#507: He Quit Cybersecurity After 34 Years — Here’s Why

David Bombal

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Cybersecurity icon Mikko Hyppönen sits down with David Bombal at Black Hat to explain his bold move from antivirus to anti-drone defense after 34 years. He breaks down why mobile operating systems are the biggest security improvement of the past 15 years, how attackers have shifted from device exploits to human scams, and why he believes defenders currently have the edge with AI.

They unpack the rise of fiber-tethered drones that evade RF detection, the coming reality of autonomous “killer robots” (not yet here—but inevitable), and the grim state of privacy as everyday IoT devices go online by default—his “internet asbestos” warning. Mikko also reflects on achieving keynote goals at DEF CON, RSA, and Black Hat, and shares career advice: set goals, don’t drift.

Topics: mobile OS security, social engineering, AI for defense, zero-day research, drone warfare, privacy and encryption policy, IoT risks, career pivot.

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