Beyond the Byte

AI can now find the holes in our systems faster than anyone can fix them. So who's going to lock the doors?

Is your organization ready for AI? Take the free 5-minute AI Readiness Assessment from ByteWise and get your score instantly: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

My guest is Daria Bahrami, Head of Policy at Dreadnode, the offensive AI security company that CrowdStrike agreed to acquire days after this conversation, reportedly for around $100 million. Daria is one of the sharpest minds working where AI meets cybersecurity. Before Dreadnode, she was a technical advisor to DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge, leading engagement strategy for the global competition to build AI systems that find and fix software vulnerabilities on their own. She has worked as a lead cyber threat intelligence analyst at Deloitte Global and a cyber program manager at the R Street Institute, and her writing and analysis have appeared in Fortune, War on the Rocks and CyberScoop. What makes her rare in this field is how she got here: from a Philz Coffee counter to National Geographic to the front lines of AI security, bringing a storyteller's instinct to one of the most technical debates of our time.

Read Daria's Substack, Machine Speed: https://newsletter.techpointe.org

We get into what DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge proved about machines finding and fixing vulnerabilities, why she thinks "rogue agent" is the wrong way to describe AI that escapes a sandbox, whether the best defense really is a good offense, and how a simple question to Gemini handed her a printer's admin password. We also cover water utilities still running on factory-default passwords, banks pulling back on AI agents, and the gap nobody is talking about: finding vulnerabilities is now easy, and nobody owns the patching.

Recorded in late October 2026 at the Johns Hopkins Podcast Studio. Special thanks to Blair Johnson, Media Suite & Events Production Manager at Johns Hopkins, for his behind-the-scenes production support.

Chapters

0:00 Why this conversation, why now

1:06 From journalism and Nat Geo to cybersecurity

7:30 What DARPA's AI Cyber Challenge proved

11:17 Inside an offensive AI security company

15:12 Why "rogue agent" is the wrong term

16:55 The sandbox escape: breach or rogue AI?

24:27 Open-source models and the race with China

29:45 Is the best defense a good offense?

32:58 How Gemini handed over a printer's admin password

35:33 Monopoly, chess, and the AI game we're playing

40:57 Water utilities and the basics we still miss

45:46 AI agents and your bank account

51:48 Are we waiting for a disaster to regulate?

58:11 Would you trust an agent with your money?

1:00:15 Black October: who patches the internet?

1:04:42 The one change that matters most

1:09:23 What scares her most, and the fix

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q2vkCRnIRs

Free AI Readiness Assessment: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

All links: https://linktr.ee/mohafez

Vote for Mo for Top Host: https://tophost.org/2026/mo-hafez

Stay curious, stay ethical, and lead human.

Someone hacked supermarket freezers across Europe and pushed them to 122°F. The Pentagon is preparing bases to run 90 days off the grid. What if the next global crisis is a digital one?

Is your organization ready for AI? Take the free 5-minute AI Readiness Assessment from ByteWise and get your score instantly: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

In this solo episode, I connect a strange week of headlines: hacked refrigeration systems in Europe, freezer failures at US military bases, "Black October" in software security, and governments asking households to prepare for days without essential services. We look at how hacking moved from stealing data to changing what machines do, why supply chain attacks poison the well, how AI could change the speed and scale of attacks, and why the real goal is resilience, not just security.

Next Friday: my conversation with Daria Bahrami, Head of Policy at Dreadnode, the offensive AI security company CrowdStrike just agreed to acquire. We get into AI-powered attacks, autonomous agents, and whether the best defense is a good offense.

Chapters

0:00 A strange week of headlines

2:00 How do you hack a fridge? IT vs. OT

3:56 Black October and supply chain attacks

5:22 When critical systems fail

6:49 Why the Pentagon is preparing

8:18 Where AI comes in

10:08 Security vs. resilience

10:57 Next week: Daria Bahrami of Dreadnode

12:03 Final thought

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthebytepodcast

Free AI Readiness Assessment: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

All links: https://linktr.ee/mohafez

Vote for Mo for Top Host: https://tophost.org/2026/mo-hafez

Stay curious, stay ethical, and lead human.

Every company has access to roughly the same AI. So why do some get real value while others just get faster at the wrong things? Beyond the Byte is back.

In this relaunch episode, Mo Hafez makes the case that technology is the easy part and capability is the moat. Through Formula One, chess engines and a few too many meetings about meetings, he unpacks why access to AI is becoming a commodity, why judgment is becoming the scarce skill, and what leaders, teams and individuals should be building instead of buying.

Is your organization ready for AI? Take the free 5-minute AI Readiness Assessment from ByteWise and get your score instantly: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

Chapters

0:00 Beyond the Byte is back

1:32 Technology is the easy part

4:27 When the tool becomes infrastructure

5:40 The AI shopping-list mistake

7:04 Formula One: faster cars, same drivers

7:53 Digital transformation or just procurement?

9:32 Capability isn't prompt engineering

11:36 Execution is cheap, judgment is scarce

13:17 What chess engines teach us

14:23 What do you want to be unusually good at?

16:20 Capability takes time

18:09 What leaders actually need to know

19:28 Culture, and AI as a mirror

21:22 Agents: autonomy magnifies your system

24:00 Why capability compounds

26:00 The future isn't the weather

26:43 Capability creates agency

27:54 Usage vs. competence

30:38 What Beyond the Byte is about now

About your host

Mo Hafez is the founder of ByteWise, an AI strategy and training firm, and teaches graduate courses on AI and emerging technology at Johns Hopkins University.

Free AI Readiness Assessment: https://assess.bytewise-llc.com

All links: https://linktr.ee/mohafez

ByteWise: https://bytewise-llc.com

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondthebytepodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/

Vote for Mo for Top Host: https://tophost.org/2026/mo-hafez

Stay curious, stay ethical, and lead human.

A voice in your head that sees what you see, hears what you hear, and guides your decisions isn't science fiction, it's the technology arriving in 2026.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Louis Rosenberg, pioneering computer scientist and author of "Our Next Reality," about why augmented reality and AI-powered conversational computing are about to fundamentally transform how we live, work, and make decisions.

We explore why immersive tech has struggled for 35 years and why AR glasses will finally break through, how swarm intelligence can create collective superintelligence that outperforms every individual in the group, and why AI denialism is dangerous when Meta and Google are already building AI systems designed to whisper in your ear all day long.

Dr. Rosenberg reveals why the shift from flat screens to spatial computing is inevitable, how his work at NASA in 1991 shaped today's mixed reality revolution, and why targeted AI influence is far more dangerous than social media manipulation ever was.

If you're building with AI, leading teams through digital transformation, or concerned about privacy and cognitive liberty in an AI-saturated world, this conversation will reshape how you think about the next decade of computing.

Tune in NOW: The Whisperverse Is Here: Dr. Louis Rosenberg on AI Agents, AR Glasses, and the Voice in Your Head

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy
👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework

Dr. Louis Rosenberg is a pioneering computer scientist who created the first functional augmented reality system at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in 1992 and conducted early virtual reality research at NASA in 1991. He's the founder and Chief Scientist of Unanimous AI, where he developed Swarm Intelligence technology that amplifies collective intelligence and has been proven to outperform individual decision-making. His research has been featured in Nature, Harvard Business Review, and numerous peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Rosenberg is co-author of "Our Next Reality: How the AI-Powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World" and a leading voice on the ethical implications of immersive technologies and AI systems. His recent work focuses on conversational computing, AI influence, and protecting cognitive liberty in the age of AI agents.

Website: https://unanimousai.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-rosenberg-300b534/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/LouisRosenberg
Book: "Our Next Reality: How the AI-Powered Metaverse Will Reshape the World"
TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/louis_rosenberg_how_swarm_intelligence_can_help_us_make_better_decisions

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630
X (Twitter): https://x.com/bytewisepodcast

Corporate interests are rewriting the rules of AI before the public even gets a seat at the table.

In this episode, I sit down with Robert Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen, to expose how Big Tech has systematically captured the regulatory process and turned AI governance into a profit protection scheme.

We dive into why voluntary commitments from tech giants are meaningless theater, how concentrated corporate power threatens innovation and competition, and why the revolving door between Silicon Valley and Washington has created a regulatory vacuum that serves shareholders over society.

Robert breaks down the surveillance business model that funds AI development, the national security implications of unchecked corporate control, and why antitrust enforcement is the missing piece in responsible AI deployment.

If you're building with AI, investing in tech, or simply concerned about who controls the most powerful technology of our generation, this conversation will fundamentally change how you view the AI landscape.

Tune in NOW: Corporate Power vs. Public Interest: Robert Weissman on How Big Tech Hijacked AI Regulation

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy
👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework

Robert Weissman is Co-President of Public Citizen, a nonprofit organization with over 500,000 members dedicated to defending democracy, resisting corporate power, and ensuring government works for the people. With decades of experience in corporate accountability, antitrust policy, and regulatory reform, Robert has been at the forefront of battles against corporate monopolies, from Big Pharma to Big Tech. He's a leading voice on AI regulation, data privacy, and the intersection of technology and democracy. Robert's work exposes how corporate lobbying undermines public interest and advocates for policies that distribute power and innovation benefits equitably.

Website: https://www.citizen.org/about/person/robert-weissman/
Organization: https://www.citizen.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-weissman-026486264/
X (Twitter): https://x.com/robert_weissman

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630
X (Twitter): https://x.com/bytewisepodcast

Every great AI system starts with a question and the boldness to rethink what we take for granted.

In this episode, I speak with Sophia Moshasha, co-founder of XR Women, about why questioning assumptions is mission-critical in building responsible, effective AI systems. 

We talk about how inherited bias, outdated design patterns, and surface-level prompts can distort AI outcomes. Sophia explains why AI is a mirror of our data, decisions, and values. She also shares why context, intention, and collaboration between humans and machines must guide development. 

If you're building tools and leading teams, this episode will sharpen your thinking and push your systems to perform with purpose. Tune in NOW: Challenging Assumptions To Build Better AI Systems with Sophia Moshasha.

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy

👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework 

Sophia Moshasha is the co-founder of XR Women and produced The Polys - WebXR Awards, amplifying voices in WebXR innovation. As host of the "Everything VR & AR" podcast, she has reached over 600,000 listeners with insights on XR and spatial computing. Through MetaTr@versal, she advocates for Metaverse standards and interoperability. Sophia's work bridges emerging technologies with meaningful, inclusive, and scalable impact worldwide.

Website: https://www.sophiamoshasha.com/  

https://www.xrwomen.com/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiamoshasha/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/xr-women/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.christina.58  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xrwomenglobal/ 

X: https://x.com/xrwomenglobal 

 

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 

X: https://x.com/bytewisepodcast 

 

 

 

AI is opening new ways to think, learn, and lead with intention.

In this episode, I reflect on what we've learned so far in Beyond the Byte and where we're headed next with Season 2. I break down the major themes that surfaced like human-AI collaboration, responsible AI design, and immersive learning environments. 

I also share how ideas like The Holodeck, future-of-work readiness, and ethical AI are guiding the show's direction. You'll hear why structured experimentation, vulnerability, and a clear point of view are essential to leading through disruption. 

AI is a mirror. It reflects the people who shape it.

This isn't just a recap. It's a roadmap. This episode will ground and guide you. Tune in NOW: Inside the Holodeck and Where BTB Is Headed Next. 

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy

👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework 

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 

X: https://x.com/bytewisepodcast 

 

 

 

 

Tech will shape our future, but who shapes the tech?

In this episode, I connect with author and technologist Adam Braus about building AI systems that prioritize human values, not just innovation and speed. We explore the risks of designing AI without a clear ethical vision and how leaders can apply design thinking and collaboration to drive better outcomes. 

Adam explains why aligning AI with purpose is not a luxury but a necessity. He discusses how cross-functional teams, long-term thinking, and ethical frameworks can strengthen AI development.

Whether you're training your workforce, building automation strategies, or shaping company-wide AI adoption, this episode offers real value. Tune in NOW: Aligning AI With Humanity's Deepest Values And Vision.

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy

👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework 

Adam Braus is an educator, entrepreneur, author, provocative thinker, and AI ethicist. He's the founder of Elton University and a former director of Make School, which is a YC-backed Combinator school. He's also the chair of Applied CS at Dominican University of California and author of a bunch of thought-provoking books, including The Caging of the American Mind: How We Broke Higher Education and How to Fix It. 

Website: https://www.adambraus.com/    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajbraus/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Caging-American-Mind-Higher-Education/dp/B0CPVJ1G76 

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 

X: https://x.com/bytewisepodcast 

Rapid innovation demands thoughtful leadership to ensure AI progress benefits everyone.

In this episode, I connect with Padmini Soni, Founder of Rezonance AI, to talk about what it really means to lead in the age of artificial intelligence. We cut through the buzzwords and confront the real issues: biased outputs, safety gaps, and what happens when non-experts rely on black-box tools. 

Padmini shares how responsible AI frameworks like NIST, Microsoft's Standards, and the HAX Toolkit offer a roadmap—not just for compliance, but for building trust and driving results. She opens up about using ChatGPT during a personal health crisis, revealing how even powerful tools can mislead.

If you're leading a team, building tech, or guiding transformation, tune in to this episode: Why Responsible AI Adoption Is Every Leader's Job with Padmini Soni.

Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy

👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework 

Padmini Soni is the Founder of Rezonance AI and Head of Responsible AI Growth at the AI Leadership Institute, where she empowers organizations to adopt AI with strategy, ethics, and impact. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in AI governance, business transformation, and aligning AI with core leadership priorities. Her work centers on building scalable frameworks that balance innovation with trust, fairness, and transparency. Padmini helps C-suite leaders and policymakers navigate the complex risks and opportunities of AI.

Website: https://rezonance.ai/  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/padminisoni-ai/  

https://www.linkedin.com/company/rezonance-ai/ 

 

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 

X: https://x.com/bytewisepodcast 

AI is here, transforming how we work, lead, and live. And for leaders, we now have the power to reimagine business.

In this episode, I speak with Seema Alexander, co-founder of Virgent AI, about how companies can thrive in an AI-driven world. We cut through the hype and focus on real strategies: upskilling teams, designing AI with purpose, and leading through change. 

Seema shares how smart companies are boosting ROI, reshaping operations, and turning fear into innovation. She reminds us that Innovation has implications and leaders must guide both people and tech.

Rethink what your business can do with AI. Tune into this new episode of Beyond the Byte: Thriving In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence with Seema Alexander.

🧭 Download the FREE CLEAR Framework: ByteWise's Ethical Guide to AI Strategy

👉 https://biz.bytewise-llc.com/clear-framework

Seema Alexander is the co-founder of Virgent AI, guiding CEOs to lead confidently in the AI era. With over 25 years of experience repositioning brands like Prudential and advising on emerging tech, she helps businesses transform through strategic AI adoption. Known for her keynote "Why AI is Bigger Than the Internet," Seema empowers leaders to rethink business models and embrace innovation. As co-chair of DC Startup & Tech Week, she champions responsible AI education and innovation ecosystems. 

DC Startup and Tech Week: https://www.dcstw.com

Website: https://virgent.ai/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seemaalexander/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seema.p.alexander/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seemaalexander/?hl=en 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ai-ceo-with-seema-alexander/id1676444315 

 

Mo Hafez is the Chief Executive Officer of ByteWise and a leading advocate for ethical AI in the business world. With over 15 years of experience in IT, Mo specializes in driving digital transformation and guiding organizations through seamless cloud and SaaS migrations. His work harnesses the latest technologies—including AI, ML, VR, and AR—to help businesses automate processes and fuel growth. Known for his ability to deliver secure, scalable solutions, Mo also mentors high-performing teams, shaping the next generation of tech innovators. In a rapidly changing landscape, he champions the ethical use of technology to future-proof organizations and empower tomorrow's workforce.

Website: http://bytewise-llc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hafezm/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bytewise-ai/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.the.byte 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthebytepodcast 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebytepodcast 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-byte/id1778987630 

X: https://x.com/bytewisepodcast