Opening Session: Cyber Power in the Age of AI
Sean Cairncross, Misha Laskin
Black Hat USA 2026 · Day 1 · Main Stage
This Black Hat USA opening session featured a compelling dialogue between Sean Cairncross, the **National Cyber Director** for The White House, and Misha Laskin, Co-founder and CEO of **Reflection**, an AI company specializing in **open models**. The discussion, moderated by Laskin, delved into the profound implications of artificial intelligence on national cybersecurity, exploring what "cyber power" fundamentally means in an era defined by rapid AI advancement. Cairncross’s presence underscored the US government's commitment to engaging the private sector at the highest levels to address these evolving challenges.
AI review
Standard executive keynote that says almost nothing you couldn't get from a press release. Cairncross confirms the government likes open-source AI, wants industry collaboration, and plans to be tough on ransomware. No new programs, no budget numbers, no timelines, no insider signal.