Show Notes
AI isn’t just evolving—it’s sprinting, and cybersecurity needs to keep up.
Ron Eddings is joined again by cybersecurity leader Marco Figueroa, Program Manager for Gen AI at the ODIN Bug Bounty Program, who called it in January: 2025 is the year of AI agents, and the early signs are already here. From Grok 3’s speed advantage to AI-powered red teaming for $25K, this is the reality check security leaders need. No more six-month security projects—it’s all about speed, automation, and staying ahead.
Impactful Moments:
00:00 - Introduction
01:45 - Breaking down Palantir’s stock drop
07:15 - Why Grok 3 is a game-changer
10:24 - The real difference between GPT-4 and Grok
17:25 - AI-powered red teaming for $25K?
22:00 - The death of six-month security projects
26:24 - OpenAI’s Operator: The future or a gimmick?
34:22 - How AI is eliminating busywork
36:55 - Next month’s prediction: Agents building agents
Links:
Connect with our guest, Marco Figueroa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-figueroa-re/
Check out our upcoming events: https://www.hackervalley.com/livestreams
Join our creative mastermind and stand out as a cybersecurity professional:
https://www.patreon.com/hackervalleystudio
Love Hacker Valley Studio? Pick up some swag: https://store.hackervalley.com
Continue the conversation by joining our Discord: https://hackervalley.com/discord
Become a sponsor of the show to amplify your brand: https://hackervalley.com/work-with-us/
Recent Episodes
Learning How to Learn: Mastering the Cyber Fundamentals with Rich ...
The real edge in cybersecurity isn’t found in new tools, it’s built through timeless fundamentals and a mindset that never stops learning. In this episode, Ron sits down with Rich Greene, Senior ...
How AI Elevates Cyber Hygiene with Jason Rebholz
What if protecting your digital twin becomes the new cyber hygiene? In this week's episode, Ron welcomes back cybersecurity leader Jason Rebholz, CEO of Evoke, to discuss how AI is reshaping the ...
Securing Software at AI Speed with Varun Badhwar
The biggest security threat isn’t in the cloud, it’s hidden in the code you trust the most. In this episode, Ron sits down with Varun Badhwar, Co-Founder & CEO of Endor Labs, who shares why ...
The End of Search and the Rise of AI Browsers and Voices with Ron ...
Search engines aren’t dying quietly, they’re being replaced in real time by AI browsers and voice agents. AI isn’t just answering questions anymore; it’s acting for us. In this episode, Ron ...
Where Automation Ends, Cyber Ingenuity Begins with Phillip Wylie
Some tools replace tasks. Others reshape the way we think about security. In this episode, Ron welcomes back Phillip Wylie, one of the most respected voices in offensive security, author, ...
The Power of Showing Up: Daily Streams, Big Impact with Gerald ...
What if showing up with consistency could spark opportunities, create careers, and build a global movement? In this episode, Ron sits down with Gerald Auger, Ph.D., cybersecurity educator, ...
The Rise of the Autonomous Blue Team with Vineet Edupuganti
What if defenders had their own AI-powered task force, always on, always adapting, and finally one step ahead of attackers? In this episode, Ron welcomes Vineet Edupuganti, Founder and CEO of ...
Turning AI Into Your Super Tool with Ron Eddings
AI is neither friend nor foe, it’s both. The way we choose to use it determines whether it helps or harms. In this solo episode, Ron Eddings shares lessons from his first job at a grocery store, ...
Mentorship to Mastery: AI and Community Lessons with Ron Eddings
AI might analyze your logs in seconds, but only the community can put you in the room that changes your career. In this solo episode, Ron Eddings discusses the powerful balance between human ...
From MCP Risks to AI Jailbreaks with Marco Figueroa
When AI agents move faster than security teams, the game changes, and the risks multiply. Ron welcomes back Marco “Mystic Marc” Figueroa, Program Manager at Mozilla’s 0DIN Program, to continue ...
WORK WITH US
PODCASTS + SPEAKING + EVENTS
Are you the best kept secret in cybersecurity? Let's change that by partnering together for podcast ads, social campaigns, and your next event or keynote. Send us your details to get started.
Thank you!
We will be in touch soon and reach out to you at