As we enter a new era of technological innovation, startups are increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Large/Small Language Models (LLMs/SLMs) to accelerate their application development processes. This presentation, “Navigating the New Frontier: Penetration Testing in the AI/ML Era,” focuses on the double-edged sword these technologies present to cybersecurity. While AI/ML can dramatically speed up development and bring sophisticated capabilities to applications, they often do so at the expense of security, embedding potentially severe vulnerabilities into new software.

The talk delves into how startups may neglect rigorous security protocols, thereby increasing the prevalence of insecure coding practices. We will explore specific cases where the push for innovation has led to significant security oversights, resulting in a heightened risk of zero-day vulnerabilities. The presentation will highlight the crucial role that penetration testing must play in this evolving landscape, adapting to not only identify but also mitigate the unique vulnerabilities introduced by AI-driven development.

Additionally, we will discuss the strategic importance of incorporating security at the foundational level of application design and argue for a paradigm shift in startup cultures—from a focus on speed to an equal emphasis on secure innovation. Attendees will gain insights into the complexities of securing AI/ML-driven applications and learn about the latest methodologies in penetration testing that are essential for protecting against the next generation of cyber threats.