#United States #Cybersecurity #San Mateo #GetReal Security #Tom Cross

Tom Cross Joins GetReal Security for Enhanced Cyber Threat Research

In a significant move to address the rising concerns around cybersecurity, GetReal Security, a prominent leader in combating threats stemming from malicious generative AI, has appointed Tom Cross as its new Head of Threat Research. This strategic hire is part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding the company’s research capabilities and safeguarding organizations against increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks fueled by AI technology.

A Vision for the Future of Cybersecurity

Cross's entry into GetReal comes at a time when digital threats are evolving rapidly. The cybersecurity landscape is witnessing the emergence of advanced techniques made possible by artificial intelligence, enabling adversaries to execute attacks that were previously unimaginable. Cross will be instrumental in leading a newly formed research team dedicated to understanding these modern threats and developing effective countermeasures.

In his new role, Cross will work alongside leading experts, including Dr. Hany Farid, a digital forensics pioneer, and Emmanuelle Saliba, a veteran investigator and Head of GetReal's Incident Response team. Together, they represent a powerhouse of expertise in digital threat intelligence, forensic analysis, and investigative best practices. Their collaborative efforts will focus on creating actionable insights to mitigate risks associated with GenAI, a technology that can create misleading content remarkably similar to real media.

The Increasing Threat of Malicious AI Content

Today, the tools available to cybercriminals have evolved. The power of generative AI allows attackers to produce highly convincing fake identities, manipulated images, and even impersonations of company leaders that can easily deceive employees and stakeholders alike. As Matthew Moynahan, CEO of GetReal, highlighted, the stakes are high, and the need for an integrated approach to cybersecurity is paramount.

“Cyber threats can weaponize something as innocuous as a name or a likeness,” Moynahan emphasized. The capable and diverse team at GetReal will address these challenges by combining insights from advancements in machine learning and psychological profiling to detect and respond to these threats swiftly and efficiently.

Cross's Experience and Perspective

Bringing decades of experience in the cybersecurity domain, Tom Cross has held pivotal roles in several well-known firms, such as Kopidion and the IBM Internet Security Systems X-Force Advanced Research team. His extensive background will contribute significantly to the development of new tactics for recognizing and thwarting GenAI-powered attacks. Cross articulates the core challenge of today’s digital threats succinctly, asserting that attackers can now create personalized social engineering scams with astonishing ease and scale.

“AI enables even those with minimal technical skills to conduct large-scale attacks. This necessitates a shift in how we approach our defenses,” stated Cross. His leadership at GetReal will involve enhancing threat intelligence capabilities that analyze how malicious actors exploit generative text, video, and imagery.

Saliba's Role in Incident Response

Joining this cadre of experts is Emmanuelle Saliba, who brings her experience from ABC News, where she actively reported on GenAI and its implications. Her expertise uniquely positions her to lead GetReal Respond, offering clients timely and thorough incident management. Saliba emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of modern threats, advocating for the integration of various investigative techniques to tackle each incident effectively.

“The landscape is shifting, and we need a comprehensive strategy that includes everything from forensic research to machine learning insights,” Saliba asserted, showcasing GetReal's commitment to a holistic defense strategy.

Innovations in Threat Detection

Moreover, in alignment with GetReal's mission to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape, the company was recently chosen by Google for its SynthID ecosystem initiative. This partnership will enhance content verification through watermark detection, allowing enterprises to control the authenticity of video, audio, and imagery at unprecedented scales.

By gaining access to these cutting-edge technologies, GetReal aims to empower organizations by providing tools necessary for rapid response to synthetic media threats and fraud prevention efforts. Their proactive solutions target various concerns, from protecting executive identities to mitigating hiring deception efforts, helping businesses maintain integrity and security in their operations.

Looking Ahead

With Tom Cross at the helm of GetReal's Threat Research, the company is poised to deliver compelling advancements in the fight against generative AI threats. Enhanced cyber defenses, fueled by innovative research and collaboration among leading experts, will equip organizations to navigate the growing complexity of digital security.

For more information about GetReal Security and its initiatives, visit their website and stay updated on their cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity.