CrowdStrike CEO and founder George Kurtz has shared his views on the ongoing discussion regarding the potential of artificial intelligence to render traditional software obsolete. Contrary to the growing apprehensions within the tech community, Kurtz asserts that AI will not replace software; rather, it will enhance its strength, resilience, and necessity. In a recent media interview, he tackled the belief that AI might eventually disrupt software development, coding, or the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model. “I don’t buy the idea that AI will kill software. You need it to protect AI,” he stated, highlighting that the relationship between software and AI is one of mutual benefit, not rivalry. Kurtz elaborated that AI and software are intricately connected, with each improving the other.
“They’re interrelated. It’s not like you just have one without the other,” he remarked. As organizations increasingly incorporate AI into their products and operations, the need for strong, adaptable software is expected to expand. CrowdStrike, known for its cloud-native cybersecurity solutions, has been leading the charge in integrating AI into its main Falcon platform. The company employs AI to swiftly detect and counter cyber threats, allowing businesses to safeguard both traditional systems and evolving AI infrastructures. Kurtz pointed out that CrowdStrike provides not only cybersecurity but also “AI protection,” ensuring that the models and systems developed on artificial intelligence remain secure.
His remarks come amidst a broader industry conversation about the emergence of autonomous AI tools, often referred to as agentic AI, capable of executing complex digital tasks independently. Some analysts have speculated that as AI’s capabilities grow, businesses may lean less on conventional software products. However, Kurtz firmly disagrees, forecasting that the rise of AI agents will propel the growth of SaaS. “The rise of agentic AI is only going to accelerate SaaS,” he noted, suggesting that AI will assist software providers in developing more efficient, secure, and adaptable platforms. During the discussion, Kurtz also addressed recent global disruptions in cloud services, specifically the notable Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage that affected businesses worldwide.
This incident raised concerns about the stability of cloud-based digital ecosystems in an AI-influenced landscape. “When you look at technology and how interconnected everything is, these sorts of events happen,” Kurtz commented, praising AWS for its swift recovery efforts. Nonetheless, he warned that increasing system complexity brings new vulnerabilities, highlighting the necessity for advanced cybersecurity to evolve alongside AI. Additionally, Kurtz touched upon the geopolitical aspects of AI and cybersecurity, cautioning about the rise in state-sponsored attacks targeting AI infrastructure. As nations harness artificial intelligence for strategic advantage, he noted, cyber threats are becoming more advanced and potentially more harmful.
“We’ve seen over the last number of years, humans getting themselves into trouble that’s only going to be exacerbated by AI,” he remarked. He concluded by advocating for proactive defense strategies to safeguard global digital and national interests, emphasizing that the AI revolution must be accompanied by equally smart and adaptable cybersecurity measures.
