Down the Security Rabbithole Podcast (DtSR) Down the Security Rabbithole Podcast (DtSR)

DtSR Episode 718 - Black Hat Recap And The Rush To Rebrand Everything

Aug 11, 2026 · 35m

Summary

Hosts Rafal and Chase Cunningham, joined by guest Chase Cunningham, dissect the AI hype at Black Hat 2026. They criticize vendors for slapping "AI" labels on existing products to secure massive VC funding despite lacking real innovation or customers. The discussion highlights concerns about non-deterministic AI agents in SOCs, the neglect of junior talent development, and the inevitable bursting of the AI investment bubble.

Topics discussed

Intro and post-Black Hat health check The AI marketing hype and vendor pivots VC funding disparities and booth ROI AI wrappers, non-determinism, and agent risks Talent shortages and the SMB security gap Ethical concerns and the future of the SOC Predicting the AI bubble burst and consolidation Market indicators, backlash, and episode wrap-up
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