RSA Conference 2025: Key Takeaways
The RSA Conference 2025 has concluded with significant discussions around AI, China, and North Korean IT workers. The event drew almost 44,000 attendees to San Francisco’s Moscone Center and surrounding facilities.
AI Everywhere
“AI is everywhere” was a common theme, with experts like Rob Joyce, former NSA cyber boss, and Christiaan Beek from Rapid7 sharing their insights. Joyce expressed optimism about AI’s potential while warning of impending security challenges. The concept of “agentic AI” generated considerable buzz, with Amazon’s security leaders discussing the security implications of AI agents.
Emerging Threats
Cybercriminals are leveraging AI for fraud and social engineering, making phishing emails more sophisticated. The FBI noted that China is at the forefront of using AI in cyberattacks. Threat intel analysts identified China as America’s top cyber threat, with North Korean IT workers posing a significant concern.
North Korean IT Workers
Cybersecurity experts revealed that North Korean IT workers are infiltrating major companies, including Google. “Almost every CISO of a Fortune 500 company” reported issues with North Korean workers, according to Mandiant Consulting CTO Charles Carmakal. Google detected these workers in their hiring pipelines and adapted their defenses.
US Government Cybersecurity Concerns
The conference also touched on the impact of US government budget cuts on cybersecurity. While some executives downplayed the immediate effects, others expressed concerns about the long-term implications. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s comments suggested a “wait and see” approach.
Industry Reactions
Snyk CEO Peter McKay highlighted concerns about government talent retention, stating, “You judge the culture of a company based off of how they treat people on the way out.” Experts emphasized the need for increased preparedness against rising threats from China and ransomware groups.
The conference underscored the complex cybersecurity landscape, with AI, nation-state threats, and government policies taking center stage. As one expert noted, “We’re just going to see a lot more activity right now, and I think we have to be more prepared than ever.”
