Artificial intelligence has forever changed the attack surface, and what used to be manual is now completely automated, making what used to take weeks take minutes. From deepfakes to autonomous malware, AI-native threats aren’t a prediction; they’re already here.
That reality forces an uncomfortable truth: defenses that aren’t AI-native can’t keep up.
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, as part of the Startup Battlefield 200, we’re putting this problem and our solution front and center. Because in a world where attackers think and act like machines, defenders must do the same.
The Rise of AI-Native Threats
Just a few years ago, most attacks followed familiar playbooks, whether that be phishing emails, credential stuffing, or exploits targeting unpatched systems. Today, those same tactics are now enhanced and multiplied by AI.
- Deepfakes blur the line between real and fake, enabling scams that even trained eyes can’t spot.
- Autonomous malware adapts as it spreads, learning to evade defences in real-time.
- AI-driven reconnaissance scans networks faster than human teams could ever manage.
As time goes on, this doesn’t just mean attackers are getting smarter, it’s means attackers are building smarter machines.
Why Legacy Defenses Fall Short
Traditional validation methods weren’t built for this pace.
- Pentests provide a snapshot, useful but outdated the moment the test ends.
- Red teams bring skill and creativity, but they’re episodic and expensive.
- POCs waste months of effort while the threat landscape evolves daily.
None of these methods match the adaptability and persistence of AI-native threats. They measure a moment in time while the attacker is already on to the next move.
Enter AI-Native Defense
Defense must evolve in the same direction. That’s why we built the HACKERverse® Arenas: AI-native battlegrounds where autonomous attack, risk, and impact bots continuously stress-test enterprise defenses.
Instead of waiting for the next pentest report or sales demo, arenas generate proof in real time:
- Evidence of how defenses hold up against AI-powered attacks
- Continuous validation that doesn’t stop when the report is filed
- A transparent record of performance that builds trust with buyers, boards, and regulators
AI-native threats can’t be countered with yesterday’s validation. They require AI-native defenses that think, adapt, and move at the same relentless speed.
Why TechCrunch Matters
TechCrunch Disrupt has always been where new categories are defined. This year, the Startup Battlefield 200 is where we’re demonstrating to the world that cybersecurity validation requires its own AI-native revolution.
The story isn’t just about fighting fire with fire. It’s about continuously and transparently proving that defences can withstand the age of AI-driven attacks. That’s the shift we call Continuous Autonomous Evaluation (CAE). And it starts with arenas.
Final Thoughts
AI-native threats are already reshaping cybersecurity. The only question that matters now is: will your defences adapt quickly enough?
At HACKERverse®, we believe the answer lies in AI-native defenses, proof delivered at attacker speed, continuously and without the theater of outdated models.
That’s why we’re proud to bring this message to the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200. Because in a world where attackers are AI-native, defenders must be too. See how proof changes the game here at the HACKERverse®.
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