Facing the Reality: Cybersecurity’s Mounting Pressures
The cybersecurity landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This past year, breaches resulting from exploited vulnerabilities grew 180%, and at HackerOne, we’ve seen a 12% jump in vulnerability reports across our customer programs. Attack surfaces continue to expand, with AI systems as the new frontier and increasingly interconnected systems. Threat actors are growing in number, and boldness and attack techniques increasing in sophistication. And, as the headlines remind us all too often, breaches are not just a possibility but a probability.
It’s natural to feel hopeless in the face of these developments. But within these challenges lies an opportunity to build something stronger than ever before.
Finding Opportunity in Adversity
Every challenge we face brings with it a silver lining: an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and grow stronger. Over the past year, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of resilience. Organizations are increasingly adopting proactive security measures and leveraging cutting-edge tools like AI to detect and respond to threats faster than ever before. At the same time, crowdsourced cybersecurity programs are gaining momentum, demonstrating greater adoption and effectiveness. In fact, more than one-quarter of valid vulnerabilities found through HackerOne programs are rated as critical or high severity. This highlights the value of collaboration with security researchers—helping organizations uncover and address vulnerabilities before they escalate into crises.
This year, I encourage you to consider how these opportunities can apply to your organization. Where is there potential for you to be more proactive in your security strategy? Which solutions and partnerships offer the highest return in strengthening your security posture? And perhaps most importantly, how do you, as a leader, reframe adversity as a catalyst for progress?
The AI-Human Alliance in Cybersecurity
At the heart of modern cybersecurity strategies lies the powerful synergy between human ingenuity and cutting-edge technology. While tools like AI have revolutionized how we identify and address vulnerabilities, their effectiveness hinges on the expertise and guidance of the people behind them. Your teams—the analysts, engineers, and researchers working tirelessly to defend against threats—are, without a doubt, your greatest asset. Equally invaluable are your partners, whether they be vendors, security researchers, or other collaborators who bring diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge to the table.
This blend of AI-driven efficiency and human insight is essential for staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated adversaries. It empowers us to adapt, innovate, and uncover even the most elusive vulnerabilities before they become threats. With AI, we can process vast amounts of data at speeds that would be impossible for humans alone, spotting patterns and anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, it is human expertise that ensures these tools are applied strategically, interpreting complex data in context and making nuanced decisions that automated systems alone can’t achieve. Together, they form an agile and responsive defense system capable of outpacing the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
A prime example of this approach in action is Amazon and AWS, who have been leveraging this combination in their security program with HackerOne for over eight years. In that time, they’ve received over 9,000 valid reports and paid over $30 million in rewards and bonuses to 6,000 security researchers. Each report from a researcher helps Amazon raise the bar on security, providing unique perspectives on their entire landscape and uncovering vulnerabilities that might otherwise go unnoticed. This partnership exemplifies how human ingenuity, paired with the right platform, can transform how organizations tackle cybersecurity challenges. You can hear more in this short video.
As you look to 2025, I encourage you to assess the talent and technology powering your charter. Build a culture that empowers your teams to leverage AI-powered capabilities while recognizing where human insight remains essential. Foster trust and resilience, and seek out new perspectives and partnerships. Sometimes the best solutions come from unexpected places.
Let’s Build a Resilient Future Together
In 2025, let’s shift the narrative. Instead of focusing on what we’re fighting against, let’s focus on what we’re building together: a more secure, more resilient digital world. Let’s embrace the tools and partnerships that empower us to stay ahead of threats. Let’s champion a mindset where security is seen not as a burden but as an enabler of innovation and trust.
At HackerOne, we’re committed to being your ally in this fight. We believe that no challenge is insurmountable when we work together and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Closing Thoughts
To every CISO reading this: I see the challenges you face and the incredible work you do to overcome them. The road ahead won’t be easy, but we can navigate it together. You are not alone in this fight to build a safer internet. With the right mindset, tools, and partnerships, 2025 can be a year of meaningful progress for cybersecurity.
Here’s to a new year of resilience, innovation, and hope.