Episode's summary
Security teams are under more pressure than ever, reacting at human speed while systems, identities, and AI agents operate at machine speed. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with cybersecurity leader and former FBI executive MK Palmore to explore why defenders struggle to keep pace and what it takes to regain control. From AI agents that overshare sensitive data to cloud misconfigurations that never seem to disappear to the persistent success of ransomware, MK explains how complexity, vendor sprawl, and overloaded teams create gaps that attackers continue to exploit. The conversation highlights how identity across human, machine, and emerging agent types has become the center of modern security and why fundamentals, prioritization, and platform thinking matter more than ever. Listeners will hear insight on: • Identity at machine speed and the rise of autonomous access • Why attackers still win more than 51 percent of the time • How ransomware continues to succeed despite…
Security teams are under more pressure than ever, reacting at human speed while systems, identities, and AI agents operate at machine speed. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with cybersecurity leader and former FBI executive MK Palmore to explore why defenders struggle to keep pace and what it takes to regain control. From AI agents that overshare sensitive data to cloud misconfigurations that never seem to disappear to the persistent success of ransomware, MK explains how complexity, vendor sprawl, and overloaded teams create gaps that attackers continue to exploit. The conversation highlights how identity across human, machine, and emerging agent types has become the center of modern security and why fundamentals, prioritization, and platform thinking matter more than ever. Listeners will hear insight on: • Identity at machine speed and the rise of autonomous access • Why attackers still win more than 51 percent of the time • How ransomware continues to succeed despite…
Episodes
EP 26 - The tyranny of the now: identity at machine speed
ListenedSecurity teams are under more pressure than ever, reacting at human speed while systems, identities, and AI agents operate at machine speed. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with cybersecurity leader and former FBI executive MK Palmore to explore why defenders struggle to keep pace and what it takes to regain control. From AI agents that overshare sensitive data to cloud misconfigurations that never seem to disappear to the persistent success of ransomware, MK explains how complexity, vendor sprawl, and overloaded teams create gaps that attackers continue to exploit. The conversation highlights how identity across human, machine, and emerging agent types has become the center of modern security and why fundamentals, prioritization, and platform thinking matter more than ever. Listeners will hear insight on: • Identity at machine speed and the rise of autonomous access • Why attackers still win more than 51 percent of the time • How ransomware continues to succeed despite…
EP25 - Identity is the attack vector w/ Udi Mokady
ListenedCyberArk founder and executive chairman Udi Mokady returns to Security Matters at a transformational moment—now as part of Palo Alto Networks, following the acquisition’s close on February 11. In this far‑reaching conversation, Udi and host David Puner explore why identity has become the attack vector for modern enterprises, driven by an unprecedented surge in human, machine and AI‑powered identities that attackers increasingly exploit. Udi discusses what the combined companies’ scale and capabilities mean for customers, why identity security must now operate as frontline defense rather than a management layer, and how AI agents are rapidly reshaping the threat landscape. He also reflects on CyberArk’s long‑distance entrepreneurial journey, the cultural foundations that have made the company durable over 26 years, and how productive paranoia, innovation and trust continue to guide the mission forward inside Palo Alto Networks. Note: This episode was recorded in January, prior to the acquisition’s close.
EP 24 - FOMO, identity, and the realities of AI at scale
ListenedIn this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner sits down with Ariel Pisetzky, chief information officer at CyberArk, for a candid look at the fast‑evolving intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and IT innovation. As organizations race to adopt AI, the fear of missing out is driving rapid decisions—often without enough consideration for identity, security, or long‑term impact. Ariel shares practical insights on what it really takes to secure AI at scale, from combating AI‑enabled phishing attacks to managing agent identities and reducing growing risks in the software supply chain. The conversation explores how leaders can balance innovation with identity‑centric guardrails, understand the economics of AI adoption, and push for the democratization of IT without losing control. Whether you're a CIO, an IT leader, or simply curious about the future of cybersecurity, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance to help you stay ahead in 2026 and beyond.
EP 23 - Red teaming AI governance: catching model risk early
ListenedAI systems are moving fast, sometimes faster than the guardrails meant to contain them. In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner digs into the hidden risks inside modern AI models with Pamela K. Isom, exploring the governance gaps that allow agents to make decisions, recommendations, and even commitments far beyond their intended authority. Isom, former director of AI and technology at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and now founder and CEO of IsAdvice & Consulting, explains why AI red teaming must extend beyond cybersecurity, how to stress test AI governance before something breaks, and why human oversight, escalation paths, and clear limits are essential for responsible AI. The conversation examines real-world examples of AI drift, unintended or unethical model behavior, data lineage failures, procurement and vendor blind spots, and the rising need for scalable AI governance, AI security, responsible AI practices, and enterprise red teaming as organizations adopt generative AI. Whether you…
EP 22 - Security at the speed of innovation: Breaking down legacy barriers
ListenedHow are defenders supposed to keep up when attackers move at the speed of AI? In this episode of Security Matters, host David Puner welcomes Rick McElroy, founder and CEO of Nexasure, for a candid conversation about cybersecurity’s breaking point. Together, they unpack the realities of defending organizations in an era of identity sprawl, machine risk, agentic AI, and relentless automation. Rick shares hard-won insights from decades on the front lines, challenging the myth of perfect defense and revealing why identity remains at the root of most breaches. Whether you’re a CISO, IT leader, or cybersecurity professional, you’ll get actionable advice on managing machine identities, rethinking risk, and building resilience for a future where change is the only constant.