Andesite AI Puts Human Analysts at the Center of Cybersecurity Innovation

Andesite AI Inc., a two-year-old cybersecurity startup, is reimagining how human expertise and artificial intelligence can work together to strengthen digital defense. Founded by former CIA officers Brian Carbaugh and William MacMillan, the company aims to counter a fragmented cybersecurity landscape that prioritizes technology over the people who operate it. Carbaugh, who spent 24 years at the CIA leading its Global Covert Action unit, said his experience showed him both the power and pitfalls of a technology-first mindset. He noted that true security efficiency comes when teams have seamless access to information and shared intelligence — something still missing in most cybersecurity ecosystems.  

MacMillan, Andesite’s chief product officer, echoed that sentiment. After two decades at the CIA and a leadership role at Salesforce Inc., he observed that Silicon Valley’s focus on building flashy “blinky boxes” has often ignored the needs of cybersecurity operators. He believes defenders should be treated like fighter pilots of the digital age — skilled professionals equipped with the best possible systems, not burdened by cumbersome tools and burnout. 

As generative AI becomes a double-edged sword in cybersecurity, the founders warn that attackers are increasingly using AI to automate exploits and identify vulnerabilities faster than ever. MacMillan cautioned that “the weaponization of gen AI by bad actors is going to be gnarly,” emphasizing the need for defense teams to be equally equipped and adaptable. […]
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