Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast

Casey Ellis on How AI Is Reshaping Vulnerability Research and Patching

Jul 1, 2026 · 1h 3m

Summary

Sherrod DeGrupa interviews Casey John Ellis, founder of BugCrowd, on this video debut of the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Podcast. They discuss the "Vulnpocalypse," exploring how AI accelerates vulnerability discovery for both elite researchers and newcomers. The conversation covers coordinated disclosure challenges, the waning altruism in bug bounties, and the rise of "vibe crime" as lower barriers enable chaotic threat actors.

Topics discussed

Introduction and guest Casey John Ellis Is the Vulnpocalypse here yet? AI's impact on elite vs. novice researchers Vulnerability disclosure policies and noise Evolution of hacker culture and incentives Philosophy of responsible disclosure timelines AI anxiety and the bug bounty economy Bug bounty programs as fireproof safes AI-assisted coding and new attack surfaces Hacktivism, Scattered Spider, and chaos Mental health and burnout in cybersecurity Balancing AI utility with human connection Utopian ideals for future security transparency
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