# AI and the future of cybersecurity

> Following a string of major DeFi exploits, we unpack what’s driving the recent rise in hacks across crypto. a16z crypto GP Eddy Lazzarin and security engineer Matt Gleason join host Robert Hackett to take a closer look. Their argument: AI is not introducing entirely new vulnerabilities. It is making...

- URL: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/videos/ai-and-the-future-of-cybersecurity
- Authors: [Eddy Lazzarin](https://a16zcrypto.com/team/eddy-lazzarin), [Matt Gleason](https://a16zcrypto.com/team/matt-gleason), [Robert Hackett](https://a16zcrypto.com/team/robert-hackett)
- Published: 2026-05-13
- Updated: 2026-05-22
- Focus areas: company building, tech trends
- Format: videos

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Following a string of major DeFi exploits, we unpack what’s driving the recent rise in hacks across crypto.

a16z crypto GP Eddy Lazzarin and security engineer Matt Gleason join host Robert Hackett to take a closer look. Their argument: AI is not introducing entirely new vulnerabilities. It is making existing weaknesses easier to identify and exploit. The question is whether defenders can evolve as quickly as attackers.

[Embedded media](https://www.youtube.com/embed/e0o-hRCti7M?feature=oembed)

They also cover:  
why “AI-powered hacking” is difficult to measure  
how geopolitical tensions may be influencing cyber activity  
why defenders should be aggressively stress-testing their own systems  
how AI could eventually outperform humans at resisting social engineering  
what users can do today to protect themselves online

Timestamps:  
00:00 – Intro  
00:57 – The surge, explained  
01:37 – Did attackers use AI  
04:19 – How AI can help defend against attacks  
09:16 – The doomsday marketing debate  
17:17 – DeFi transparency: opportunities and challenges  
21:00 – Social engineering and how to stay safe

Follow along here:  
Eddy Lazzarin: / eddylazzarin  
Robert Hackett: / rhackett  
Matt Gleason: / mg\_486662

Follow a16z crypto:  
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YouTube: / @a16zcrypto

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As always, none of the following should be taken as investment, business, legal, or tax advice. Please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information, including a link to a list of our investments.

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Source: [AI and the future of cybersecurity](https://a16zcrypto.com/posts/videos/ai-and-the-future-of-cybersecurity) — a16z crypto. Full archive: https://a16zcrypto.com/posts