In this special live episode of the Shift AI Podcast recorded at Seattle AI Week, Dr. Andre Alfred, who leads threat operations and security for Google Cloud's Fortune 500 customers, joins host Boaz Ashkenazy for an eye-opening conversation about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. With his remarkable journey from high school help desk operator to earning his PhD and leading security operations at Microsoft, Oracle, and Google, Andre brings a unique perspective on protecting critical infrastructure in an era where adversaries have access to the same powerful AI tools as defenders.

From data poisoning threats that could compromise healthcare diagnostics to the challenges of securing physical infrastructure like water systems and power grids, Andre shares what keeps him up at night and why two-factor authentication isn't optional anymore. The conversation explores how AI is transforming both offensive and defensive capabilities in cybersecurity, why the next generation of jobs will be defined by leaders rather than technology, and Andre's commitment to visibility as an African American leader in tech. Through his scholarship program at Western Governors University, Andre is opening pathways for the next generation of cybersecurity and healthcare professionals. If you're wondering about the real security threats we're not thinking about—and why the future of work requires "more focus"—this conversation offers crucial insights from someone defending some of the world's most critical systems.

Chapters

[00:00] Introduction and Boaz's Journey to the Shift AI Podcast

[02:37] Andre's Background and Role at Google Cloud Security

[03:44] The Non-Traditional Path: From Help Desk to PhD

[06:25] The Decision to Return to College and Transform Your Career

[08:41] From Capital One to Microsoft to Google

[12:03] What It's Like to Wake Up Every Morning in Threat Operations

[14:21] The Bittersweet Reality: When Innovation Can Be Weaponized

[15:31] Data Poisoning and Healthcare: The Threat We're Not Thinking About

[18:37] Teaching Kids to Question What They See Online

[20:06] Physical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities and Social Engineering

[24:09] The Future of AI and Cybersecurity in 2030

[26:24] Creating Jobs of the Future Through Education

[29:41] The Intersection of Cybersecurity and Healthcare

[32:29] Leaders Must Define the Next Jobs, Not Let Technology Define Them

[33:36] Being Visible as an African American in Tech

[36:11] Two Words for the Future: "More Focus"

Connect with Dr. Andre Alfred

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

Connect with Boaz Ashkenazy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/boazashkenazy

Email: [email protected]

Special thank you to Western Governers University for hosting and sponsoring this live episode at the Labor Temple in Seattle WA during AI Week.