Fake AI Won’t Innovate — It’ll Infect You

ClearTech Loop Ep. 8 with Rob Bair, CISO-in-Residence at Zscaler 

Episode Summary 
Cybercriminals are running fake AI startups — and users are downloading ransomware straight from what looks like “innovation.” In this episode, Rob Bair (Zscaler) breaks down how ransomware has gone corporate: polished websites, SEO poisoning, even English-speaking help desks guiding victims through payments. 

This isn’t a hoodie-in-the-basement threat anymore. It’s a professionalized extortion business — and it’s moving at machine speed. Rob explains why defenders can’t win at human speed, why AI must be in the loop, and what CISOs should expect in the next 12–18 months. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

• How ransomware crews are turning fake AI startups into bait 
• Why ransomware is now a professionalized industry with customer support 
• Why manual patching is dead — and what CISOs must do about it 
• The 12–18 month horizon for AI-driven cyber threats 

About the Guest 
Rob Bair is CISO-in-Residence at Zscaler, advising on emerging threats and resilience strategies. He also serves as an investor and advisor at Autonomous Cyber, a board member at Rebel Space Technologies, and advisory board member at ISARA Corporation and BOSS Controls.