Episode 9: AI and Security: Friend or Foe? with Terence Jackson

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Terence Jackson

Duration: ~23 minutes

Keywords:

AI, cybersecurity, threat detection, security posture, upskilling, cross-training, digital security, threat actors, zero trust, automation

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Terence Jackson, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing both sides of the cybersecurity battlefield.

Terence explains how AI is redefining traditional defenses, making threat detection faster and smarter—but also more accessible to adversaries. He walks through the advantages of agentic AI, the evolving threat landscape, and the urgent need for organizations to strengthen posture management and automate security operations. The conversation highlights the importance of upskilling, cross-training, and revisiting foundational security practices like zero trust to stay ahead in the AI arms race.

Listeners will gain insight into the balance between automation and human oversight, and the very real pressures defenders face in a world where attackers have no red tape.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI empowers defenders to reason over large datasets
• Why threat actors are gaining speed with natural language-driven exploits
• What agentic AI means for posture management and response
• How cross-training existing personnel accelerates readiness
• Why the basics (patching, RBAC, MFA) still matter most
• How to prepare your SOC for AI-assisted defense

Key Takeaways:

• AI has obliterated traditional defenses—speed is the new battleground
• Threat actors are better resourced and less restricted than defenders
• Natural language is the new attack surface
• Agentic AI brings autonomous detection and remediation capabilities
• Time to compromise is now measured in minutes, not months
• Cross-training network and IT engineers reduces staffing gaps
• AI can democratize learning and accelerate workforce development
• Organizations must focus on zero trust and foundational hygiene
• Automation must be balanced with human oversight
• AI is both a friend and a foe—how we use it determines the outcome

Memorable Quotes:

• “AI is obliterating traditional defenses.”
• “The hottest programming language right now is natural language.”
• “We’re defending at the pace and speed of AI.”
• “The attackers have jobs—just like we do.”
• “We need to do the basics better.”

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