The Cyber Express, in collaboration with Suraksha Catalyst, has officially released Episode 5 of the Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series. The series, which brings together global cybersecurity leaders to share insights from the frontlines, continues to explore some of the most pressing challenges shaping the industry today.
This latest episode of Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series features a powerhouse panel of experts: Rohit Kohli, Deputy CISO at Genpact, Sai Iyer, Chief Information Security Officer at Ziff Davis, and Beenu Arora, Co-Founder & CEO of Cyble, who also hosts the discussion. Together, they dive into one of the most debated and consequential topics in cybersecurity today—’AI: The Next Chapter in Cybersecurity Battles.’
AI as a Double-Edged Sword
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly viewed as both a transformative opportunity and a significant threat within cybersecurity. On one hand, AI-powered tools are being leveraged to strengthen defenses, automate detection, and respond to threats with greater speed and accuracy. On the other, cybercriminals are adopting the same technology to launch scalable, and adaptive attacks.
In Episode 5, the speakers reflect on this duality. They highlight how CISOs must navigate the paradox of AI, harnessing its potential for protection while preparing for the risks it introduces.
The CISO’s Evolving Role
As the conversation unfolds, Kohli and Iyer share perspectives on how AI is reshaping the role of the CISO. No longer confined to traditional risk management, today’s security leaders must also serve as business strategists, technology visionaries, and change agents.
The speakers emphasize that while AI tools can enhance security operations, they are not a replacement for leadership. Instead, AI should be seen as an enabler that allows CISOs to focus on higher-level strategy, resilience planning, and stakeholder engagement. The discussion brings forward an important reminder, human judgment, ethics, and foresight remain irreplaceable in the face of rapidly advancing technologies.
Balancing Innovation with Responsibility
Another key theme in Episode 5 is the balance between embracing innovation and ensuring responsible use. AI promises to accelerate digital transformation across industries, but security leaders must be vigilant about unintended consequences. For organizations, this means not only deploying AI defensively but also implementing robust governance models, ethical guidelines, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
The panel points out that collaboration will be crucial in this journey. Industry leaders, regulators, and technology providers must work together to establish best practices that allow AI to flourish as a force for good while mitigating its misuse.
Why This Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series Episode Matters
Black Hat USA has long been a stage for critical cybersecurity conversations, and the CISO Podcast Series amplifies these discussions by giving leaders a dedicated platform to share their experiences. Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series Episode 5 stands out for its timely focus on AI, a technology at the very heart of current security debates.
By bringing in perspectives from large enterprises like Genpact and Ziff Davis, along with insights from Cyble’s leadership, the episode offers a balanced and practical take on how to prepare for what’s next.
Watch Full Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series Episode 5 here
Catch Up on the Black Hat USA 2025 CISO Podcast Series
The CISO Podcast Series has already featured dynamic discussions in earlier episodes, covering topics from resilience to risk management. If you missed them, here’s where you can catch up:
- Episode 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJKjC_OnAnc
- Episode 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scMW0XkBWnI
- Episode 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZD9dNVnTQQ
- Episode 4– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf8LgxTuxJw
With CISO Podcast Series Episode 5 now live, the series continues to grow as a must-watch for anyone seeking unfiltered insights from those leading cybersecurity programs at the highest level.
