#408 - AI vs AI with Joseph Carson
From Identity at the Center by Identity at the Center
March 16, 2026 · 1h 4m · Episode 408
About this episode
Joseph Carson discusses the implications of AI in cybersecurity, including real-world incidents and the evolving landscape of AI in offensive and defensive roles.
Jeff and Jim welcome Joseph Carson, cybersecurity expert and host of the Security by Default podcast, for a conversation on AI in offensive and defensive security. Joseph shares the real-world incident that inspired his EIC keynote - watching two AI agents negotiate a ransomware payment live. He breaks down how attackers use unconstrained models to lower the skill barrier and accelerate data exfiltration. The conversation covers NATO Lock Shields, the world's largest live cyber defense exercise, identity as national critical infrastructure, and the EU AI Act's risk-based approach. Also: Estonia's AI tax agents, the energy cost of being polite to AI, and the Tamagotchi theory of human-AI relationships. Connect with Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephcarson NATO Locked Shields: https://ccdcoe.org/exercises/locked-shields/ Security by Default podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/0mzN5M5CkFVLn8fq5TnH0O Connect with us on LinkedIn: Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/ Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/ Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.com TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and intro 03:02 Conference season and IDAC…
People in this episode
Hosts: Jim McDonald, Jeff Steadman
Guest: Joseph Carson
Topics covered
- AI in cybersecurity
- offensive security
- defensive security
- ransomware
- data exfiltration
- NATO Lock Shields
- EU AI Act
- human-AI relationships
Keywords
- cybersecurity expert
- Security by Default podcast
- Estonia's AI tax agents
- energy cost of AI
- Tamagotchi theory
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Security by Default podcast
Places: Estonia
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