AI is fundamentally changing how security works. Nate Lee and Michael Coates break down why traditional approaches are no longer enough.
In this episode of the TPRM Podcast, Threats, Pitfalls & Risk Myths, Nate Lee sits down with Michael Coates, Founding Partner at Seven Hill Ventures and former CISO of Twitter, Mozilla, and CoinList.
As AI continues to accelerate both attack speed and capability, the gap between attackers and defenders is rapidly shrinking. Michael explains how automated attacks are compressing response times to the point where human driven security models are no longer viable, and why organizations must begin removing humans from critical decision loops.
The conversation explores how security teams need to rethink their operating models in an AI driven world. Nate and Michael discuss the future of the SOC, the rise of automation and agent driven workflows, and why many traditional security practices may soon become obsolete.
They also examine how AI is lowering the barrier to entry for attackers, enabling capabilities that were once limited to nation state actors. This shift is forcing organizations to move faster, experiment more, and rethink how they balance risk, speed, and innovation.
Beyond technology, the discussion dives into how roles inside security teams are evolving, what skills will matter most going forward, and why security leaders must shift from gatekeepers to enablers of business velocity.
This episode is essential listening for CISOs, security leaders, and practitioners navigating AI driven threats, modern security architecture, and the rapidly changing role of cybersecurity.
About the guest
Michael Coates is the Founding Partner at Seven Hill Ventures and former CISO of Twitter, Mozilla, and CoinList. He has spent his career building and scaling security programs at some of the most influential technology companies while also advising and investing in the next generation of cybersecurity startups.
Michael brings a unique perspective across operator, founder, and investor roles, with deep expertise in modern security architecture, risk, and the evolving impact of AI on cybersecurity.