Brett Johnson’s Dark Past Illuminates AI-Powered Cybercrime Advantage
Cybersecurity expert Brett Johnson, once dubbed the “original Internet Godfather” by the US Secret Service for his role in building and running Shadow Crew, a pioneering cybercrime community, has spoken out about how artificial intelligence (AI) is giving cybercriminals an unfair advantage. In a recent demonstration at Black Hat USA in Las Vegas, Johnson showcased how AI can accelerate the time it takes to plan and execute a cyberattack.
Johnson’s experience on both sides of the law allows him to provide unique insights into the world of cybercrime. He explains that AI helps threat actors research targets, identify valuable data, and find exploitable weaknesses much faster than their human counterparts. This advantage gives them a significant time edge over defenders who are still reacting to threats rather than proactively preventing them.
AI’s role in lowering the barrier to entry for would-be cybercriminals is also concerning. As technical skills become less necessary, more people can learn how to carry out cyber fraud and other attacks. Johnson warns that this shift could put critical organizations like hospitals and schools at greater risk of being targeted by cyberattacks. The ease with which attackers can now access and exploit vulnerabilities online makes it increasingly difficult for individuals and businesses to trust what they see and hear.
Johnson’s own journey from a life of cybercrime to working with law enforcement and businesses to combat threats he once deployed is a testament to the power of redemption. His experience highlights the importance of staying one step ahead of emerging technologies that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The demonstration at Black Hat USA also underscores the need for organizations to prioritize AI-powered cybersecurity measures to counter the growing threat of AI-facilitated cybercrime. By leveraging AI-driven tools and techniques, defenders can better anticipate and respond to attacks, reducing the time window available to attackers.
For individuals and businesses looking to stay ahead of emerging threats, Johnson’s advice is clear: “The only way we’re going to get ahead of this is by using AI against them.” This means investing in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions that can help detect and prevent attacks before they occur. By working together and leveraging the power of AI on their side, defenders can level the playing field and make it harder for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, Johnson’s story serves as a reminder that even those with a history of cybercrime can change and use their expertise to help protect others from similar threats. As he puts it, “I’m not proud of what I did, but it made me the person I am today.”
Source: Dark Reading — 2026-09-02