Hackers, Helpers, and Hallucinations
AI’s Double-Edged Role in Cybersecurity
In this episode of DeanCast, we explore the evolving intersection of AI and cybersecurity with Dr. Yue “Luna” Xiao, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at William & Mary. Drawing on her experience in both academia and industry, Dr. Xiao examines how AI is transforming the way we identify software vulnerabilities – while simultaneously introducing new risks that demand urgent attention.
From uncovering tens of thousands of previously unknown bugs in the Linux kernel to demonstrating how AI agents can be manipulated through surprisingly simple attacks, Dr. Xiao’s work highlights both the scale of AI’s capabilities and the complexity of securing it. She also reflects on how AI is reshaping education and lowering the barrier to entry in computing, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to build real-world systems earlier than ever before.
Join us for a timely conversation on the promises, pitfalls, and responsibilities of AI in today’s cybersecurity landscape.
This episode was posted on April 1, 2026.