NEWS Disrupting Cybercrime: Ross Lazer Unleashes the World’s First AI Social Engineer Ross Lazer, Co-Founder and CEO of Mirage Security, joins Karla Jo Helms on Disruption Interruption to discuss the escalating use of AI in cyberattacks and how Mirage Security is disrupting the cybersecurity landscape with AI-powered deepfake simulations and transforming human vulnerabilities into strengths. Cyberattacks are on the rise, with over 3,100 data breaches in the U.S. alone in 2024, impacting more than 1.35 billion people. (1) Since the pandemic, these attacks have doubled, with criminals increasingly targeting human vulnerabilities within organizations. (2) On this week’s episode of Disruption Interruption, Ross Lazer, Co-Founder and CEO of Mirage Security, talks with Karla Jo Helms about the evolving nature of cyber threats and how AI is being used to combat social engineering. Lazer shares key insights into the challenges of addressing the human element in cybersecurity. “The real challenge in cybersecurity isn’t just the tech. It’s transforming the human element from our weakest link into our strongest defense.” The Evolving Threat of Cybercrime Social engineering tactics such as phishing and voice deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Attackers leverage advancements in AI to craft personalized, highly convincing phishing attempts. Traditional cybersecurity measures like email filters and firewalls often fail to address these modern threats, leaving organizations vulnerable. “Over the past decade, cybercrime has shifted from exploiting technical vulnerabilities to targeting individuals directly,” explains Lazer. “Attackers use AI to mimic voices and create hyperrealistic phishing content, making traditional training and tools outdated.” Data reveals the alarming nature of these attacks. Lazer shares anecdotes of real-world breaches, like the Scattered Spider incident at MGM resorts, where attackers used deepfake tactics to infiltrate systems by tricking help desk personnel. Fighting Hackers with the World’s First AI Social Engineer With an innovative approach, Mirage Security is turning the tables on cybercriminals. Lazer describes their cutting-edge AI-powered platform as the world’s first AI social engineer. This platform simulates tailored phishing attacks, voice impersonations, and other social engineering tactics in real time to train employees in identifying and countering threats. “Our technology doesn’t just simulate an attack; it mirrors the actual strategies used by today’s attackers,” Lazer explains. “Whether it’s voice phishing, email manipulation, or deepfake video, our simulations expose vulnerabilities organizations overlook, equipping employees with firsthand experience of real-world attack methods.” Mirage Security combines these simulations with non-punitive, personalized training for employees, fostering a culture of proactive engagement in cybersecurity. “Instead of being the weak link,” Lazer concludes, “humans can become the most crucial line of defense.”
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