This interview-style podcast episode of Google's Cloud Security Podcast features Andrew Kopcienski, a Principal Intelligence Analyst with the Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG). The discussion centers on GTIG's annual security forecast, focusing on emerging threats in 2024, particularly the role of AI and the persistent vulnerability of Active Directory (AD) in hybrid cloud environments. Kopcienski explains that while AI is accelerating some attacks (especially influence operations), it hasn't revolutionized offensive capabilities as dramatically as some predict; the continued exploitation of stolen credentials and weaknesses in AD remain significant threats. The podcast concludes with Kopcienski's advice to prioritize understanding one's specific threat landscape and utilize resources like GTIG's forecast report to improve security posture.
