Navigating AI & Legal in Cyber with Tim Sewell

Simplifying Cyber

Artificial intelligence has firmly established itself at the forefront of the cybersecurity agenda, creating both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges for security leaders. In this eye-opening conversation with cybersecurity veteran Tim Sewell, we dive deep into the realities of implementing effective AI governance and security practices in today's rapidly evolving threat landscape.
Tim shares invaluable insights on how AI has fundamentally transformed the cybersecurity domain, comparing this shift to the rise of desktop computing or cloud adoption. He cautions against the "wild west" approach to AI governance that many organizations have inadvertently embraced, where tools are deployed without proper oversight or awareness. Most concerning is his observation that AI is increasingly being integrated into existing business processes by vendors or partners without explicit notification, creating dangerous blind spots in security programs.
The discussion reveals surprising developments in third-party risk management, where AI tools now handle everything from vendor questionnaires to SOC 2 report analysis. We explore the troubling reality of "AI sending questionnaires to AI that is responding to questionnaires," raising critical questions about trust and verification in our increasingly automated security ecosystem. Tim provides practical guidance for security teams on transparency in AI usage, particularly when making decisions that may later require justification in legal proceedings.
Despite the focus on advanced AI capabilities, Tim emphasizes the continued importance of security fundamentals. He notes that sophisticated nation-state actors are increasingly targeting basic vulnerabilities like buffer overflows and cross-site scripting, especially in critical infrastructure with legacy technologies. For new security leaders, his advice is refreshingly straightforward: identify what you're protecting, assess existing controls, and practice your incident response.
Listen now for essential insights on navigating the AI security landscape, from governance frameworks to practical implementation strategies that balance innovation with risk management. Whether you're a CISO looking to update your program or a security professional wanting to stay ahead of emerging threats, this episode delivers actionable knowledge for securing your organization in the age of artificial intelligence.

Chapters

1. Introduction to Tim Sewell (00:00:00)

2. Top Cyber Program Opportunities (00:01:14)

3. AI Governance: Beyond Simple Policies (00:02:03)

4. AI in Security Teams and Tools (00:05:27)

5. Third-Party Risk and AI Questionnaires (00:09:09)

6. Back to Basics: Defense Fundamentals (00:16:17)

7. CISO Liability and Legal Considerations (00:19:39)

8. Advice for New Security Leaders (00:23:06)