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In this episode of Blue Team Diaries, guest host Mark Durrett sits down with Howard Smith and Liam Moran of First Analysis to discuss the real-world applications of AI in cybersecurity. Their conversation is inspired by First Analysis's recent report, "Challenges and Promise of AI and Cybersecurity," which provides valuable insights into the practical issues facing cybersecurity practitioners.

Howard and Liam delve into the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for security professionals, exploring topics such as transparency, explainability, and the potential for AI to revolutionize threat detection. They share their insights on how AI is being used to augment security teams, improve efficiency, and help organizations make better decisions about their security posture. They also discuss the importance of a hybrid approach, combining AI with traditional security methods to create a more effective overall solution.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the future of cybersecurity and the role that AI will play in shaping it. Tune in to learn how AI is transforming security operations and what it means for the future of cyber defense.

Howard Smith:

Howard Smith is a managing director at First Analysis and is a managing partner of the firm’s venture funds. He has over three decades of experience at First Analysis and works with entrepreneurs as an investor and as an advisor on growth transactions to help build leading technology businesses. 

Howard leads the firm’s work in the cybersecurity, internet infrastructure and Internet of Things sectors. He also built the firm’s historical franchises in call centers and computer telephony. His thought-leading research in these areas has been cited for excellence by the Wall Street Journal and other publications. He’s provided strategic advice to numerous technology companies in capital raising and buy- and sell-side M&A transactions, and as a board member.

Prior to joining First Analysis in 1994, he was a senior tax consultant with Arthur Andersen & Co. He earned an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago and a bachelor’s degree in accounting with highest honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a certified public accountant.

LIam Moran: 

Liam Moran is an associate with First Analysis. Prior to joining First Analysis in 2020, he was in the executive development program with Macy’s, where he was responsible for managing the financial modeling surrounding Macy’s $3 billion asset-based loan, capital project valuations, and corporate forecasting.

Liam graduated from Kenyon College with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a concentration in integrated program in humane studies. He was a four-year member of the Kenyon varsity swimming team.

Important Links:

• Howard Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hosmith/ 
• Liam Moran LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamjmoran/
• The “Quarterly Insights into Cyber Security,” January 28, 2025 edition: https://www.firstanalysis.com/Integrative-research/Cybersecurity-Jan-2025 
• First Analysis website: https://www.firstanalysis.com/ 

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