computer piqued his interest in cybersecurity, leading him into the field. His curiosity deepened with his exposure to machine learning and AI, initially spurred by the ubiquitous "machine learning" claims at a previous Black Hat conference. Nathan discusses his role in curating the AI track at Black Hat, emphasizing the importance of practical, actionable content that spans attacking AI, defending AI, and applying AI to security problems.
Currently leading a research team at Kudelski Security, Nathan discusses emergent technologies, advocating for a grounded approach to AI, quantum security, and privacy technologies. Offering advice to aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Nathan highlights the significance of community engagement and continuous learning, stressing the importance of networking and adapting to new challenges.

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Chapter

1. Introduction and how video games set Nathan on the path to cybersecurity (00:00:00)

2. How Nathan got started with ML/AI (00:04:51)

3. Highlights of Black Hat and the AI track (00:07:37)

4. Nathan’s research and work on emergent technologies (00:10:37)

5. How cybersecurity will change with LLMs (00:15:17)

6. Nathan’s DEF CON experience (00:19:11)

7. Advice for someone trying to break into cybersecurity (00:21:21)

8. How being in Switzerland got Vivek started in cybersecurity (00:26:36)