Roundup: AI, zero-trust architecture take center stage at Black Hat USA 2025

As daily life grows more digital, a central question pops up: How safe are the systems people rely on?

LAS VEGAS, the United States, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Cybersecurity leaders, government officials and industry innovators from over 100 countries and regions filled the Mandalay Bay Convention Center Wednesday for Black Hat USA 2025, the world's largest gathering focused on computer security.

As daily life grows more digital, the conference underscored a central question: How safe are the systems people rely on?

Wednesday's main highlight came from Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at WithSecure, a Finnish cybersecurity company. In the opening keynote speech, Hypponen described how cyberattacks had grown more sophisticated, targeting even basic devices people use every day.

He warned of emerging risks from drones and new forms of digital warfare. "Each year, the attacks become more complex, and defending even small networks is an ever-changing challenge," Hypponen told the audience.

"Scams will get worse, ransomware is just getting started," he said. "AI is the key."

Artificial intelligence took center stage throughout the day. Cisco's "AI Wargame" drew hundreds to watch professionals both defend and attack chatbots in a fast-moving simulation.

AI is now seen as a teammate for defenders, not just a utility, experts told Xinhua, adding that the latest AI-driven tools can spot and even predict cyberattacks before they do harm.

Security firms like Hewlett Packard Enterprise unveiled innovations that promise to shield everything from online bank accounts to essential hospital services.

Alongside AI, zero-trust architecture has emerged as a priority strategy for many organizations. No user or device, whether inside or outside a company, is automatically trusted.

Senior U.S. officials and industry leaders described how zero-trust is being put into action to limit access, even for staff, to ensure every move is verified.

On the show floor, more than 400 vendors demonstrated breakthrough technologies, many focused on zero-trust principles and improved network visibility.

Security researchers also presented critical new vulnerabilities, including zero-day flaws in major software platforms and new techniques where attackers trick AI defenses.

This week's Black Hat event will be followed by DEF CON 33, to be opened Thursday at the center. DEF CON features privacy workshops and real-life security contests where hackers compete to test and improve computer defenses.

Together, these events draw more than 40,000 participants to Las Vegas annually, united by the mission to strengthen digital defenses for all.■