Why AI isn't the most important thing in cyber right now

AI was everywhere at Black Hat MEA 2024. From automated threat detection to large language models for attack simulation, vendors and speakers were excited to showcase what artificial intelligence can do. But the more conversations we had with practitioners at the event, the more we understood that the real transformation isn’t about the tech. It’s about the people. 

We spoke with top CISOs, tech leaders and cybersecurity influencers. And while they’re definitely keeping an eye on AI, what they really wanted to talk about was human behaviour, culture, and how people are using new technologies.

The voices beneath the buzz

We’re not trying to downplay the impact that AI is having on the field of cybersecurity, because it absolutely is a big deal. 

AI is now doing threat hunting, vulnerability management, risk management; and as Justin Ong (CISO and Chief Privacy Officer at Panasonic) said, “it helps us communicate with the business, because we can produce insights we can take to stakeholders without all the technical jargon.”

So AI is making things easier and faster. But it’s not replacing people; it’s giving them better tools to make decisions. And that shift in focus – from the tech itself to how humans interact with it – was echoed across the board.

Culture over code

Craig Jones (Immediate Past Director Cybercrime at Interpol) told us he’s most excited by how people are using tech, not the tech alone. “You can do some great work using technology, even if you don’t fully understand it,” he said. But that also means we need checks and balances to make sure we don’t misuse it. 

Jones believes that building a strong cyber culture, where people understand their roles and responsibilities, is more powerful than any algorithm. And that message was clear across Black Hat MEA 2024: we need to stop thinking of cybersecurity as just a technical issue, and refocus on the fact that it’s a human one.

Cybersecurity is a team sport

Caitlin Sarian (also known as Cybersecurity Girl) said she sees a growing interest in cybersecurity education and awareness. People are realising how important cybersecurity is, and everyone wants to learn – product people, business leaders, creatives. 

And that’s the shift. We’re moving away from cybersecurity being the sole domain of IT departments. Now it’s a team sport. Everyone has a part to play, and that’s where the real evolution is happening.

Diversity as a security advantage

Another recurring theme was inclusion – especially when it comes to women in cyber. Sarian was particularly struck by what she saw in Riyadh: “This conference has the most women I’ve ever seen at a cyber event,” she said. “And it’s women in every area too, which is incredible.”

Jones agreed, highlighting how Saudi Arabia has been actively working to empower women and protect vulnerable groups online – “not just in words, but in actions.” 

Diversity isn’t just good ethics. It's good security. Different perspectives lead to better decisions, more creative problem-solving, and ultimately stronger defences.

Dr. Leila Taghizadeh (Head of Cyber Risk Management and CISO at Allianz) pointed to the region’s young, dynamic population as a force for innovation. “These people could be our future vendors or partners,” she said. “There’s so much energy and potential here.”

That’s what makes the people-focus so important. We can have the best tools in the world, but without leadership that understands culture, behaviour, and inclusion, we’ll always be a step (or several steps) behind the curve. 

So what matters most? 

Yes, AI is changing how cyber threats and cybersecurity work. But the most important thing happening in cybersecurity right now is that more people are getting involved. They’re learning, collaborating, and building a culture where security is part of everything we do – not just a box to tick.

If Black Hat MEA 2024 showed us anything, it’s that the future of cybersecurity isn’t just in code. It’s in culture, community, and human-centred leadership. We’re proud to create space for security culture to grow and thrive – and we can’t wait to see you at Black Hat MEA 2025.